Greek Orthodox Calendar Honors Saints Nikiforos, Marinos on June 2 and Saints Martha, Mary on June 4

The Orthodox Church of Greece marks June 2 with the feast of Saint Marinos and Saint Nikiforos the Confessor. Saint Nikiforos, born in Constantinople in 758 AD, served as Patriarch in 806 AD, defended the veneration of holy images, and died on 2 June 822 AD after a life of exile and theological scholarship.

June 4 is observed as the feast of Saints Martha and Mary, the sisters of Lazarus. According to the Gospel, Martha is remembered for her hospitality while Mary is noted for anointing Jesus’ feet. Both are celebrated as early Christian saints from Bethany. The day also coincides with the International Day against aggression toward children.