Orthodox liturgical commemorations for August 2 and 3

On August 2, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Transfer of the Relics of Saint Stephen the Protomartyr, alongside Saint Theodore the New Martyr, Saint Photini the Wonderworker (also known as Saint Fotou), Saint Justinian II, and Saint Basil of Moscow, who is revered as a Fool for Christ. Those named Justinian celebrated their name day on this date.

On August 3, the church commemorates Saint Olympius the Martyr and Saint Salome the Myrrhbearer. Saint Salome, a cousin of the Virgin Mary and wife of Zebedee, was the mother of the apostles James and John. She was known for her devotion and for following Jesus during his ministry. She remained present during the crucifixion when many others fled in fear, and she was one of the myrrh-bearing women who witnessed the news of the Resurrection. In the tradition of the church, this date serves as a day of remembrance for her life and faith, with those named Olympius, Salome, and Saloma celebrating their name days.