Some of us are named after our relatives, others after saints or angels, and some perhaps even after sinners. In the tradition of the Russian Orthodox Church, a person is named after a saint whose memory is celebrated on a day that follows the person’s birthday. Literally, this day is called "Day of the Angel."

Allow me to illustrate. A baby girl is born on April 10th and the parents decide to call her Elena. Her patron saint is Helen whose memory is celebrated on June 3rd. This day becomes the Elena’s Name’s Day. Sometimes, a few saints, such as Saint Nicholas, share the same name. In this case, the only “rule” is that the saint’s day is after the baby’s birthday.

The baby is officially named at baptism, the first sacrament of life and held in church, usually forty days after birth. It may be sooner than that if the baby is sick. During the sacrament, the baby is anointed with holy oil all over its body: ears, mouth, hands, feet, forehead, and also dunked completely into holy water three times in a large font that stands in the middle of the church. The sign of the cross is made throughout the baptism, candles are lit to symbolize the light of Christ and held through the service. Multiple prayers are read by the priest.

It is important that the godparents be Orthodox so that they have an understanding of the faith should something happen to the parents. During one of the interesting parts of the service, the godparents are asked on the behalf of their godchild, “Do you denounce Satan, all his angels, and all his works, all his services, and all his pride?” This is a form of exorcism.

Afterward the baptism, a party is held in the baby’s honor, the first of hopefully many in a lifetime.

Indeed, Russians love to celebrate and the Angel's or Name’s Day is an occasion to do so. A person’s Name’s Day is equivalent to a birthday. If possible, the day starts by attending church and progresses to a party complete with gifts, food and drink, and open houses where all are welcome. A charming custom of the priest and his parishioners traveling from one house to another on Name’s Days may have faded somewhat, but was very popular in pre-revolutionary Russia. Blessing, toasting and singing to the health of the individual made the Name’s Day celebration special.

The song sung is a simple one and is comprised of only two words. It’s called “Many Years” … “Mnogaya leta,” with a heartfelt message to wish a long life to those celebrating their special day.