Xeni can be celebrated on 2 feasts in the Orthodox calendar. People keep the feast of the saint they were named for, or the one their family has always kept.
Every feast on which Xeni is celebrated
| New Calendar | Feast | Old Calendar (civil date) |
|---|---|---|
| January 24 | Xenia of Rome | February 6 |
| May 3 | Xenia of Kalamata | May 16 |
The saints behind the name
Xenia of Rome
January 24, Holy Woman, Ξένη η Ρωμαία
St. Xenia was born in Rome in the fifth century to a family of rank and was named Eusebia. Fleeing an arranged marriage with two of her maidservants, she took the name Xenia, meaning stranger, and settled at Mylasa in Caria, where she founded a convent and lived in great humility.
Xenia of Kalamata
May 3, Holy Woman, Ξενία η Μεγαλομάρτυς
Xenia was born in the late third century in the region of Kalamata to Christian parents of Italian origin. When she refused the advances of the local governor and would not sacrifice to idols, she was subjected to cruel tortures and finally beheaded.
Also celebrating with Xeni
These names share the feast, many of them other forms of the same name:
What to say on a name day
The Greek wish is Χρόνια Πολλά (Chronia Polla), “many years.” A call or a short message on the day is what people remember. See name day wishes you can send and what a name day is.