Saint Paisios: From Farasa to Heaven
Season One (English subtitles)
Season One (English subtitles)
Showing posts with label Orthodoxy in Film. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Orthodoxy in Film. Show all posts
Saturday, July 12, 2025
Thursday, March 13, 2025
Creators of Film "Man of God" Currently Working on New Film "Moses the Black"
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On the heels of the success of Man of God, the English-speaking international hit on the life of the Greek saint Nektarios of Aegina, with a cast of acclaimed actors, including Golden Globe winner Mickey Rourke, writer-director-producer Yelena Popovic and producer Alexandros Potter recently launched Simeon Faith, a fund that will finance and produce talent-driven, highly marketable films with strong elements of faith for a global audience. Simeon Faith is backed by a network of cinephiles and investors that recognize the importance of investing in impactful content in a media-dominated world.
The fund aims to develop, finance and produce one to two films per year over the next four years, with a focus on hard-hitting, relevant and meaningful stories that will bring the lives of the saints and messages of faith to the big screen. The first film on the slate currently in development is Moses the Black, a story of a gangster in modern-day Chicago inspired by the incredible story of repentance of the fourth century saint of the same name. You can learn more about Saint Moses the Black here.
The fund aims to develop, finance and produce one to two films per year over the next four years, with a focus on hard-hitting, relevant and meaningful stories that will bring the lives of the saints and messages of faith to the big screen. The first film on the slate currently in development is Moses the Black, a story of a gangster in modern-day Chicago inspired by the incredible story of repentance of the fourth century saint of the same name. You can learn more about Saint Moses the Black here.
Monday, February 3, 2025
Fyodor Dostoevsky's Meeting With Archbishop Nicholas Kasatkin the Missionary of Japan
By Michael K. Makrakis
Although Dostoevsky was born in Moscow (30 October 1821), he spent his life in St. Petersburg since May 1837 changing many times his place of abode. His last address was on Kuznechny Lane, near the Church of Vladimirskaya. This is where he received the invitation of the Society of the Friends of Russian Literature to attend the unveiling of the Pushkin bust in Moscow and give a speech. It was April-May of 1880. Dostoevsky was then writing his last book "The Brothers Karamazov". Although he did not want to interrupt his work, his huge love for Pushkin made him finally decide to travel to Moscow.
He left on 22 May. His wife, Anna Grigoryevna, who accompanied him to the station, begged him to write to her every day describing all the details. This is why he composed the letters covering the period he stayed in Moscow: from the next day of his arrival (23-24 May) until the 8th of June, 1880, the day he gave the speech for Pushkin. This speech caused so much upheaval that it was characterised as a true "historical fact". As he writes in one of his letters (13 June 1880) after his speech "the people started sobbing and embracing one another swearing to be better in the future."
Sunday, October 13, 2024
Movie: "Saint Chryse - A Ray of Light in the Years of Slavery" (2023)
Saint Chryse - A Ray of Light in the Years of Slavery
Directed by Nikos Katsoulis
Produced by the Metropolis of Edessa, Pella and Almopia
Released in 2023
Directed by Nikos Katsoulis
Produced by the Metropolis of Edessa, Pella and Almopia
Released in 2023
In Greek with English subtitles
"Saint Chryse - A Ray of Light in the Years of Slavery" is the true story of the martyrdom of Saint Chryse, a young girl who lived in Slatena, Almopia (present-day village of "Chryse") in the late 18th century.
The plot of the movie takes place in 1795, in the village of Slatena. It is winter, so the young Chryse, a devout Orthodox Christian, goes to get firewood. Chryse is abducted by a local Muslim man who is infatuated with her. The young woman endures terrible suffering over the following nine months. She consistently undergoes physical and mental abuse since she won't accept Islam and wed her kidnapper. On October 13, 1795, she is horrifyingly murdered for her refusal to compromise her faith in Christ.
