Saint Nektarios of Aegina

Life

He was born in 1846, in Thrace, from a poor family. Since childhood he was thirsty for books and for God. He started from the bottom, worked hard, became a teacher, then a priest, and later a bishop in Egypt, under the Patriarchate of Alexandria, where he was loved by the people. It was precisely this love that stirred the envy of other clerics, who falsely accused him and removed him from his seat with shame.

And here the saint is seen. He didn't shout, didn't defend himself with anger, didn't seek justice at any price. He kept silent and endured the slander for years, without losing his gentleness. He returned to Greece, was a preacher, then for a long time led a school for priests in Athens, raising young men for the Church.

In his old age he founded a nuns' monastery on the island of Aegina. He lived in complete poverty, worked side by side with the nuns, tilled the land, carried stones. Sick with cancer, he died in an Athens hospital, in 1920, on a public ward bed, owning nothing. Right then the power of God manifested: a paralyzed sick man from the neighboring bed was healed simply because they laid one of the saint's garments on him.

Since then, Saint Nectarios is perhaps the most beloved wonderworker of modern times. His relics streamed myrrh, and countless people testify to healings through him, especially of cancer. The Ecumenical Patriarchate numbered him among the saints in 1961.

Prayer (in simple words)

Holy Hierarch Nektarios, you who were unjustly deposed and kept silent, never seeking revenge, teach me to answer injustice with patience, not with anger. You who lived in complete poverty, working with your own hands alongside the humblest, help me not to despise humble work or those who do it. And you who brought such relief to the sick, especially those struck by grave illness, stretch out your healing hand over all the suffering I carry in my heart. Amen.

Akathist

Prayers read before any Akathist

Kontakion 1

Come, disciples of Christ, who thirst for the heavenly kingdom, let us bring praises to our loving protector, the Holy Hierarch Nectarios. And, thanking him for his immeasurable love towards us, let us sing to him with one voice: Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Nectarios, great wonderworker!

Oikos 1

Man bearing the heavenly joys, you showed yourself in the world, Nectarios, hierarch of Christ, living an immaculate life, just, pious and inspired by God, gifted in all things; for this also from us you hear such things:

Rejoice, through whom the faithful are exalted;
Rejoice, through whom the hostile are scattered;
Rejoice, golden vessel of wisdom;
Rejoice, through whom the wickedness of the world is defeated;
Rejoice, dwelling of holiness and of heavenly work;
Rejoice, divine book of the new angelic city;
Rejoice, you who showed yourself truly a Saint;
Rejoice, you who renounced material things;
Rejoice, shining reward of faith;
Rejoice, pious mediator of grace;
Rejoice, through whom the Church is glorified;
Rejoice, through whom the island of Aegina rejoices;
Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Nectarios, great wonderworker.

Kontakion 2

Having wisdom, from your youth, your soul was illumined by the divine ray and you followed the brilliance of the holy commandments, Holy Hierarch Nectarios. Therefore, advancing in virtues, from a little child you sang to Christ: Alleluia!

Oikos 2

Going to the city of Saint Constantine, you had the fear of God as a guide and the search for holy things as a defender. Therefore, feeding on divine wisdom, from those whom by your word you filled with holy joy you hear singing such things:

Rejoice, vine of eternity;
Rejoice, nectar of ambrosia;
Rejoice, for by the Savior you were sent to us as an illumined healer;
Rejoice, for you followed the fathers of old;
Rejoice, the new stone of the spiritual edifice;
Rejoice, newly woven crown of the Orthodox Church;
Rejoice, you who showed yourself like a freshly bloomed rose;
Rejoice, you who were given by God;
Rejoice, the new star of the people's faith;
Rejoice, you who shine in the glory of the Creator;
Rejoice, good steward of the heavenly commandments;
Rejoice, image of the glorious angelic virtues;
Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Nectarios, great wonderworker.

Kontakion 3

The glorious wisdom you sought and desired from your youth, and you prayed to Christ with hot tears to adorn you with its high beauty. Therefore, Saint Nectarios, with faith and bowing you sing to the Lord: Alleluia!

