Saint Nectarios of Pentapolis (Stryzhak) Icon - S461

Saint Nectarios (also spelled Nektarios or Nectarius) was from Thrace (in modern northern Turkey). He was born in 1846 and became a monk in 1876. He was blessed to undertake theological studies in Athens, and was ordained a priest in Cairo, Egypt, in 1886. As a priest, and later an archimandrite (high ranking monastic priest), he was a renowned preacher. In 1889 he was consecrated Metropolitan of Pentapolis in Libya. 

His quick rise through the ranks of the church caused envy among some, and both St. Nectarios and the Pope of Alexandria Sophronios IV were subjected to terrible slanders and false accusations. Eventually, St. Nectarios was ordered to leave Egypt, his good name tarnished. After returning to Athens, he could not find a position as bishop, and he accepted to pastor a small parish.

Despite it all, St. Nectarios never lost his patience. He devoted himself to a life of poverty and good deeds, to preaching and teaching, and became a true spiritual guide to many. He lived the last years of his life in a monastery he opened, and reposed in 1920.

Toward the end of his life, he became known as a wonderworker, and healed every kind of illness, but especially cancer. His powerful intercessions continue after his repose to this day. He was glorified in 1961, and his feast is celebrated on November 9. There are more churches dedicated to St. Nectaros than any other modern Orthodox saint, a testament to his holiness that some once doubted.