Calendar commemoration of Orthodox saints in early August

The Orthodox Church calendar observes the feast days of Saint Nonna and Saint Nicanor in early August. On August 5, the church honors Saint Nonna, the mother of Gregory the Theologian, who lived until approximately 374 AD. She is recognized for her piety and for successfully guiding her husband, Gregory, away from the Hypsistarian heresy and back to the Christian faith. The names Nonna and Nona are celebrated on this day.

On August 7, the calendar commemorates Saint Asterios the Wonderworker and Saint Nicanor of Zavordas. Saint Nicanor was born in 1491 in Thessaloniki to wealthy and virtuous parents, John and Maria. According to tradition, his birth followed years of prayer and fasting by his mother, who had struggled with childlessness. These commemorations serve as a reflection of historical religious figures and their legacy within the Christian tradition.