“My little Christ send them to me.” Imagine a boy writing this touching phrase. The story of Agios Nektarios is one of devotion. It is also a testament to faith. We stand before a chapel named for this holy figure. Agios Nektarios was born Anastasios Kephalas in 1846. He was born in Selyvria Thrace which is now part of Turkey.
At 14 he started working and studying in Constantinople. Later, he went to the island of Chios and entered a monastery. From there he served under Patriarch Sophronios of Alexandria Egypt. The Patriarch liked Agios Nektarios very much. Sophronios sent him to study theology at the University of Athens Greece. After finishing his studies the patriarch appointed him priest. He was also appointed preacher in Cairo Egypt.
Soon after that Agios Nektarios was ordained Bishop. He was assigned to Cairo. It seemed he had one success after another. However, people do not become saints without facing difficulties. Some people disliked him. They were jealous of his success. They made up lies about the good bishop. Patriarch Sophronios was swayed and took everything away from Nektarios.
Agios Nektarios returned to Athens. There he was invited to preach at different churches. His great wisdom was realized in Athens. In 1894 he became Dean of a theological school. Bishop Nektarios’ spiritual callings were perhaps more fulfilled later. He started a convent for nuns on a small island near Piraeus Greece. At Aegina Bishop Nektarios founded the Convent of the Holy Trinity. It was at his convent that Nektarios would make his greatest contributions to the Orthodox Church.
In 1910 Nektarios retired to the Convent of the Holy Trinity. He spent his last years there. People flocked to Aegina to worship with the bishop. They came to listen to his sermons. They also sought healing from different illnesses. Agios Nektarios died on November 9 1920. He was buried in a special chapel he built. People continued to flock to the Convent of the Holy Trinity. They paid their respects at the Shrine of Agios Nektarios. Miracles continue to take place at his grave site.
Eventually the Patriarchate of Constantinople proclaimed Nektarios a Saint in 1961. Agios Nektarios is considered the Patron Saint. He is a saint for people with cancer heart trouble arthritis epilepsy and other sicknesses. Visitors to this shrine leave filled with love. They also leave with the peace that Agios Nektarios gave to all when he lived. Agios Nektarios is honored and remembered annually on November 9. His life reminds us to show Christian love and patience.