Difference between revisions of "Philotheos (Zervakos) of Paros"
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Blessed Elder Archimandrite Philotheos (Zervakos) was born in the small and remote village of Pakia in Sparti, Peloponesse, Greece, in the year 1884 and was given the name of Constantine at his [[baptism]]. From childhood he demonstrated an exceptional love for God. | Blessed Elder Archimandrite Philotheos (Zervakos) was born in the small and remote village of Pakia in Sparti, Peloponesse, Greece, in the year 1884 and was given the name of Constantine at his [[baptism]]. From childhood he demonstrated an exceptional love for God. | ||
| − | In 1912, [[April 22]], Father Philotheos was [[ordination|ordained]] to the [[presbyter|priesthood]] by [[Metropolitan]] Gabriel of Trifilia and Olympia. In 1924, he made an extensive [[pilgrimage]] to the [[Holy Land]] and Egypt. This is all described in his book published in 1925, ''Great and Wondrous Pilgrimages to Palestine and Sinai''. | + | He was 18 years old, when he was inspired by the 54th Psalm to follow the monastic life. He departed from his paternal home with neither shoes or any possessions; he only had his tunic and a small gospel. In 1912, [[April 22]], Father Philotheos was [[ordination|ordained]] to the [[presbyter|priesthood]] by [[Metropolitan]] Gabriel of Trifilia and Olympia. In 1924, he made an extensive [[pilgrimage]] to the [[Holy Land]] and Egypt. This is all described in his book published in 1925, ''Great and Wondrous Pilgrimages to Palestine and Sinai''. |
In 1930, Elder Ierotheos reposed, and Fr. Philotheos succeeded him as [[abbot]] of Longovarda. By this stage, Fr. Philotheos had the reputation of a saint. In 1934, he made another pilgrimage, this time to Constantinople. He returned to Greece and founded the [[convent]] of [[Panagia Myrtidiotissa]] ''Thapsanon'' (The Virgin of the Myrtle Tree), 4 km from Lefkes on the island of Paros, Greece. | In 1930, Elder Ierotheos reposed, and Fr. Philotheos succeeded him as [[abbot]] of Longovarda. By this stage, Fr. Philotheos had the reputation of a saint. In 1934, he made another pilgrimage, this time to Constantinople. He returned to Greece and founded the [[convent]] of [[Panagia Myrtidiotissa]] ''Thapsanon'' (The Virgin of the Myrtle Tree), 4 km from Lefkes on the island of Paros, Greece. | ||
| − | On the morning of [[May 8]], 1980, the blessed Elder Philotheos died. His funeral was conducted by Archimandrite Dionysios of [[Simonopetra Monastery (Athos)|Simonopetra Monastery]] of [[Mount Athos|Mt Athos]]. His [[relics]] were laid to rest at the convent in Paros, in a place that he chose beside the chapel dedicated to his spiritual mentor, St. [[Nectarios of Aegina]] ([[November 9]]). | + | Throughout his life, the Elder preaches the word of God and heard confessions for 68 years (1912 to 1978). During this time, he visited the islands of Paros, Antiparos, Naxos, Amorgos, Thera, Syros, Tinos, Andros, Sifnos, Patmos, Rhodes, Chios, Mytilene, Aegina, Hydra, Cyprus, Kefallinia, Zakynthos, Evoia, Skiathos, Prigippos. He also visited over 54 cities and towns throughout Greece, including Athens, Sparta, Corinth, Thessaloniki etc. and internationally including Alexandria, Cairo, Constantinople, Suez etc |
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| + | During his life, he built 12 churches, two monasteries, three cemeteries and two schools. The money he would receive from the faithful he would distribute to the poor, the widows and the orphans. | ||
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| + | On the morning of [[May 8]], 1980, the blessed Elder Philotheos died in his cell at Thapsana, Paros. His funeral was conducted by Archimandrite Dionysios of [[Simonopetra Monastery (Athos)|Simonopetra Monastery]] of [[Mount Athos|Mt Athos]]. His [[relics]] were laid to rest at the convent in Paros, in a place that he chose beside the chapel dedicated to his spiritual mentor, St. [[Nectarios of Aegina]] ([[November 9]]). | ||
==Writings== | ==Writings== | ||
Revision as of 22:19, February 20, 2008
Life
Blessed Elder Archimandrite Philotheos (Zervakos) was born in the small and remote village of Pakia in Sparti, Peloponesse, Greece, in the year 1884 and was given the name of Constantine at his baptism. From childhood he demonstrated an exceptional love for God.
