“I want to die doing my duty, or on the way to a prison,” said Father Gervasios, who is also known as the “Saint of Prisoners.” The Greek priest has received an honorary distinction by the Daily Newspapers Journalists’ Union in Macedonia and Thrace.
According to Greek media, Farther Gervasios received the honorary distinction during an event in Thessaloniki on Monday evening, December 15, for his work in helping thousands of prisoners in need. During the last 37 years, the priest has met with many Greek and foreign criminals including Kostas Passaris and members of the infamous “17N” terrorist group. In fact, he was able to change the life of Passaris, convincing him to lead a holier life in Mount Athos.
The 83-year-old Archimandrite has visited numerous maximum security correctional institutions across the globe in order to lead criminals in God’s path. He never hesitated, not even after he was asked to travel 15,500 miles to Fiji, to teach the word of God to local prisoners.
Father Gervasios is also known as the “Priest of the Poor” or the “Angel of Prodigal Sons.” Since 1987, when he started working with prisoners, he has helped at least 16,000 poor prisoners by paying their fines amounting to a total of 5 million euros. The money was raised by public contributions.
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