The Main Church

The main church, dedicated to St. Anthony and St. Nektarios, is a Byzantine-style domed church. St. Anthony the Great, the father of monasticism, lived in Egypt from 251 to 356 AD. Following Christ’s words, “If thou wouldest be perfect, go, sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me,” he abandoned his family’s earthly riches at the age of eighteen and retreated into the Egyptian desert, where he mastered the art of prayer and self-denial. Although he never sought disciples, the fame of his holiness drew many to the monastic life and many others to a renewed life dedicated to our Lord Jesus Christ.

“I no longer fear God, but I love him. For perfect love casts out fear.”
– Saint Anthony the Great

St. Nektarios of Aegina was born in 1846. He was consecrated bishop of Pentapolis in 1885. On account of his many virtues and sincere love for his flock in Christ, he was much beloved by the faithful. Other clergymen became jealous of his popularity and accused him of currying favor with the people in order to seat himself upon the patriarchal throne of Alexandria. He was therefore removed from his hierarchal position. The humble servant of Christ bore everything with guilelessness, always returning love and forbearance for the hate he unjustly received. After his repose in 1920, God showed how well-pleased He was with His beloved servant by working innumerable miracles through his holy relics and his intercessions.