St. Nektarios of Aegina is one of the most beloved saints of the Orthodox Church today. He is especially venerated by the Greek Orthodox faithful, thought he is also highly revered in Russia, Romania, and throughout the entire Orthodox world.
The Holy Hierarch and Wonderworker reposed in the Lord on November 9, 1920, on the island of Aegina, where he built and pastored the convent that is today home to his precious relics. Thus, the 100th anniversary of his repose was widely celebrated yesterday throughout the Churches that serve on the New Calendar.
Unfortunately, due to strict quarantine restrictions in Greece, the faithful could not attend the feast in honor of their beloved saint. Silence reigned on the island of Aegina, as Metropolitan Ephraim of Hydra, Spetses, and Aegina celebrated the All-Night Vigil and Divine Liturgy in the empty St. Nektarios Cathedral, reports the Orthodoxia News Agency.
The usual procession with the head of the great saint had to be canceled.
While the faithful could not gather to honor the saint on the island of Aegina, he was uniquely honored in the Metropolis of Zambia of the Patriarchate of Alexandria.
In a letter dated November 8, Met. Ioannis of Zambia declared St. Nektarios as the patron saint of the metropolis.
“May the saint protect the land of Zambia now and forevermore, and let the God-pleasing work of the mission there flourish,” reads the official act, published on the Metropolis’ Facebook page.
