Dearly Beloved Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs. Yelena Popovic, the screenwriter and director of the truly seminal film “Man of God,” which we will be blessed to watch together, along with her husband Mr. Alexandros Potter.
This film is a cinematographic tribute to the final thirty years of the life and ministry of St. Nectarios of Pentapolis. Since its release, this film has been widely discussed, in part because it featured exceptional actors from Greece and abroad.
There is no doubt that the film “Man of God” is a creation that bears Mrs. Popovic’s unique signature, because through this film the qualities of her own character and personality shine through, as if we were watching a silent movie.
The saint’s outcry in the face of the injustices with which he was confronted goes silent and his silence cries out! The director gives her film the spiritual dimension of St. Nectarios’ “silent” ministry.
The righteous Nectarios followed the path of silence, which has the power to bring God down to earth and speak to the souls of the people, to shape consciences and to work miracles.
One of St. Nectarios’ most beloved sayings was the phrase “Σταυρός, ἡ μερὶς τοῦ βίου μου” or “The Cross is a part of my life.” St. Nectarios chose to resign himself from arguments and pointless debates, in order to defend himself from the ongoing slander and defamation that he suffered for years, preferring instead to seek refuge in the protection of God.
Our gathering here tonight reflects upon and draw inspiration from the saint’s life through its worthy depiction via the Seventh Art, cinema –, is a testament to this “man of God’s” full participation in the Lord’s Holy Passion.
Many thanks also to Mr. Nikolaos Kitsios, for utilizing his skills, in order for all of us to enjoy this movie.
Thank you all for attending.
