Today we celebrate Saint Nektarios, this great figure of Christianity, a spiritual figure who was wronged in his time, who was hunted many times by the state and ecclesiastical establishment.
As reported by the “Orthodox Typos” of the Blessed Father. Ambrosios Lazaris told a prosecutor how Saint Nektarios miraculously healed him.
“Prosecutor, do you see this? showing me at the same time a strange stone, the size of a tangerine, in a small glass jar, on the bedside table.
I nodded my head and the Elder followed.
Listen, prosecutor… Some time ago, a Swiss doctor, a friend of the Lamia Depot of Damascus, passed by. They came together. At that time I was suffering from some pains in the back and the Despot knew it. He tells the doctor about the problem and he said, after examining me, that I should be operated on immediately. It is a kidney problem and the operation is best done in the hospital in Vienna, he would see. I obeyed the Despot and went, you name it, to Switzerland. I went to the hospital, the tests were done and the operation was planned… Everyone agreed with the diagnosis and said it was a serious operation! They told me not to worry and things like that… Again, I had a question, but I wasn’t worried, because I experienced many miracles… whatever God wants…!
On the night before the operation in the afternoon, I went down to the hospital garden to pray and walk… A big hospital!… As I walk, I see what you are saying, prosecutor, and another priest, very well-known, of medium height, coming to me, from the other side, from the other door of the hospital. He came to me… we greeted each other…
What are you doing, Pope-Ambrose, how happy I am to see you!!!
Very well, father, but yes, I think about our world, our mistakes, our sins, I am already in pain, but praise God…!
We had many conversations, you say, but I was embarrassed to ask him his name, which I could not remember at all. However, he knew me very well… We talked about the Archbishop, the Seraphim, about Despotades about many things… I respected him! But how do you ask “what is your father’s name?”, it is very embarrassing to feel something like that…. We walked time. It got dark and I had to go back to the ward, let the nurses pass, prepare for the operation. While I was thinking about it, he says to me: Come on, let’s go to the room, Ambrosius, and I will leave as well. I could not resist and begged her grace to remember his name….
We got in and he sat next to me on the bed. We chatted a little more and at some point, he puts his hand on my side and says: Where are you going to work?
Yes, brother, I tell him…
Immediately I felt pain, as if I were lying down, and a strong desire to go to the toilet…
I went and “You are great, Lord, and your works are wonderful”!!!
With severe pains, as they say birth pains are like this, I took out this stone you see. I went back to sleep exhausted and told the priest who was still there.
Father, you know me well, but so well, but I do not remember your name. Excuse me!!! But what is your name and how did you get here? He gets up and what he says to me:
You love me so much and I love you and you don’t remember me Ambrose? Look, here I am, because I go where I want…! I was criticized and accused like anyone else … and my reward is to go, wherever I want and whenever I want, to help people…! I am Nektarios of Pentapolis!!! and because I love you, I came and worked on you…! Show this to the doctors tomorrow, because they do not believe, they are uncrossed and unscented… When they see it and examine you, tell them that I am working on you… They will understand… and good morning, good return … and left the ward …
The one you call my prosecutor is the story of this tangerine you see.
I have it here so that I will never forget this meeting…!
Time.news Interview with Father Michael Kerykos, an Expert on Saint Nektarios
Editor (Time.news): Good afternoon, Father Kerykos, and thank you for joining us today to discuss the remarkable legacy of Saint Nektarios, especially as we commemorate his feast day. It seems fitting to start with a brief overview of his life. Why do you think he remains such a pivotal figure in Christianity today?
Father Kerykos: Good afternoon! Saint Nektarios is indeed a central figure, particularly within the Orthodox tradition. His life tells a story of profound faith, resilience in the face of persecution, and miraculous healing. He was wronged by both secular and ecclesiastical authorities, and yet he maintained an unwavering commitment to his beliefs. This has given him a timeless relevance, as many people today find inspiration in his ability to rise above adversity.
Editor: That’s beautifully put. The recent anecdote from an Orthodox publication recounts a miraculous healing associated with Saint Nektarios. Can you share some context around this story and its significance?
Father Kerykos: Absolutely. The story shared by Father Ambrosios Lazaris is not just an individual’s healing—it encapsulates the larger theme of faith and divine intervention. Father Ambrosios had been prepared for a serious surgery due to a kidney issue. However, during a moment of prayer in the hospital garden, he encountered a figure he later realized was Saint Nektarios. This serendipitous meeting conveys the idea that divine presence often arrives unexpectedly, reinforcing the belief in miraculous healing through faith.
Editor: It’s fascinating how personal experiences like this contribute to the broader mystique of sainthood. Many followers feel a personal connection to Saint Nektarios because of these miraculous accounts. How do such stories impact the devotion of his followers?
Father Kerykos: These personal testimonies have a profound impact. They transform abstract beliefs into tangible experiences that believers can relate to. When individuals hear stories of miraculous healings or divine encounters, it strengthens their faith and deepens their devotion. It becomes more than just doctrine; it resonates on a personal level, providing hope and a sense of connection to something divine.
Editor: Speaking of faith, one recurring theme in Saint Nektarios’s life was his ability to forgive and maintain humility amidst persecution. How can his example serve as a lesson in today’s polarized world?
Father Kerykos: Saint Nektarios’s example is incredibly relevant. In our current society, which often feels divided and contentious, his life teaches the importance of compassion, patience, and forgiveness. Rather than retaliating against injustice, he chose to respond with love and humility. This is a powerful message for anyone facing conflict in their lives. By embracing forgiveness and understanding, we can become agents of peace.
Editor: That’s a poignant thought. As we celebrate his legacy, how do you see the future of devotion to Saint Nektarios evolving, especially among younger generations?
Father Kerykos: I believe that devotion to Saint Nektarios can continue to grow, particularly among younger generations seeking authentic spiritual experiences. They are often drawn to figures who embody integrity and the potential for transformation. As stories of his miracles circulate, coupled with efforts from the Church to make these messages accessible—through technology and community engagement—we might find a resurgence in interest and devotion.
Editor: Thank you, Father Kerykos, for sharing your insights today. Your perspective on Saint Nektarios’s enduring legacy offers much to reflect upon as we honor his memory and teachings.
Father Kerykos: Thank you for having me! It’s always a joy to discuss the profound impacts that saints like Nektarios can have on our lives today.