Christianfeast day:
Evodus (or Yves), Palatias and Laurentia, Pelagia(Eastern OrthodoxandRoman CatholicChurches), Reparata, San Ernesto,Che Guevaraas a folk saint. (Boliviancampesinos), Simeon (Gospel of Luke), Thaïs, William Dwight Porter BlissandRichard T. Ely(Episcopal Church), October 8 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
A collective feast day commemorating various saints and figures in Christian traditions. It is observed on October 8 by multiple denominations.
This feast day brings together the commemoration of saints such as Evodus (also known as Yves), Palatias and Laurentia, and Pelagia, along with other figures like Reparata and San Ernesto. Che Guevara is honored as a folk saint by Bolivian campesinos. The day also includes liturgical observances for Simeon of the Gospel of Luke, Thaïs, William Dwight Porter Bliss, and Richard T. Ely in the Episcopal Church. In Eastern Orthodox calendars, October 8 marks specific liturgics for these figures. Services and prayers are held to reflect on their lives, sacrifices, and spiritual legacies.
feast day
Evodus (or Yves)
Palatias and Laurentia
Pelagia
Eastern Orthodox
Roman Catholic
Reparata
San Ernesto
Che Guevara
Bolivian
campesinos
Simeon (Gospel of Luke)
Thaïs
William Dwight Porter Bliss
Richard T. Ely
Episcopal Church
October 8 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Evodus (or Yves)
Feast day honoring Saint Evodus, an early Christian bishop and martyr, observed on October 8.
Saint Evodus, often called Yves in some traditions, served as an early bishop and is venerated for his leadership and faith under persecution. His feast day is marked by liturgical services, prayers, and readings of accounts of his life and martyrdom. He is honored in both Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic calendars. Communities may hold special Masses or service commemorations in his name. Devotees reflect on his example of steadfast devotion and pastoral care.
Evodus (or Yves)
Palatias and Laurentia
Commemorates the virgin martyrs Palatias and Laurentia in Christian tradition on October 8.
Palatias and Laurentia are honored as early Christian martyrs who, according to tradition, suffered persecution for their faith. Their story is remembered through liturgical services that include readings of their martyrdom and hymns of praise. The feast is observed in certain Christian communities with prayers seeking their intercession. Churches dedicated to these saints may hold special vigils or processions. Their legacy inspires reflections on courage and faith in the face of adversity.
Palatias and Laurentia
Pelagia(Eastern OrthodoxandRoman CatholicChurches)
A feast day honoring St. Pelagia, known as Pelagia the Penitent, venerated in both Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions.
St. Pelagia was a courtesan in Antioch who underwent a profound conversion to Christianity. According to tradition, she abandoned her former life and was baptized, dedicating herself to asceticism. She lived in the desert as a hermit, wearing penitential garments and spending her life in prayer. Her example of repentance and spiritual transformation has inspired Christians for centuries. The feast on October 8 commemorates her courage and devotion to the faith. Churches may hold special services and readings reflecting on forgiveness and grace.
Pelagia
Eastern Orthodox
Roman Catholic
Reparata
Commemorates St. Reparata of Caesarea, a Christian virgin-martyr celebrated by Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians.
St. Reparata was a young believer martyred in Caesarea under Emperor Decius around the third century. Refusing to renounce her faith, she endured torture and was sentenced to death by beheading. Miraculous accounts tell of angels recovering her body and converting bystanders at her martyrdom site. Veneration of Reparata spread to Europe, and her relics were honored in Florence and elsewhere. The October 8 feast remembers her steadfast witness and youthful courage. Devotees often pray for her intercession in matters of purity and courage. Churches may display her iconography, showing her youthful visage and martyr’s palm.
Reparata
San Ernesto,Che Guevaraas a folk saint. (Boliviancampesinos)
A folk devotion in Bolivia where peasants honor Che Guevara as San Ernesto, a protector and symbol of social justice.
Among Bolivian campesinos, Che Guevara is revered as San Ernesto, a saintly figure despite lacking official church recognition. Devotees attribute miracles and protection of land rights to his intercession. Pilgrimages and informal altars bearing his image appear in rural communities. October 8 gatherings include offerings of coca leaves and folk prayers for justice and solidarity. This folk sainthood blends political legacy with indigenous spiritual practices. It highlights the enduring impact of Guevara’s struggle on local identity and aspirations. Observances are marked by music, dance, and communal meals.
San Ernesto
Che Guevara
Bolivian
campesinos
Simeon (Gospel of Luke)
Honors Simeon the God-Receiver, who recognized the infant Jesus as the Messiah during the Presentation at the Temple.
According to Luke’s Gospel, Simeon was a righteous and devout man promised to see the Messiah before his death. He met Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus at the Jerusalem Temple and proclaimed the Nunc Dimittis blessing. Simeon’s prophecy highlighted Jesus as a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory for Israel. This feast day celebrates his faithful witness and patient waiting. Liturgical services include readings of Simeon’s song and blessings of candles symbolizing Christ’s light. Believers reflect on the themes of fulfillment, revelation, and the cost of discipleship. The commemoration connects early Church history with contemporary faith practices.
Simeon (Gospel of Luke)
Thaïs
Celebrates St. Thaïs, a repentant courtesan who transformed into a devoted Christian ascetic.
St. Thaïs lived in fourth-century Alexandria and was famed for her beauty and sinful lifestyle. Influenced by Bishop Paphnutius, she repented, renouncing worldly pleasures and donating her wealth to the poor. She embraced a solitary life of penance in the desert, dedicating herself to prayer and ascetic disciplines. Her story, recorded by Paphnutius, became a model of radical conversion in early Christian literature. The October 8 feast honors her bold turn from sin to sanctity and her trust in divine mercy. Faithful may seek her intercession for healing, repentance, and generosity. The commemoration underscores themes of forgiveness and spiritual renewal.
Thaïs
William Dwight Porter BlissandRichard T. Ely(Episcopal Church)
Commemorates William Dwight Porter Bliss and Richard T. Ely, pioneers of Christian social thought honored by the Episcopal Church for their advocacy.
William Dwight Porter Bliss was an Episcopal priest and early Christian socialist who ministered to urban workers in New York. Richard T. Ely was a pioneering economist who applied Christian principles to social reform and labor rights. Both figures influenced the Social Gospel movement in late 19th and early 20th century America. They championed social justice, equitable labor conditions, and the moral obligation of Christians to serve the poor. The Episcopal Church honors their partnership and enduring legacy on October 8. Liturgies may include prayers for economic justice and reflections on faith-driven activism. Their feast inspires modern congregations to engage in social and economic reform grounded in Christian ethics.
William Dwight Porter Bliss
Richard T. Ely
Episcopal Church
October 8 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
The Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar for October 8 commemorates various saints and events observed in Orthodox Christian traditions.
The liturgical commemorations on October 8 include saints like Pelagia the Penitent and other holy figures. Services feature readings from scripture, hymns specific to the day, and commemorations of martyrdom and repentance. The faithful participate in the Divine Liturgy, venerating icons and receiving Holy Communion. Vespers and Matins may include special troparia and kontakion reflecting the themes of the saints. Many parishes hold communal meals after services, fostering fellowship. This day emphasizes the virtues of transformation, witness, and steadfast faith. Observances vary by local tradition but share common prayer patterns across Orthodox jurisdictions. Through these rites, believers connect with the historic communion of saints.
October 8 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)