“Man of God” a film centered on the life of St. Nektarios became an unexpected hit in the US.
The film was only shown in select theaters on March 21, and was originally meant to be released for one night only. Due to popular demand, however, “Man of God” will be shown again on March 28.
“Man of God” box office sales upon release in the US
The film, which is a great choice for Lenten viewing, features Hollywood star Mickey Rourke alongside esteemed Greek actor Aris Servetalis and Russian actor Alexander Petrov, and was directed, written, and produced by Yelena Popovic.
Filmed in Greece, the movie depicts the life of Saint Nektarios of Aegina, who endured unjust hatred and was persecuted by the religious establishment while preaching the Word of God.
Upon its release in August 2021, “Man of God” was a smash hit for four weeks straight in Greece and Cyprus, where viewers rushed to cinemas to catch the film.
Those in the US who are interested in attending the next showing on March 28 can check out a list of participating theaters and purchase tickets at FathomEvents.
The story of Saint Nektarios
The story begins with the 45-year-old cleric being ousted from Alexandria. The saint’s popularity, at the time when he was the Metropolitan, or bishop, of Pentapolis in Egypt, provokes the jealousy of some clergy there.
Fearing that he would become the next Patriarch of Alexandria, some of the clergy discredited him and as a result he was expelled from Egypt. He comes to Athens in 1891, and thanks to his sophisticated pedagogical tactics, he becomes famous, and at the same time begins one of his great literary works.
The workload, however, overwhelms him so he retires to Aegina. He rebuilds a ruined monastery with his own hands, which, thanks to his fame, flourishes. The monastery, however, is never officially recognized, while Nektarios is unjustly accused of immorality. At the Aretaio Hospital, shortly after his death in 1920, he performs a final miracle.
Finally, in 1961, Nektarios was officially recognized as a saint by the Greek Orthodox Church, and his feast day is celebrated on November 9.
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