Oikos 3

Your soul rejoiced, as once did those of the great Fathers Basil and Gregory, going to Athens to acquire the useful teaching. Therefore, with joy we sing to you such things:

Rejoice, son of the heavenly light;
Rejoice, offspring of angelic piety;
Rejoice, you who fled from worldly deceits;
Rejoice, for you did not cease to desire the deifying things;
Rejoice, God-bearing mind, full of divine meanings;
Rejoice, coal of the Holy Spirit, lit fire of Christian thought;
Rejoice, you who lived a life without blemish;
Rejoice, you who crushed the deceit of Beliar;
Rejoice, you who opened the door of your soul to the love of Christ;
Rejoice, you in whom the accomplishment of good blossomed;
Rejoice, the strong support of the faithful;
Rejoice, arrow of much weeping for the enemies;
Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Nectarios, great wonderworker.

Kontakion 4

Having in you the divine zeal of the Venerable Fathers, without ceasing you desired the angelic life. Therefore, in Chios, with joy you entered the angelic monastic order and left the enemy deprived, singing to the Lord unceasingly: Alleluia!

Oikos 4

The Hierarch from on high heard your prayer, you cried to Him with all your heart. Therefore, he quickly calmed the waters of the sea and stilled the storm. Seeing these things, those who were saved by your prayers, with thanksgiving and faith sing to you such things:

Rejoice, you who from God were sent to us as a healer;
Rejoice, unfailing spring of miracles;
Rejoice, the new star of the Church, most luminous;
Rejoice, for you entered the choir of the Saints;
Rejoice, priceless vessel of heavenly gifts;
Rejoice, blossoming garden of the blessed angelic virtues;
Rejoice, you who calm the storm of the sea;
Rejoice, for you still the cry of the blasphemers;
Rejoice, new chosen one of Christ;
Rejoice, Venerable gardener of virtues;
Rejoice, lover of spiritual life;
Rejoice, you who were rewarded with heavenly joy;
Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Nectarios, great wonderworker.

Kontakion 5

Holy Hierarch you showed yourself, in these latter times, worthy of honor as once the saints of old. For in the same manner as them you spent your life and performed glorious miracles, delivering from all afflictions those who sing: Alleluia!

Oikos 5

Wise hierarch, chosen by God you truly showed yourself in the land of Egypt, illumined shepherd of the Pentapolis, running, as once the great Paul, towards the life in Christ. Therefore, the faithful too, knowing your virtues, with a voice of joy sing such things:

Rejoice, greatness of the city;
Rejoice, nature of piety;
Rejoice, you who are like the Venerables of the desert;
Rejoice, the new adornment of the priesthood;
Rejoice, vessel of gentleness and treasure of love;
Rejoice, giver of peace and spring of mercy;
Rejoice, for to the Church you showed yourself shining;
Rejoice, for to the Venerables you show yourself a guide;
Rejoice, image of immaculate living;
Rejoice, lamp of received deification;
Rejoice, perfect hierarch, who serve the things on high;
Rejoice, unsurpassed speaker of divine things;
Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Nectarios, great wonderworker.

Kontakion 6

The Christians of the whole Church of Egypt saw that you are a true preacher of the Gospel. Therefore, the multitude of the faithful, who listened to the word of your teaching, thought they had acquired a new Holy Father, who teaches with power. And together with you they did not cease to sing to the Lord: Alleluia!

Oikos 6

You shone also in the Hellenic land, like a new apostle, illumining the hearts of the faithful with the fire of holy teachings and with the rays of your life, Saint Nectarios. Therefore, we too being illumined by your brilliance, sing to you such things:

Rejoice, illuminator of the Church of the Lord;
Rejoice, the strong trumpet of truth;
Rejoice, you who had the zeal of the Apostles;
Rejoice, spring of grace and healings;
Rejoice, deified orator of the words of life;
Rejoice, for your homilies are full of grace, sage of the city;
Rejoice, you who cleanse souls from the slavery of passions;
Rejoice, for you calm the evil impulses of hearts;
Rejoice, great teacher of the faithful;
Rejoice, strong ascetic, imitator of Christ;
Rejoice, for you guided many Christians;
Rejoice, for you directed souls to Christ;
Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Nectarios, great wonderworker.

Kontakion 7

Great among the Hierarchs and wise among the teachers, but also a humble ascetic of Christ you did not cease to be, Holy Hierarch Nectarios. Therefore, spiritual father of those preparing for the priestly service you were called. Together with them, we glorify you and sing: Alleluia!

