Greece, June 8, 2020
Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr
According to sources of the Orthodoxia News Agency, filming on “Man of God,” a movie on the life and struggles of St. Nektarios of Aegina, is set to begin today.
The film by Yelena Popovic focuses on the many persecutions the great saint suffered without ceasing his pastoral ministry, including slander and exile. Filming will take place at several sites connected with the life of St. Nektarios, including Holy Dormition Monastery in Penteli, Greece, and on the island of Aegina, at the hospital where he took his last breath.
The film employs 95 actors from Greece, Russia, and America, including the Academy-award winning Mickey Rourke in the role of a paralyzed man who is healed by the great wonderworker St. Nektarios. He was reported as a possible participant in the film last fall, and his role was confirmed in February.
St. Nektarios himself will be portrayed by Greek actor Aris Servetalis, 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.
Writer and director Yelena Popovic, who was captivated by the life of St. Nektarios when she read it in 2012, had a small role in Cast Away with Tom Hanks, and has also worked with Edward James Olmos in Monday Nights at Seven.
Music for the film was written by the Golden Globe-nominated Polish composer Zbigniew Preisner.
