Why the sick turn to him
The Orthodox Church calls St Nektarios the Wonderworker. Even in his lifetime people spoke of healings through his prayers. Since his death, thousands of miracles have been attributed to his intercession, especially among people with cancer and other serious illnesses. His own last illness was painful, and many believers feel he stands close to people who are suffering in hospital.
The Saint's monastery on Aegina is among the most visited pilgrimage sites in Greece. People come from all over the world to pray at his relics.
In Melbourne: a portion of the holy relics of St Nektarios is kept at our church in Fawkner. Anyone who is sick, undergoing treatment or praying for a loved one is welcome to come and pray before them during our services. See service times.
Some well-known accounts
- His healing of St Amphilochios Makris of Patmos, who was later recognised as a saint himself.
- Many accounts from Greece and other countries of people being healed after praying to him. Several are collected in our library.
- He is also honoured as a patron saint of athletes, a tradition linked to his years as a schoolmaster.
