Bishop, teacher, monk and healer, and one of the most loved saints of the modern Orthodox world. This is an introduction for Australians who want to know who he was and why so many people ask for his prayers.
Saint Nektarios is one of the most beloved saints of the modern age, especially close to those who suffer through illness, pain, grief and hardship. Having himself endured injustice, sickness and sorrow, he became known for his deep compassion and for the many healings and miracles associated with his intercession.
For generations, the faithful have travelled to Aegina in Greece to venerate his tomb and holy relics, praying for healing, strength, comfort and help in times of serious illness and distress.
For us in Melbourne, this closeness is especially moving. A portion of the holy relics of Saint Nektarios is present at the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Nektarios in Fawkner.
The saint whom countless pilgrims journey across the world to encounter in Aegina has, in a beautiful way, also come close to us here in Australia. Those who are sick, those undergoing treatment, those carrying pain or fear, and those praying for loved ones can come before his relics, seek his intercession and ask for healing, consolation and strength.
From Aegina to Melbourne, Saint Nektarios remains near to those who call upon him, especially in moments when the burden of illness feels greatest.
Fr Konstantinos Apostolellis (Father Kosta), Parish Priest
Annual vigil: each year on the first Friday of September, around the feast of the translation of his relics, the parish keeps a six-hour night vigil with a procession of the holy relics, which are offered for veneration during the service. See the calendar.
The icon of St Nektarios, patron of our parish in Fawkner.
St Nektarios was born Anastasios Kephalas in 1846 in Selymbria, Thrace. As a young man he worked in Constantinople and taught on the island of Chios. He became a monk and studied theology in Athens, and in 1889 he was consecrated Metropolitan of Pentapolis in the Patriarchate of Alexandria.
He was soon removed from Egypt after false accusations. He never defended himself, and he accepted humble work as a preacher in Greece. He later directed the Rizarios Ecclesiastical School in Athens and founded the Holy Trinity Monastery on Aegina. He died in November 1920 in a ward for the poor at an Athens hospital.
The Ecumenical Patriarchate recognised him as a saint in 1961. Many people, especially the sick, still turn to him in prayer.
The full timelineFrom Thrace to Constantinople, Alexandria, Athens and Aegina: the main events of his life, with dates.
Read → ii.Why he is called the Wonderworker, and why the sick in particular ask for his prayers.
Read → iii.His writings, his main themes, and his hymn (apolytikion).
Read → iv.A selection of in-depth articles for anyone who wants to read more.
Browse → v.St Nektarios Church in Fawkner: its history, clergy and community life.
Discover → vi.The church is open for services. Divine Liturgy every Sunday from 7:45am, in Greek with some English. Everyone is welcome.
See service times →O faithful, let us honour Nektarios, divine servant of Christ, offspring of Silivria and guardian of Aegina, who in these latter years was manifested as the true friend of virtue. All manner of healing wells forth for those who in piety cry out: Glory to Christ who glorified you; glory to Him who, through you, wrought wonders; glory to Him who, through you, works healing for all.
English translation as published by OrthodoxWiki.
The Greek Orthodox Church of St Nektarios on Major Road, Fawkner, takes its name from the Saint. The parish has served the community since 1968, and the foundation stone of the present church was laid in April 1975. Divine Liturgy is celebrated every Sunday in Greek, with some English, and the parish keeps his feast each November.
You are welcome at any of our services to light a candle and pray before his icon and holy relics, whether you are Orthodox or simply curious.
We gratefully accept your donations for our Building Fund, to be expended over future years on the following categories:
Donations are made securely online through Square.
Donate to the Building Fund