Bulgaria celebrates June 7 name day for Saints Valeria and Theodotus

On 7 June the Bulgarian Orthodox Church commemorates Saint Valeria, a martyr from Caesarea in historic Palestine, and Saint Theodotus of Ankyra (modern Ankara), a 3rd‑4th‑century Christian helper who was later executed. The holiday is observed by people bearing the names Valeri, Valeria, Valy, Valeriy, and others, who celebrate their name day.

Valeria is remembered for refusing to worship pagan idols with her friends, enduring exile, fasting, and ultimately being executed. Theodotus is celebrated for sheltering and retrieving the bodies of fellow Christians during Roman persecutions, actions that led to his imprisonment, torture, and death by sword. The day also coincides with the first Sunday after Pentecost, known in Bulgaria as Petrov zagovezni, a time when prayers are offered for the souls of the departed. The names Valeri and Valeria derive from the Latin "valere," meaning strong or healthy.