The feast of Saints Faith, Hope and Love and their mother Sophia — in Ukrainian, Vira, Nadia, Liubov and Sofia — is one of the best-known autumn name days in Ukraine. Four very common names are celebrated at once, so almost everyone has a mother, sister, colleague or friend to congratulate. Here is when the day is marked, where the tradition comes from, and which flowers and gifts suit each of the four.
In 2023 the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church switched to the Revised Julian calendar, so in Ukraine the feast of Saints Vira, Nadia, Liubov and Sofia now falls on 17 September. It used to be celebrated on 30 September, and many people still send greetings on that date out of habit. If in doubt, follow the tradition of the person's family — what matters is the gesture itself.
According to tradition, Sophia was a Christian living in Rome in the 2nd century, during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. Her daughters Faith, Hope and Love refused to renounce their faith and were martyred; their mother buried them and died soon afterwards. The Church venerates them as holy martyrs.
The names come from Greek: Pistis (faith), Elpis (hope), Agape (love) and Sophia (wisdom). That is why the day is also seen as a celebration of the three Christian virtues and the wisdom from which they spring.
A name day is a more intimate occasion than a birthday. An expensive gift isn't necessary — it matters far more to show you remembered. Good ideas:
There are no official "name flowers": the ideas below are based on the meaning of the names and the language of flowers. Choose what the person will actually enjoy.
Faith stands for trust and loyalty. White or pale flowers suit her: asters, lisianthus, white roses. Another idea is heather, which blooms in September — in Ukrainian the month (veresen) is even named after it. A potted heather can be planted in the garden or kept on a balcony and will last a long time.
Hope is a name about optimism and light, so warm, sunny shades are a good match: orange gerberas, yellow chrysanthemums, sunflowers. Folk tradition links the name with calendula, a bright orange flower that blooms until the first frosts. Add a small treat, such as a calendula hand cream or soap.
For Liubov, roses are the best choice — the flower of love in the language of flowers. If she is your mother, colleague or friend, choose soft pink, cream or peach shades and save red for romance. Even a single rose can make an expressive gift. Ready-made bouquets are in our roses catalogue.
Sophia means wisdom. The name is associated with white lilies, a symbol of purity. If lilies are too fragrant for her, choose white or cream chrysanthemums — classic autumn flowers that last a long time in a vase.
The feast falls in early autumn, so a seasonal bouquet is easy: asters, chrysanthemums, dahlias, hydrangeas, roses, berry branches and autumn leaves. Seasonal flowers are usually fresher and better value. To add meaning to your gift, see our guide to the language of flowers.
Since 2023, under the Revised Julian calendar, on 17 September. Previously on 30 September, and many still celebrate then.
They translate the Greek words Pistis, Elpis, Agape and Sophia — faith, hope, love and wisdom.
Roses: red for a partner, soft pink or cream for a mother, colleague or friend.
No, a greeting is enough. But a small bouquet or a card is a lovely gesture.
Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
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