Eastern Orthodox religious commemorations

The Eastern Orthodox Church observes various religious commemorations in September. On September 3, the church commemorates the translation of the holy relics of Saint Nektarios, a revered hierarch and educator born in Eastern Thrace.

Following this, on September 15, the church honors the feast days of Saint Nikitas the Goth and Saint Vissarion of Larissa. Saint Nikitas is recognized as a martyr who refused to renounce Christianity, while Saint Vissarion is noted for his philanthropic work and service as the Archbishop of Larissa. Specifically, Saint Vissarion, who served as the Metropolitan of Larissa in the early 16th century, is recognized for his social work, including the construction of churches and bridges in Thessaly.

On September 16, the church honors Saint Euphemia the Great Martyr. Born in Chalcidona during the reign of Emperor Diocletian, she is remembered for her martyrdom by wild beasts after refusing to participate in pagan festivals, specifically those dedicated to the god Ares. Her relics are held at the Patriarchal Church of St. George in Constantinople.

Other saints honored during this mid-September period include Saint Melitini and Saint Ludmila, the Princess of Bohemia, who is remembered for her role in the Christianization of the Czech people. In the Romanian Orthodox tradition, September 16 also honors Saint Sophian of Antim, a former abbot of the Antim Monastery in Bucharest, whose canonization was recently approved. Religious calendars for this date also note various name days for individuals named Euphemia, Ludmila, and Melitina.