St Phanourios the Great Martyr

St. Phanourios the Great Martyr Feast Day and Greek Name Day

St. Phanourios the Great Martyr is honored in the Orthodox Christian Church as a holy martyr known for revealing lost things and answering prayers. His feast day is celebrated on August 27, and on this day people named Phanourios, Fanourios, Phanos, Fanis, and Fanouria, among other variations, celebrate their Greek name day.

Who Was St. Phanourios

St. Phanourios is a beloved saint in the Orthodox Christian tradition, although much of his life remains a mystery. His name comes from the Greek word “phanerono,” meaning “to reveal,” which is why many people pray to him when searching for lost items or seeking answers to difficult situations.

The story of St. Phanourios became known after an icon of the saint was discovered on the island of Rhodes during the medieval period.

The Icon of St. Phanourios

The icon of St. Phanourios shows him as a young soldier holding a cross and a candle. Around the central image are scenes depicting the martyrdom he endured for his Christian faith.

Although the historical details of his life are not fully known, the icon revealed that he suffered greatly while remaining faithful to Christ.

The Tradition of Phanouropita

A unique tradition associated with St. Phanourios is the baking of phanouropita, a sweet cake prepared by those asking the saint to reveal something lost or to help with a problem.

After the cake is baked, it is often brought to church and shared with others while prayers are offered to the saint.

Greek Name Day for Phanourios

Because St. Phanourios the Great Martyr is commemorated on August 27, this date is also the Greek name day for:

Phanourios

Fanourios

Phanos

Fanis

Fanouria

In Greek culture, celebrating a name day is often just as important as celebrating a birthday. Friends and family commonly offer well wishes or visits to honor the person whose name is being celebrated.

When St. Phanourios Is Celebrated

The feast day of St. Phanourios the Great Martyr is observed each year on August 27 in the Greek Orthodox Church. He is remembered for his martyrdom, his miraculous help in revealing lost things, and the beloved tradition of phanouropita associated with his name.