He was 18 years old, when he was inspired by the 54th Psalm to follow the monastic life. He departed from his paternal home with neither shoes or any possessions; he only had his tunic and a small gospel. In 1912, April 22, Father Philotheos was ordained to the priesthood by Metropolitan Gabriel of Trifilia and Olympia. In 1924, he made an extensive pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Egypt. This is all described in his book published in 1925, Great and Wondrous Pilgrimages to Palestine and Sinai.
In 1930, Elder Ierotheos reposed, and Fr. Philotheos succeeded him as abbot of Longovarda. By this stage, Fr. Philotheos had the reputation of a saint. In 1934, he made another pilgrimage, this time to Constantinople. He returned to Greece and founded the convent of Panagia Myrtidiotissa Thapsanon (The Virgin of the Myrtle Tree), 4 km from Lefkes on the island of Paros, Greece.
Throughout his life, the Elder preaches the word of God and heard confessions for 68 years (1912 to 1978). During this time, he visited the islands of Paros, Antiparos, Naxos, Amorgos, Thera, Syros, Tinos, Andros, Sifnos, Patmos, Rhodes, Chios, Mytilene, Aegina, Hydra, Cyprus, Kefallinia, Zakynthos, Evoia, Skiathos, Prigippos. He also visited over 54 cities and towns throughout Greece, including Athens, Sparta, Corinth, Thessaloniki etc. and internationally including Alexandria, Cairo, Constantinople, Suez etc
During his life, he built 12 churches, two monasteries, three cemeteries and two schools. The money he would receive from the faithful he would distribute to the poor, the widows and the orphans.
On the morning of May 8, 1980, the blessed Elder Philotheos died in his cell at Thapsana, Paros. His funeral was conducted by Archimandrite Dionysios of Simonopetra Monastery of Mt Athos. His relics were laid to rest at the convent in Paros, in a place that he chose beside the chapel dedicated to his spiritual mentor, St. Nectarios of Aegina (November 9).
Writings
From the Holy Monastery of Panagia Myrtidiotissa, Elder Philotheos wrote a well-known apologetic in 1976 addressed to Archimandrite Cyprian.[1] This letter (cf. External links) is considered of extreme historical importance in the Orthodox Church since it is written in defense of his spiritual father, St. Nectarios of Aegina.
Relationships
- St. Nectarios of Aegina, 1846-1920.
- St. 'Papa' Nicholas (Planas) of Athens, 1851-1932. (March 2)
- Blessed Papa Dimitri Gagastathis, 1902-1975.
Sources
- The Blessed Elder Philotheos Zervakos by S. Kementzentzidis, trans. by Palis and Chalice, Thessaloniki: 1986.
- Blessed Elder Philotheos Zervakos by C. Cavarnos, Institute for Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies, Belmont, MA: 1993.
References
- ↑ The most reverend Cyprian, Dr. Theol., is the Metropolitan of Oropos and Fili and President of the Holy Synod in Resistance, Orthodox Church of Greece. He is the spiritual son of Elder Philotheos.
External links
- Elder Philotheos (Zervakos) Defends His Spiritual Father, St. Nectarios of Aegina: A Momentous Letter of Historic Importance (PDF) Άγιος Κυπριανός, No. 323 (November-December 2004), pp. 114-116.
- Orthodox America - Elder Philotheos Zervakos
- A Desperate Appeal by the Elder Philotheos by St. Philotheos Zervakos
- Excerpts from Paternal Counsels, Vol. I and II by St. Philotheos Zervakos
- Not on the New Calendar!: The Repose of the Blessed Elder Philotheos Zervakos
