“Seek the Lord daily; but seek Him within your heart, not outside of your heart. And when you find Him, stand before Him in fear and awe, just as the Cherubim and Seraphim do, because your heart has become the throne of God. In order to find the Lord, however, humble yourselves to the ground, because the Lord detests the proud, whereas He loves and visits them who possess a humble heart.” Saint Nektarios
I had never truly encountered godly humility until I began learning about the lives of Orthodox saints. That same humility was perfectly portrayed in Man of God, the breathtaking film about the life of a Greek saint, written and directed by Yelena Popovic.
The film captures St. Nektarios’s lifelong struggle against slander and false accusations, showing how he endured injustice with grace rather than bitterness. His story is a powerful reminder that God himself is the vindicator of the faithful. Although vindication for Nektarios came a century later through his canonization, the film emphasizes the truth that God’s justice always prevails. It prevails on His timing, and not ours.
St. Nektarios of Aegine (1846-1920) is one of the most beloved modern Orthodox saints, known for his humility, patience, and love. He entered the monastic life young and rose to serve under Patriarch Sophronios of Alexandria, who admired him and ordained him as bishop. However, jealousy and false accusations led him to be dismissed from the church and leave Egypt.
When he returned to Greece, Nektarios became a respected preacher, theologian and dean of a theological school. His greatest legacy was founding the Covenant of the Holy Trinity on Aegine, where he ministered, taught, and healed people. He died in 1920 and at his tomb people were experiencing miracles. Today, he is especially venerated by those suffering from cancer and other illnesses.
The movie begins during his service as bishop in Cairo, when false accusation led to betrayal by his fellow clergy. From there, the story unfold with themes of injustice, humility, and endurance. It felt like St.Nektarios (played brilliantly by Aris Servetalis) was walking in Jesus’s shoes. When you become a follower of Christ, do not be surprised when you go through similar challenges that Jesus went through when He was here on earth. In fact, you will experience the same things that He did and that is exactly what is going to make you like Him.
The plot of the movie is engaging, you ache for Nektarios as one trial after another tests his faith. And yet, in every situation, he remains Christlike.
One scene that especially stood out to me was when two of his students got into a fight. Instead of punishing them, he chose to go on a three-day hunger strike. He took the punishment on himself instead of disciplining his students. And it worked but made the principle of the school upset. He later told Nektrarios that he was not exercising enough authority. To which he brilliantly responded, “I do implement punishment when I feel it is necessary. A healthy balance between kindness and authority is best.”
That’s what Jesus does. That’s how Jesus disciplines.
Ari Servetalis delivers a remarkable performance, embodying the saint with depth and gentleness, and childlike innocence. Casting him was a perfect choice because the resemblance between the actor and the saint is uncanny. Director Yelena Popovic captures the story with both feminine sensitivity and the reality of a cruel world. The combination of chiaroscuro-like lighting motifs accompanied by a unique rendition of Kyrie Eleison made me feel as though I were inside of an icon.
Man of God isn’t just a film, it is an encounter with holiness. Watching it reminded me that striving to be perfect like God is possible. It is costly, painful, and countercultural, but it is possible.
As a Western Christian, I couldn’t help but contrast St. Nektarios with many evangelical celebrity pastors in the U.S today. On one hand, I was moved to repentance and found myself praying, “Jesus Son of God, have mercy on me,” for a few minutes after the movie was over. On the other hand, I was grieved by memories of narcissistic pastors, who were suppose to be my shepherds. The movie made me put theological differences into perspective. The contrast was striking. The Man of God held up a mirror and called me back to humility.
There is a detail in the film, though may seem insignificant for others, captured my attention the most. It was the moment when Greek authorities began to demolish Nektarios’s monastery, searching for evidence after yet another false accusation. One of the nuns, begins to panic and in her distress, pleads, “Say something? Do something!” Instead, Nektarios places his index finger to his lips, points to heaven, and remains silent, trusting God to make things right. And He did. Once again, God vindicated him.
It didn’t matter how many times people tried to cancel Nektarios, Jesus got his back over and over again. When you are loyal to God, He will always rescue you.
Man of God exceeded my expectations. This is not just a movie for Orthodox believers, it is for everyone. Whether you are Christian or not, you will walk away challenged, humbled, and sanctified.
Watch it. It will make you a better human being.
Spotify Soundtracks Playlist:
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