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Elder Nektarios Moulatsiotis: Do you know why we say "Happy Birthday" and "Next year"?translated

July 12, 2026 · 1 min read

Do you know why we say "Happy Birthday" and "next year"? Most of us say it at every celebration, at every birthday and at every important moment in our lives. But do we really know what this wish means? Why do we wish "Happy Birthday" and why do we say "And next year"? In this speech the deeper meaning of these words is revealed, but also the real purpose of human life through the message of Pentecost and the Orthodox faith. You will hear: What the wish "Happy Birthday" really means. Why do we say "And next year". What is the real purpose of life. What does it mean for a person to really change? Because Pentecost concerns us all. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the spiritual life. Because the Church celebrates the same great events every year.

This speech is not only addressed to people who go to church. It is addressed to every person who is looking for meaning, hope and a deeper answer about life.

The post Elder Nektarios Moulatsiotis: Do you know why we say "Happy Birthday" and "And next year"? appeared first on Orthodoxy News Agency.

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💬 Comments (3) 🌐 Translate comments

Mark ParkerThat talk on “Χρόνια Πολλά” and “Και του χρόνου” got me thinking. I’ve said those words at every name day and birthday without really knowing the deeper point Elder Nektarios makes about the Holy Spirit changing us. Makes me want to listen again before Pentecost comes around.

Ηλίας ΚαραγιάννηςΜου άρεσε που ο Γέροντας Νεκτάριος συνδέει την ευχή «και του χρόνου» με την Πεντηκοστή και το Άγιο Πνεύμα. Πραγματικά, πόσες φορές το λέμε χωρίς να σκεφτούμε ότι ο σκοπός είναι να αλλάξουμε εμείς οι ίδιοι, όχι απλά να περάσει άλλη μια χρονιά. Θα το ακούσω πριν τη γιορτή, γιατί και εγώ το έχω πει μηχανικά σε γενέθλια και βαφτίσια.

Irene WilsonI say the same thing every year at name days and never stopped to think about it either. Elder Nektarios is right that the real change comes from the Holy Spirit, not just marking another calendar year. Have you picked a time to listen to the talk again before Pentecost?