Almost 500,000 Romanians are celebrating their name day on June 29, the feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, one of the most significant commemorations in the Orthodox calendar.
According to Romania’s Directorate for Persons Records, 488,207 Romanian citizens bear the names of the two saints or their derivatives.
Among men, the most common name is Petru, carried by 125,788 people, followed by Paul, with 78,015 bearers. Among women, Paula is the most widespread name, with 48,852 women bearing it, followed by Petronela, with 35,864.
Thousands of other Romanians celebrate the feast under related names and diminutives, including Pavel, Petrică, Petrișor, Petronel, Paulina, Petra, Petruța, and many others derived from the names of the two apostles.
The Holy Apostles Peter and Paul are honored together by the Orthodox Church as the “Chief Apostles” because of their decisive role in proclaiming the Gospel and establishing the early Church. Although they were called to different missions, they shared the same unwavering faith in Christ and ultimately sealed their witness through martyrdom.
Saint Peter primarily preached to the Jewish people, while Saint Paul, known as the “Apostle to the Nations,” carried the Gospel throughout many regions of the Roman Empire. Through their missionary labors, both apostles made an essential contribution to the spread of Christianity across the world.
The Orthodox Church commemorates Saints Peter and Paul annually on June 29, celebrating their enduring legacy of faith, missionary zeal, and devotion to Christ.
Source: Basilica.ro / Photos: Raluca-Emanuela Ene
