My beloved spiritual children in Christ Our Only True God and Our Only True Savior,
CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.
+
ON NOVEMBER 9th OUR HOLY ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH COMMEMORATES THE FEAST OF SAINT NEKTARIOS, METROPOLITAN OF PENTAPOLIS (Part II)
During the voyage, his ship encountered a storm at sea. The Monk Abimelech, one of the Saint's biographers, describes the plight of the ship. The vessel was ready to sink when the captain shouted for the life-saving equipment to be readied. The young Anastasios wept and prayed to God. Looking heavenward, he implored God not to take his life, for he wished to preach on His behalf. He remembered that his grandmother told him that if the sea were ever rough, to dip the Precious holy relic of the Cross into the waves. He then removed his Cross and tied it to his belt. He then lowered it off the side of the ship and into the waves. After he had uttered three times those words which our Lord pronounced in the Gospel, "Be still! Be silent!" (Mark 4:39), the wind abated, and there was a great calm. All on board were joyous and relieved. Only the young Anastasios was sorrowing for the loss of his grandmother's gift Cross, which had fallen into the deep. Even though the anxiety brought on by the storm was gone, there as some consternation among the crew at a rapping sound below the ship's water line. Neither the captain nor the seaman could ascertain the cause of the sound. Even when they put into port an all began disembarking, the rapping sound in the ship's hold was still audible. The captain gave the command to take a small craft and examine the ship's hull. The crew then discovered Anastasios' Cross adhering to the ship's frame where the knocking occurred. One of the sailors laid hold of the Cross and reported the finding to the captain, who began shouting and waving at the departing Anastasios, "Kephalas, Kephalas! Come back!" With his heart overflowing with jubilation and gratitude, Anastasios received his Cross. This was the same Cross which he wore later with his Monastic garb, even when he was made a bishop.
At the island of Chios, he remained in that teaching position for seven years. He not only was teaching his pupils, but also influenced and persuaded the villagers to pursue piety and virtue, which he was able to show them by his own example. Anastasios was very much inspired by Saint Kosmas the Aitolos, to whom he would often pray.
Being an ardent zealot and supporter of the Monastic life ("the Angelic life"), he often visited the sacred Monastery of the Holy Fathers, where they were discussing the mystical progression of the Monastic life and spiritual philosophy according to Christ. At that time, the distinguished holy Father and founder of that Monastery, the Geronda (Elder) Pachomios, who guided many upon the spiritual path, would engage in these spiritual talks with Anastasios. At length, Anastasios entered the Monastery of Nea Moni.
On the 7th of November, 1876, he was tonsured a monk. He was renamed Lazarus. He stayed at that Monastery, where he undertook the obedience as secretary, at which he labored tirelessly. Then, on the 15th of January, 1877, Father Lazarus was ordained in the Diaconate by Metropolitan Gregory in the Church of Saints Menas, Victor, and Vikentios. It was then that the Metropolitan renamed him Nektarios. He acknowledged that he missed his family, but now Father Nektarios recognized another family in the brotherhood. He loved all the brothers, and they loved him, though he did not demand that they should love him. He never felt he deserved their affection.
While abiding at the Monastery and fulfilling his duties as Deacon, Father Nektarios applied himself continuously to the zealous examination of the Sacred Scripture and the writings of the Holy Fathers.
Metropolitan Gregory invited Father Nektarios to his office. When he entered, he was introduced to John Horemis, a leading citizen of Chios. Previous to this meeting, the Metropolitan had spoken highly of the holy man's intense asceticism, prayer, and theological study. Horemis' interest was engaged, and he wished to make the acquaintance of this lauded monk. Upon meeting Father Nektarios, Horemis asked him how he came to Chios. Father Nektarios told him of his roots in Thrace and how he attempted to board a ship for the capital. He mentioned how the ship's engines stalled. He then spoke of how the ticket taker came while the captain was indisposed, leaving him with no one to vouch for his presence on the ship. "One kind gentleman," he said, "took pity on me and paid my fare." Tears then began welling up in Horemis' eyes. The Metropolitan thought something was wrong and went over to him. "So you were the child," said Horemis. "We have often thought of you and longed to see you again, that is, my nephew and I." Father Nektarios did not fully comprehend Horemis' meaning. Horemis then disclosed that it was his nephew who helped him on the ship. "My nephew told me the whole account, and since then we have been inquiring after you. Thank God we have found you. Now that you have been found, I shall ask his eminence for a blessing that you may leave for Athens and complete your high school education at my expense." Father Nektarios gave glory to God and prepared to leave for Athens. Indeed, our God shall do the will of them that fear Him, and He hears their supplication, and He shall save them (Psalm 144:20).
