Los Angeles, August 15, 2019
Photo: IMDb
The life and struggles of St. Nektarios of Aegina, the “saint of our century,” will soon come to life on the big screen, in a new international production entitled “Man of God.”
Production company Simeon Entertainment describes the film: “Exiled unjustly, convicted without trial, slandered without cause, yet his love for God and his fellow men conquered all. Man of God depicts the tribulations of Saint Nektarios of Aegina, as he bears the unjust hatred of his enemies, while preaching the Word of God and wishing good to everyone.”
The movie is currently in pre-production, with filming expected to begin in the fall. It is hoped that it will hit theaters in November 2020, in time for the 100th anniversary of the great wonderworker’s repose, reports the Orthodoxia News Agency.
The movie will be directed by Yelena Popovic, who was captivated by the life of St. Nektarios when she read it in 2012, and will involve international stars. Popovic herself had a small role in Cast Away with Tom Hanks, and has also worked with Edward James Olmos in Monday Nights at Seven.
There are reports indicating that Hollywood actor and Orthodox Christian Jonathan Jackson could take a role in the film. Mickey Rourke and Jennifer Aniston have also been mentioned, as well as Tom Hanks, also an Orthodox convert, as a possible co-producer, Orthodoxia notes.
Greek actor Aris Servetalis will play St. Nektarios, and Greek actress Marthilia Svarna will play the Nun Euphemia who was close to the saint and was present at the time of his holy repose.
Filming will take place in various places associated with the life of St. Nektarios, including in Aegina and the hospital where he took his last breath. Today there is a shrine in Aretaeio Hospital room 2 where St. Nektarios departed to the Lord, with a vigil lamp continually burning before his icon.
