Man of God
Directed by Yelena Popovich
2021
“Man of God” is an excellent film made by an Orthodox director (Serbian Yelena Popovic) with a cast including Greek and Russian actors along with Americans such as Mickey Rourke. The film is a biographical account of the Saints ecclesiastical life at the Patriarchate of Alexandria and the Church of Greece. The Saint was fiercely hounded and criticized by careerist bishops who were jealous of the sincerely pious Nektarios.
The film nicely contrasts the piety of Saint Nektarios with the political scheming that was taking place in ecclesiastical circles. Just look at the present problems at today’s Patriarchate of Alexandria and at the Patriarchates of Constantinople and Moscow. Some things do not change.
Saint Nektarios was involved as a preacher, teacher, and founded the Monastery on the island of Aegina that bears his name. He was an Orthodox traditionalist refusing to disavow monasticism in the midst of secular criticisms. He was a man of peace who above all was willing to suffer in his devotion to Christ.
The film is a must see not only for Orthodox Christians, but western Christians and all people of faith generally. Highly recommended and inspiring.