Oikos 7

Nectar of justice and fruit of holy life, you followed the divine path and the spiritual cloud, and us, who are in times of distress, unceasingly you delivered. For this, our souls rejoice, when they sing to you such things:

Rejoice, path of joy;
Rejoice, breeze of eternity;
Rejoice, you who pour forth the waters of grace;
Rejoice, you who sealed the mouth of the dragon;
Rejoice, spring of holiness, that chases winter from the mind;
Rejoice, brilliance that illumines the deep darkness;
Rejoice, you who confound the thoughts of sinners;
Rejoice, you who gladden the hearts of the faithful;
Rejoice, support of the orthodox;
Rejoice, destroyer of heresies;
Rejoice, downfall of defamers;
Rejoice, healer of the sick;
Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Nectarios, great wonderworker.

Kontakion 8

Strange miracles, Father, spring from your great mercy and raise those who are in pain. Therefore, at your holy monastery too, unceasingly arrives a multitude of people, asking for healing and deliverance from sicknesses, singing unceasingly: Alleluia!

Oikos 8

A saving haven, on the island of Aegina, is your monastery, O Saint. Here, you spiritually led the souls of the nuns to salvation and directed them with wisdom to Christ. For this, unceasingly they will pray, saying to you:

Rejoice, holy work of the mind;
Rejoice, ocean of patience;
Rejoice, living image of humility;
Rejoice, holy treasure of purity;
Rejoice, lamp of innocence and ark of dispassion;
Rejoice, dwelling of virtues and ark of temperance;
Rejoice, for to God you guide your monastery;
Rejoice, for all your power and zeal you put for it;
Rejoice, brilliant watcher of Aegina;
Rejoice, for at once you give help to the faithful;
Rejoice, for you saved many from dangers;
Rejoice, for you threw the deceiver into the deep abyss;
Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Nectarios, great wonderworker.

Kontakion 9

Full of holy grace and of good spiritual fragrance are your Holy Relics. The myrrh that springs from them well-perfumes, not only your holy monastery, but also the entire island of Aegina, sanctifying those who do not cease to sing: Alleluia!

Oikos 9

Your Holy Relics are springing forth with grace and rich heavenly gifts. A multitude of the sick are healed and the paralytics straightened. Therefore we too, together with them, sing such things:

Rejoice, pool of healings;
Rejoice, unbinding of sufferings;
Rejoice, you who quickly run to help;
Rejoice, for in a dream or in a mysterious way you appear to all;
Rejoice, well that pours forth fatherly love;
Rejoice, haven of spiritual joy;
Rejoice, for from the terrible cancer you healed many;
Rejoice, for you gave the demons a wound of much weeping;
Rejoice, you who brought the pride of worldly wisdom to its knees;
Rejoice, for in a wonderful way you helped the faithful;
Rejoice, very precious adornment of the hierarchs;
Rejoice, you who illumine the mind of the ignorant;
Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Nectarios, great wonderworker.

Kontakion 10

Help and protector all the faithful call you who have sweetened themselves with the food of your benefactions. For, of those who called upon you with faith, not one remained uncomforted by your grace. Therefore, all with joy sing: Alleluia!

Oikos 10

The news of your miracles has spread everywhere, God-bearer. And you, even to those from afar quickly came to help, saving them from dangers and afflictions. Therefore, to you they run saying:

Rejoice, for you were called Great among the Fathers;
Rejoice, for you have a place of honor among the saints;
Rejoice, for you are praised just like those of old;
Rejoice, for among the Holy Fathers you were crowned;
Rejoice, triumph of faith, wall of defense of the Christians;
Rejoice, spring of grace, shaming of the unbelievers;
Rejoice, you who reveal to us the glory of the truth;
Rejoice, you who silence the mouth of the sinners;
Rejoice, the joy and power of the faithful;
Rejoice, the support and strengthening of our souls;
Rejoice, through whom Christ is glorified;
Rejoice, through whom the devil is eradicated;
Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Nectarios, great wonderworker.

Kontakion 11

Countless songs of thanksgiving we raise to you, O Saint, we who are protected under your veil. For, in all our afflictions, quickly you came to chase away our sadness. Therefore, with your help, we glorify Christ singing: Alleluia!

Oikos 11

You burned the zeal of the demons, with the flames of your miracles and with fervor you came to the help of the faithful. In heavy sufferings, you extinguished their pain and from a great multitude of sicknesses you healed them. Therefore, with piety they utter such things:

Rejoice, the healer of the sick;
Rejoice, the terror of the demons;
Rejoice, for you healed those tormented by fevers;
Rejoice, for you straightened the paralytics;
Rejoice, you who filled the dried well with water;
Rejoice, for you blessed Aegina, through unceasing prayer;
Rejoice, for through you, the mercy of God is shown;
Rejoice, you who stopped the drought and gave abundant rain;
Rejoice, the spring of unfailing grace;
Rejoice, star that illumined everyone;
Rejoice, you who showed yourself a skilled spiritual father of the monastery;
Rejoice, for from the nuns you hear hymns of praise unceasingly;
Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Nectarios, great wonderworker.

