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Saint Nektarios of Pentapolis

About Saint Nektarios

Saint Nektarios of Pentapolis, also known as Saint Nectarios, was a devout servant of God who devoted his life to the Orthodox Church. His unwavering faith, piety, and kindness have inspired countless people, earning him recognition as one of the most revered saints in the Orthodox Christian tradition.

Feast Day

November 9th

Birth Place

Selymbria, Turkey

Born

October 1, 1846

Reposed

November 8, 1920
Saint Nektarios of Pentapolis

Photo credit to

orthodoxtimes.com

Early Life and Education

01

Early Life and Education

Saint Nektarios was born on October 1, 1846, in Selymbria in the Thrace region, present-day Turkey. His birth name was Anastasios Kephalas. Born into a poor family, he began his theological studies at a young age, showing an eagerness to learn and serve God.

In 1866, at the age of 20, he moved to Constantinople (now Istanbul) and was ordained a deacon in the Orthodox Church. He continued his studies on the island of Chios, Greece, where he also taught in the local school. Here he earned the respect and love of the local community for his dedication to education and his spiritual guidance.

02

Ecclesiastical Career

Nektarios was ordained a priest in Cairo in 1886 and was soon appointed as a Bishop of Pentapolis in Libya. However, his humility and popularity provoked envy among his peers, leading to his removal from the bishopric in 1890. Despite the unfair dismissal, he remained dedicated to his faith and service to the Church.

Saint Nektarios moved to Athens, Greece, where he was appointed director of the Rizarios Ecclesiastical School. During his tenure, he was recognized for his exemplary leadership, spiritual guidance, and substantial contributions to theological literature.

Ecclesiastical Career

Later Life and Canonization

03

Later Life and Canonization

In 1904, he established the Holy Trinity Monastery for women in Aegina, Greece, where he spent his last years. He passed away on November 8, 1920. Miracles were reported at his funeral, marking the beginning of his veneration.

He was officially recognized as a Saint by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in 1961. His feast day is celebrated on November 9th in his honor. Saint Nektarios is known for his numerous miracles, even posthumously, especially those related to healing the sick.

04

Legacy

The life of Saint Nektarios of Pentapolis remains an enduring testament to humility, service, and steadfast faith. His teachings and writings, along with stories of his miracles, continue to inspire Orthodox Christians worldwide. His commitment to theological education has also left a lasting impact on the Church.

Whether you're a believer seeking inspiration, or a scholar interested in Orthodox Christianity, the works and life of Saint Nektarios offer rich insights into the history, theology, and spirituality of the Orthodox Church.

For further reading and resources about orthodox saints, browse through our collection of books here. We also invite you to learn more about the Orthodox Christian faith and other saints who have significantly influenced it.

Legacy

Relics

Where are the relics of Saint Nektarios of Pentapolis

The relics of Saint Nektarios of Pentapolis, one of the most widely venerated modern Orthodox saints, are located at the Holy Trinity Monastery in Aegina, Greece. After his repose in 1920, Saint Nektarios was buried at this monastery, where he had spent the last years of his life as a monk and where he established a nunnery. His grave soon became a site of pilgrimage, and many miracles have been reported by those who sought his intercessions. The Holy Trinity Monastery in Aegina continues to be a significant pilgrimage site, with many visiting to venerate his relics and seek his blessings.

Written Works

Christology

How can we confidently believe that Christianity embodies the ultimate truth? How can we ascertain that Jesus Christ is truly the manifestation of God? What assures us that He is the Son of God, our Savior, and the Provider of everlasting life? In this book, Saint Nektarios elucidates the defining traits of the Savior with such precision and depth that any earnest reader will be compelled to acknowledge Jesus Christ as the Messiah, the flawless God who took human form. This soft-cover edition spans 273 pages and has been translated and published by St. Nektarios Monastery in Roscoe, NY.

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Repentance and Confession

This volume represents the inaugural translation of Saint Nektarios' writings into English. Within its pages, St. Nektarios succinctly delves into the essence of repentance and underscores the significance of confession. This exploration of a frequently overlooked divine commandment will prompt deep introspection. This soft-cover edition is 62 pages long and was translated and brought to print by St. Nektarios Monastery in Roscoe, NY.

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On the Holy Images

In this work, Saint Nektarios delves into the church's revered visual arts, discussing their use and referencing the Holy Scriptures, early Christian accounts, teachings of the Church Fathers, and archaeological discoveries. He champions the place and purpose of these images in the Church, countering objections and distinguishing between sacred depictions and idols. Additionally, he examines the portrayals of Lord Jesus Christ, particularly focusing on those miraculous images crafted without human intervention.

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