Name day
Martha: Name Day and Patron Saint
Martha keeps the name day on 4 June, or 17 June on the Old Calendar: the feast of Sts Martha and Mary of Bethany.
- Patron saint
- Sts Martha and Mary of Bethany
- New Calendar
- 4 June
- Old Calendar
- 17 June
- Next name day
- 4 June 2027 (New Calendar) · 17 June 2027 (Old Calendar)
- In the feast calendar
- The feasts of June
The patron saint: Sts Martha and Mary of Bethany
Kept on 4 June, or 17 June on the Old Calendar · Holy Martha and Mary, sisters of Lazarus
Sts Martha and Mary lived in the village of Bethany near Jerusalem with their brother Lazarus, and the three of them were among the closest disciples of the Lord. The Gospels of Luke and John tell of their home. When Christ came to visit, Martha busied herself with serving Him, while Mary sat at His feet and listened to His word. When Lazarus fell sick and died, it was Martha who went out to meet the Lord, and both sisters, believing in Him already, saw Him weep at the tomb and call their brother back to life after four days. Shortly before His Passion Mary anointed Him with costly ointment. Because of their love and service the Church counts both sisters among the Myrrh-bearing Women. After the martyrdom of the Archdeacon Stephen, persecution broke out against the Church of Jerusalem and Lazarus was driven out of the city. His sisters went with him and helped him proclaim the Gospel in various lands. Lazarus became the first bishop of Kition on Cyprus, and tradition says the sisters reposed there with him. The Church keeps their memory on 4 June (17 June on the Old Calendar), and they are honoured again on the Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women. Their hymns say that they now dwell in Paradise and ask them to pray to the Master for us. The faithful turn to them to learn both kinds of love: serving Christ in others with Martha, and sitting quietly at His feet with Mary.
What the faithful pray for
- a home that welcomes Christ and His people
- sisters, brothers and the peace of families
- those who serve and care for others
- stillness to hear the word of God
- faith in the resurrection when we mourn
Other saints named Martha
Venerable Martha
Kept on 4 July, or 17 July on the Old Calendar
Virgin Martyrs Martha and Mary
Kept on 6 February, or 19 February on the Old Calendar
Venerable Martha
Kept on 1 September, or 14 September on the Old Calendar
Martha in other languages
| Language | The name | Short forms |
|---|---|---|
| English | Martha, Marta, Marthe | Marty, Mattie |
| Greek | Μάρθα, Martha | |
| Russian | Марфа, Marfa | Марфуша |
| Serbian | Марта, Marta | |
| Romanian | Marta | |
| Arabic | مرتا, Martha, Marta | |
| Polish | Marta |
An icon for Martha
We don't carry an icon of Sts Martha and Mary of Bethany yet. Ask for it below, and we will write to you when it is in.
Closest to it
Folding diptychHoly Foremother Eve & Guardian Angel
Another holy woman$99$69
Folding diptychSt Alexandra (passion-bearer Empress) & Guardian Angel
Another holy woman$99$69
Folding diptychChrist (Zvenigorod Saviour) & Vladimir Mother of God
Christ and the Mother of God keep every Christian home$99$69
For every name: the Guardian Angel, given at baptism
Have it consecrated by our priest before it reaches you: Consecration, $49.
A name-day gift for Martha
Name-Day Gift Set $213$149
A patron saint's folding diptych chosen by first name, a stainless steel crucifix and a prayer rope, in a gift box with a card giving the saint's life and feast day.
The St Nicholas the Wonderworker & Guardian Angel Folding Diptych is chosen, for the Guardian Angel every Orthodox Christian receives at baptism, and the name is filled in.
Questions
When is Martha’s name day?
Martha keeps the name day on 4 June on the New Calendar and on 17 June on the Old Calendar, the feast of Sts Martha and Mary of Bethany.
Who is the patron saint of Martha?
Sts Martha and Mary of Bethany. Sts Martha and Mary lived in the village of Bethany near Jerusalem with their brother Lazarus, and the three of them were among the closest disciples of the Lord.
How is Martha written in other languages?
Greek: Μάρθα (Martha), Russian: Марфа (Marfa), Serbian: Марта (Marta), Romanian: Marta, Arabic: مرتا (Martha) and Polish: Marta. Every form of the name keeps the same saint.
What is a good name-day gift for Martha?
We don’t carry an icon of Sts Martha and Mary of Bethany yet, and you can ask for one on this page. Every Orthodox Christian has a Guardian Angel from baptism, so the Name-Day Gift Set ($149) with the Guardian Angel diptych is always fitting.
More about name days
- Name Days Explained: What They Are, How Families Keep Them, and Gifts
A name day is the feast of the saint whose name you carry. Here is how to find yours on either calendar, how Greek and Russian families keep it, and what to give.
- Orthodox Patron Saint: How to Find Yours (by Name, Day or Choice)
Your Orthodox patron saint is the saint whose name you were given at baptism. Here is how to find yours by name, by the day of your birth or baptism, or by choice, and how to keep the name day.
- Find another name