Father Nektarios boarded a ship that was crossing the Aegean to the port of Athens, Piraeus. Divine Providence was at work here, and the blessed Nektarios knew it. He was exceedingly joyful when he found himself in Athens...Father Nektarios applied himself diligently day and night to his studies. He only knew two paths, the one leading to the school and the one going to church every Sunday and feast day...At length, Father Nektarios received his diploma to the great pleasure of his benefactor. Horemis then recommended that Father Nektarios meet and visit with his personal friend, the Patriarch Sophronios of Alexandria. Father Nektarios fell in with his plans and embarked on a steamship for Egypt Alexandria.
The Patriarch conceived an immediate liking for the affable Father Nektarios, even as most did, and took him under his protection; but he advised Father Nektarios to enroll to the university of Athens. He left for Piraeus and then boarded another ship for Chios, that he might receive a leave of absence from his Monastery and study in Athens. The hegumenos (Abbot), Nikephoros, consented to the Patriarch's plan for Father Nektarios, and wrote a letter commending him to the university.
The Saint Returns to Athens1882
Nektarios then left again for Athens, but was saddened upon his arrival when he learned of the death of his benefactor, John Horemis. The moment he learned of his repose, he kept vigil throughout the night for the repose of Horemis' soul. Father Nektarios hesitated to request financial assistance from the Patriarch, so he sat for the dean's examination, which won him a scholarship and a monthly stipend for his expenses. Father Nektarios registered for theological studies in 1882 and finished his studies in 1885, receiving the Licentiate in Theology.
Egypt
He then left Alexandria and was welcomed again by Patriarch Sophronios. On Sunday, the 23rd of March, 1886, he was ordained priest and confessor by the Patriarch, at the Patriarchal Church of Saint Savvas. Five months later he was given the title of Archimandrite at the Church of Saint Nicholas in Cairo, by the Metropolitan of Nubia. Shortly thereafter, he received the honor of being appointed preacher and secretary of the Patriarchate. Two months after receiving that post he was appointed a Patriarchal trustee...
"...In January of 1889, Metropolitan Nilos reposed, leaving the see of Pentapolis widowed. Since this was under the jurisdiction of the Alexandrian Patriarchate, on the 15th of January that year, Nektarios was consecrated a bishop. This elevation was completely unexpected by the holy man, with extreme, humility, the holy Nektarios accepted the dignity of the episcopacy...
"...The Saint's good fame flashed forth like lightning in all quarters. His popularity and genuine admiration among the people roused the envy of certain persons in the Alexandrian Patriarchate. Rumors the rose that Metropolitan Nektarios wished to possess the Patriarchal throne, and ambition which never entered his mind. He did not pay heed to the gossip and accusations that he feigned piety in order to attain that office...Although the holy Nektarios discharged all his duties in a godly manner and sincerely showed love and reverence toward the Patriarch, whom he exceedingly honored as his benefactor, the Metropolitan's enemies swayed the Patriarch into thinking that his throne was in danger. As a man, the Patriarch feared and lost confidence; consequently, he compelled the holy Nektarios to leave his position. Metropolitan Nektarios, thus, on the 11th of July 1890, was removed from the Church of Egypt and told to go elsewhere. The Patriarch had written an enigmatic and imprecise letter suspending Metropolitan Nektarios from the throne of Pentapolis, saying that the action was taken "for reasons known to the Alexandrian Patriarchate." "...He was neither defrocked nor suspended from priestly functions, but he was removed from his throne and not given another...
"...The majority of his persecutors, who drove him out, were the hierarchs (bishops) of the Church--many of whom aspired to power and glory. With an upright heart and Christian simplicity, he received sweet consolation in the words of our Savior: "Blessed are they who have been persecuted on account of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of the heavens" (Matthew 5:10); and, "Keep on remembering the word which I said to you, 'A slave is not greater than his lord. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you" (John 15:20). "...When his absence was discovered, the pious Orthodox Christians wept at the loss of such a good shepherd, for they were devoted to him.
"...The meek, guileless, and humble holy father, without murmuring of speaking any word of reproof against his persecutors, much rather prayed for them. When he came out of Egypt, he was penniless, since whatever money he had went either to the poor or toward his expenditures for printing religious writings. Indeed, many were making the following remark: "With regard to the Metropolitan of Pentapolis and money, they are opposites." Though he lacked even pocket change to buy bread, he asked no one for assistance and hoped only in Divine intervention. (Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church)
(To be continued)
_____________________
"Glory Be To GOD For All Things!" - Saint John Chrysostom
+++
With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry)
The sinner and unworthy servant of God
+Father George