Moderator: Mark Templet
I am a long ways away from being received into the Church (may the Lord make me worthy) . . still I am curious about when you are chrismated if the priest chooses a saint's name for you or if it is your preference? As well, using Maria's example from the previous post - if one's name was "Despina" the priest would call you by this name when you receive communion, correct?
What other names would be options if one's name was a variant of "Mary"?
"Oh Christ my Savior, save me whether I want it or not! Come quickly, hurry, for I perish!"
Handmaiden,
I think you should go with the flow. There's something very special about how we get our names. I already had a Christian name so I stuck with that because it became very meaningful to me in my life. Some people do change it even if they had a Christian name. If you don't have a Christian name, then let God show you what your name should be. Don't fret about it now. You can make that decision right before your Chrismation (or I hope Baptism).
But, to answer your question, Panayita is another name. But, I think Maria is the best name for all purposes. And as an adult you have the right to choose your name. You're not a nun where a name is given to you.
In Christ,
Joanna
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. (Ps. 50)
Oh, Joasia ~ I'm not fretting about this . . .was just curious is all 
"Oh Christ my Savior, save me whether I want it or not! Come quickly, hurry, for I perish!"
Handmaiden50 wrote:I am a long ways away from being received into the Church (may the Lord make me worthy) . . still I am curious about when you are chrismated if the priest chooses a saint's name for you or if it is your preference? As well, using Maria's example from the previous post - if one's name was "Despina" the priest would call you by this name when you receive communion, correct?
What other names would be options if one's name was a variant of "Mary"?
Despina is a lovely name. It means "lady" and refers to Our Lady the Theotokos.
If one has the "Chalice" name of Despina, the priest would administer all the Holy Mysteries using this name. So, not only would you receive Baptism, Holy Chrismation, and Holy Communion, but also Holy Confession, Holy Unction, and Holy Crowning.
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner.
Actually, I should correct myself. The name is Panayoita. And for males it's Panayoitis. Her name is so special that it also has a male version. Most other female names can be derived from the original male name.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. (Ps. 50)