Greek Orthodox name days on 14 June: Elisha, Justin Popović, and Niphon honoured
On 14 June, the Greek Orthodox Church commemorates Prophet Elisha, Saint Justin Popović, and Saint Niphon of Mount Athos; those named Elissaios, Elisso, or Niphon celebrate their name day.
Saints honoured today
On 14 June, the Greek Orthodox Church commemorates three figures: Prophet Elisha, a major Old Testament prophet; Saint Justin Popović, a 20th‑century Serbian theologian and ascetic; and Saint Niphon of Mount Athos, a hesychast monk. Those bearing the names Elissaios, Elisso, Eliso, or Niphon celebrate their name day.
Prophet Elisha, successor of Elijah
Elisha was a 9th‑century BC prophet who succeeded Elijah. When Elijah was taken up to heaven in a fiery chariot, he left his mantle to Elisha, transferring divine grace. According to in.gr, Elisha performed twice as many miracles as his master, including healing the blind and resurrecting a child. NEWS 24/7 recounts the widow’s oil miracle: a destitute widow with only one jar of oil, at Elisha’s instruction, borrowed many empty vessels and filled them all, selling the oil to pay her debt and support her sons. Even his bones were believed to have miraculous power; a dead man placed on Elisha’s remains was revived.
Saint Justin Popović (1894–1979)
Born Blagoje Popović in Vranje, southern Serbia, to a devout priest’s family, Justin studied at theological schools in Belgrade, St Petersburg, Oxford, and Athens, earning a doctorate on the ecclesiology of St John Chrysostom. Despite his academic pedigree, he remained primarily a monk and ascetic. In 1916 he was tonsured at the Rajica Monastery, taking the name Justin after the philosopher‑martyr. H Kαθημερινή describes him as “one of the most multidimensional figures of the 20th‑century Orthodox Church,” whose theology renewed patristic roots against Western influence. He endured decades of confinement and exile under communist rule without compromise and left a living tradition of disciples.
Saint Niphon of Athos
in.gr notes that 14 June also honours Saint Niphon of Mount Athos, who embraced extreme silence and prayer on the Holy Mountain, becoming a beacon of wisdom for fellow monks.
