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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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This 365-page daily calendar book features the life of an Orthodox saint, insightful teachings from the Saints and elders of the Church, a list of all commemorations for the day, Gospel and Epistle readings, fasting guidelines, and references to feasts. The stories include the lives of Greek, Russian, Georgian, Romanian, Ukrainian, Serbian, English, Celtic, and American saints.
