Who was St Nectarios? He was more than a saint. He became a beacon of God’s grace. Now let us explore the story of \u0391\u03b3\u03af\u03bf\u03c5 \u039d\u03b5\u03ba\u03c4\u03b1\u03c1\u03af\u03bf\u03c5.
This church stands as a testament to St Nectarios. He was a beacon of faith. He guided many through life’s storms. St Nectarios showed a unique example of humility. He lived in godly poverty. His love was prudent. He had unfailing endurance.
Born Anastasios Kephalas in 1846 St Nectarios felt a calling to priesthood from a young age. He pursued theological studies in Athens. Later he became a monk. St Nectarios distinguished himself. He was a pastoral figure. He was a loving teacher as Dean of Risareios Seminary. Also he was a prolific theologian. He wrote more than 60 books. St Nectarios was a saintly hierarch as Bishop of Pentapolis. Above all he was a humble and pious man.
St Nectarios fulfilled a lifelong hope. He started a convent on the Island of Aegina. He established it in a church dedicated to the Most Holy Trinity. His first monastic was a blind nun named Xenia. St Nectarios made her the superior of the first community. People sought him out for spiritual direction. During his life St Nectarios became a lighthouse. He shined God’s grace throughout the world. He led many to repentance and salvation. He proved to be a clear vessel of God’s grace. God granted him the gift of working miracles.
On September 20 1920 the nun Euphemia took St Nectarios to the Aretaieion Hospital of Athens. This was a state hospital for the poor. Doctors diagnosed St Nectarios with a terminal disease. He lived amidst terrible pains for two months. On the evening of November 8 1920 St Nectarios fell asleep in the Lord. He was seventy-four years old. The whole hospital filled with a sweet fragrance. For some days afterward the hospital could not use the room. This was due to the strong fragrance. The room is now a chapel. It is dedicated to the Saint.
His body went to Piraeus. It stayed in the Church of the Holy Trinity. People prepared a small wooden coffin for him. St Nectarios was taken to Aegina. There he received a simple burial at the Convent of the Holy Trinity. Years later his grave opened to remove the relics.
When the grave was opened the Saint was whole. He was uncorrupt. A strong yet sweet fragrance emanated from the grave. Even his vestments remained unchanged. It was as if he had just fallen asleep. His monastery in Aegina remains a renowned shrine to this day.
Many saints’ sanctity has been declared. However few enjoy the intense universal veneration of St Nectarios. Though of Greek descent he belongs to all.
Many faith-filled gifts are given. This happens through prayer and intercession to St Nectarios. Many faithful testify to miracles. These come through St Nectarios in many ways. The power of intercession through faith and prayer is great. It remains unexplainable.
The fragrance that filled the hospital room after his death now fills our hearts. St Nectarios lived a life of compassion and faith. He continues to inspire us today. Let us carry his message of love and healing. Let’s remember his legacy of miracles.