Kontakion 12

The grace of the Comforter pours out with wealth through your holy Relics and, like an unfailing spring, waters the tormented souls and heals the bodily sicknesses of those who unceasingly sing to the Lord: Alleluia!

Oikos 12

Singing together with the angelic hosts the hymn of the Thrice-Holy Trinity, look from on high also towards us, the sinners, and with your great mercy, do not cease to help us, who with faith sing to you such things:

Rejoice, son of Selymbria;
Rejoice, glory of the Church;
Rejoice, pride of Aegina;
Rejoice, guardian of Hellas;
Rejoice, image and model of a pious hierarch;
Rejoice, shield and refuge for any monk;
Rejoice, the new morning star of the Church;
Rejoice, the gift by which the pious are strengthened;
Rejoice, through whom passions are cleansed;
Rejoice, for men glorify God through you;
Rejoice, untiring defender of the faithful;
Rejoice, prompt mediator to the Creator;
Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Nectarios, great wonderworker.

Kontakion 13

O, most good father, illuminator of the orthodox, hierarch of Christ, Saint Nectarios! Standing before the Throne of God, pray unceasingly, for the forgiveness of our sins and for our return towards the adoption of grace. For unceasingly we sing to the Savior: Alleluia! (this kontakion is said three times)

Then Oikos 1 and Kontakion 1.

Oikos 1

Man bearing the heavenly joys, you showed yourself in the world, Nectarios, hierarch of Christ, living an immaculate life, just, pious and inspired by God, gifted in all things; for this also from us you hear such things:

Rejoice, through whom the faithful are exalted;
Rejoice, through whom the hostile are scattered;
Rejoice, golden vessel of wisdom;
Rejoice, through whom the wickedness of the world is defeated;
Rejoice, dwelling of holiness and of heavenly work;
Rejoice, divine book of the new angelic city;
Rejoice, you who showed yourself truly a Saint;
Rejoice, you who renounced material things;
Rejoice, shining reward of faith;
Rejoice, pious mediator of grace;
Rejoice, through whom the Church is glorified;
Rejoice, through whom the island of Aegina rejoices;
Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Nectarios, great wonderworker.

Kontakion 1

Come, disciples of Christ, who thirst for the heavenly kingdom, let us bring praises to our loving protector, the Holy Hierarch Nectarios. And, thanking him for his immeasurable love towards us, let us sing to him with one voice: Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Nectarios, great wonderworker!

Prayer to Saint Hierarch Nectarios of Aegina

O, most holy and in all things praised, great wonderworker Nectarios, receive this little prayer from us, your unworthy servants, for running to you, as to a true spring of healings and a prompt benefactor and most wonderful helper, and looking at the holy image of your icon, with hot tears we pray to you: see, O saint, our pains, see our poverty and our misery. See the wounds of our souls and of our bodies. We pray to you, Holy Hierarch Nectarios, hasten to help us with your unceasing and holy prayers and support us, your servants. Take heed to our sighs and do not overlook us, the miserable and afflicted, for we know, saint of God, that even after your passing from this fleeting life, whoever hoped in your help and prayed to you with faith did not remain unhelped. For who called you to help and you did not hear them? Or who, being in pain and running towards your help, did you not relieve their suffering?

Your miracles and your help made us too, the miserable and afflicted, call you to come to our help. We know, O chosen hierarch, of the multitude of healings that you have done, showing yourself a new unmercenary doctor. We know no suffering and no pain that you cannot relieve.

We know no sickness to which you cannot bring healing, but more than that, not only did you heal sicknesses about which the doctors said they could not be healed, but also you helped many sick people to be strengthened in faith and in patience, and to take reward from God for their toil.

Kneeling, we pray to you, Holy Hierarch Nectarios, to pray for us to Christ, He Who did not overlook your sacrificial prayers, but strengthened you and received you in the heavenly mansions.

Pray to Him, so that we too may be helped and shown mercy with your prayers, and delivered from damages and afflictions, so that we may bless God praised in the Trinity, always, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen!

Source: Doxologia.ro. Prayer text taken from public Orthodox sources; rights remain with their authors and translators. Devotional, non-commercial use. May be removed on request.