Sts Peter and Paul Apostles

Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles Feast Day and Greek Name Day

Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles are honored in the Orthodox Christian Church as two of the most important leaders of the early Christian Church who played central roles in spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ. Their feast day is celebrated on June 29, and on this day people named Peter, Petros, Petro, Pete, Paul, Pavlos, Pavlo, Paula, and Paulina, among other variations, celebrate their Greek name day.

Who Were Sts. Peter and Paul

St. Peter, originally named Simon, was one of the Twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus Christ. Christ later gave him the name Peter, meaning rock, and he became one of the leading figures among the apostles.

St. Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was not one of the original Twelve Apostles but became one of the most influential missionaries in the early Christian Church after his dramatic conversion to Christianity.

Leaders of the Early Church

St. Peter played a central role in guiding the early Christian community after the Resurrection of Christ. He preached widely and helped establish the foundation of the Christian Church.

St. Paul traveled extensively throughout the Roman Empire, spreading Christianity across regions such as Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome. His missionary journeys and letters helped shape early Christian theology and teaching.

Martyrdom in Rome

Both apostles eventually traveled to Rome, where they continued preaching the Christian faith.

According to Christian tradition, they were both martyred during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Nero in the 1st century. St. Peter was crucified, while St. Paul, as a Roman citizen, was executed by beheading.

Their courage and dedication to spreading Christianity made them two of the most honored figures in the history of the Church.

Greek Name Day for Peter and Paul

Because Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles are commemorated on June 29, this date is also the Greek name day for:

Peter

Petros

Petro

Pete

Paul

Pavlos

Pavlo

Paula

Paulina

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 Sts. Peter and Paul Are Celebrated

The feast day of Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles is observed each year on June 29 in the Greek Orthodox Church. They are remembered for their leadership in the early Church and for their lifelong dedication to spreading the message of Jesus Christ throughout the world.