9 November — which church feast: who celebrates Name Day today

9 November believers venerate the Icon of the Mother of God “Quick to Hear.” This icon is believed to be able to heal illnesses.

On this day our ancestors continued preparing for winter. The Volyn Eparchy of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine tells about Name Days and other holidays on 9 November.

Icon of the Mother of God “Quick to Hear”

The creation of this depiction of the Mother of God is dated to the 10th century. In 1664 a monk named Nil was passing by the shrine carrying a lit torch and heard a call not to come near with fire. He ignored the warning, approached a second time, and instantly lost his sight. Nil began to sincerely beg for forgiveness, and soon he began to see again. News of this event quickly spread. Since then the relic has been called “Quick to Hear” because of its immediate response to prayers. Today it is kept on Mount Athos, where Christians ask for healing from serious illnesses, including cancer and blindness.

Who celebrates Name Day on 9 November

According to the Revised Julian calendar, on 9 November Name Days are celebrated by people with the following names: Anton, Viktor, Dmytro, Ivan, Illia, Yosyp, Kostiantyn, Nestor, Oleksandr, Oleksii, Porfiry, Semen, Tymofii, and Fedor.

In old times it was believed that a heavenly patron protects a person from life’s troubles and guides them on the right path. If any of your relatives or friends bear these names, don’t forget to send them sincere greetings and wish them all the best.

What else is observed

Every year on 9 November the All-Ukrainian Day of Cultural Workers and Amateur Folk Art is observed. It was established in 2000 by a decree of then-President of Ukraine Leonid Kuchma. Initially the work of cultural and arts workers was honored in March, and later it began to be observed in November.

Today is also World Adoption Day, World Orphans Day, the International Day of Struggle Against Fascism, Racism and Antisemitism, and World Inventors Day.