Greek Orthodox Church Honors Saint Hierotheos on October 4

The Greek Orthodox Church commemorates Saint Hierotheos the Areopagite, considered the first Bishop of Athens, on Sunday, October 4th. Other saints honored include Agia Domnini, Saint Audactus, and Kallistheni, alongside regional synaxes for saints of Trikala and Cyprus. The day is the Second Sunday of Luke, whose Gospel reading contains the demanding teaching to "love your enemies" and act with compassion without expecting anything in return. Tradition holds that Hierotheos was a member of the Areopagus who was converted by Apostle Paul and later ordained as Athens' first bishop. The Gospel message emphasizes breaking the cycle of reciprocity, urging believers to show kindness even to those from whom they expect nothing back. Those celebrating their name day include individuals named Hierotheos, Domnini, Audactus, and Kallisthenis.