Saint Nectarios at a Glance
A Saint for Our Time
Saint Nectarios was born in Selyvria of Thrace and grew up in a faithful but financially modest family. From an early age, he loved prayer, Scripture and learning. As a young man, he traveled to Constantinople to continue his education and supported himself through hard work.
In 1876, he entered monastic life on the island of Chios and received the name Lazarus. He was ordained a deacon the following year and was given the name Nectarios. After completing theological studies in Athens, he served the Church of Alexandria as a priest, archimandrite and eventually Metropolitan of Pentapolis.
His intelligence, pastoral love and popularity never diminished his humility. Yet those same gifts stirred jealousy in others. False accusations led to his removal from his duties and departure from Egypt. Saint Nectarios endured this injustice without bitterness, refusing to seek revenge and continuing to serve wherever God placed him.
The Journey of Saint Nectarios
His path led from Thrace to Constantinople, Chios, Alexandria, Athens and finally Aegina. At every stage, he combined learning and leadership with prayer, service and humility.
Slander, Exile and the Power of Forgiveness
In 1890, false accusations and jealousy led to Saint Nectarios being removed from his episcopal responsibilities in Alexandria. His reputation was damaged, and he arrived in Greece with few resources and limited opportunities.
He did not allow injustice to turn his heart toward anger. Instead, he forgave his accusers, prayed for them and continued the work of the Church. His response to suffering remains one of the most powerful lessons of his life: holiness is revealed not only through what we accomplish, but also through how we meet rejection, pain and misunderstanding.
Aegina and the Holy Trinity Monastery
While serving as dean of the Rizarios Ecclesiastical School, Saint Nectarios began establishing a women’s monastery dedicated to the Holy Trinity on the island of Aegina. He later retired from the school and made Aegina his permanent home.
There he served as teacher, confessor, spiritual father and laborer. He helped build and maintain the monastery with his own hands, guided the sisterhood and offered pastoral care to the people of the island. He reposed in 1920 and was buried at the monastery he had founded.
His Ministry and Enduring Legacy
Why Is He Called the Wonderworker?
Saint Nectarios became known for his pastoral care and for healings associated with his prayers both during his earthly life and after his repose. Orthodox Christians throughout the world continue to ask for his intercessions, especially when facing serious illness, cancer, grief or circumstances that seem overwhelming.
The Church’s devotion to Saint Nectarios is ultimately directed toward Christ. Saints do not replace God; they are faithful members of the Body of Christ who pray with us and for us. Their lives reveal what God can accomplish in a person who responds to grace with humility and love.
A simple prayer:
Saint Nectarios, faithful servant of Christ and wonderworker of Aegina, intercede for us and help us follow Christ with humility, courage and love.
Our Parish and Its Patron Saint
St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church in Palatine is honored to bear the name of this beloved modern saint. At the parish’s Golden Jubilee in 2024, Archbishop Elpidophoros noted that our community was the first parish in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America to be named for Saint Nectarios.
His example is woven into the identity of our parish. He reminds us to remain centered on Christ, to serve with humility, to forgive generously and to care for those who are hurting. Each year, our community celebrates his feast on November 9 with prayer and thanksgiving.