Friday, August 4, 2023
Movie: "Men of Anjolos" (1997) - An Islamic Movie on the Life of the Seven Youths of Ephesus
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The Men of Anjolos (Persian: مردان آنجلس Mardān-e Ānjelos), also known as The Companions of the Cave (Persian: اصحاب کهف Ashāb-e Kahf), is a 1997 Iranian television series directed by Farajollah Salahshoor. It depicts the Islamic version of the story of the Seven Sleepers (mentioned in Surah al-Kahf of the Koran), which according to Islamic tradition took place in Jordan, not Ephesus as in the Christian version of the story.
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Season One of the Greek Television Series on the Life of Saint Paisios the Athonite Now in English; Updates on Season Two
The first season of "Saint Paisios - From Farasa to Heaven" is now available with English subtitles, thanks to the efforts of Saint Nicodemos Publications. They are available at the links below as an option:
Friday, March 10, 2023
Movie Trailer: "Diakos - The Hero Martyr" (2023) Highlights the Life and Martyrdom of the Greek Revolutionary Athanasios Diakos
The film group of the Metropolis of Kitros, Katerini and Platamon have produced a film that is currently screening in Greece called Diakos - The Hero Martyr.
The film highlights the timeless message of the self-sacrifice of Athanasios Diakos and is a tribute to the leading Freedom Fighter of the Greek Revolution of 1821.
The filming of the film lasted for five months and the filming took place both in Pieria and in neighboring prefectures.
The film, lasting about 2 hours, deals with the eventful life and the martyrdom of Athanasios Diakos, the First Martyr of the National Rebellion of 1821.
The film highlights the timeless message of the self-sacrifice of Athanasios Diakos and is a tribute to the leading Freedom Fighter of the Greek Revolution of 1821.
The filming of the film lasted for five months and the filming took place both in Pieria and in neighboring prefectures.
The film, lasting about 2 hours, deals with the eventful life and the martyrdom of Athanasios Diakos, the First Martyr of the National Rebellion of 1821.
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
Greek Television Series on the Life of Saint Paisios (Episode 9)
Episode Nine (English subtitles)
Arsenios, following the advice of Elder Kyrillos, returns home to help his family cope with their daily struggles and make a dowry for his little sister, Christina. He lives in Konitsa and works hard for three years. Having fulfilled all the obligations towards his family, he leaves for Mount Athos for good.
He goes to the Holy Monastery of Esphigmenou, and under the guidance of Abbot Kallinikos the young novice follows the spiritual life. He is distinguished for his great zeal, his sacrificial love, his humility and the spirit of love he has for all his brothers. In fact, he patiently endures the cruel behavior of a cruel monk. Eventually, he became a lesser-schema monk and took the name Paisios. He says goodbye to his mother by sending her a photo of him and a poem, in which he describes his great desire for the spiritual life, to tell her that from now on his mother will be the Panagia.
Arsenios, following the advice of Elder Kyrillos, returns home to help his family cope with their daily struggles and make a dowry for his little sister, Christina. He lives in Konitsa and works hard for three years. Having fulfilled all the obligations towards his family, he leaves for Mount Athos for good.
He goes to the Holy Monastery of Esphigmenou, and under the guidance of Abbot Kallinikos the young novice follows the spiritual life. He is distinguished for his great zeal, his sacrificial love, his humility and the spirit of love he has for all his brothers. In fact, he patiently endures the cruel behavior of a cruel monk. Eventually, he became a lesser-schema monk and took the name Paisios. He says goodbye to his mother by sending her a photo of him and a poem, in which he describes his great desire for the spiritual life, to tell her that from now on his mother will be the Panagia.
Thursday, April 7, 2022
Greek Television Series on the Life of Saint Paisios (Episode 8)
...continued from episode seven.
Episode Eight (with English subtitles)
Arsenios, at great risk of his life, saves one of his soldiers who was wounded in battle. Everyone admires his courage and tries to understand how he was not hit by the many bullet shots he received in his attempt to transport the wounded soldier. Eulogia receives a great surprise. Arsenios returns home and tells her that he was released from the army. Her joy will not last long, because he announces that he will leave for Mount Athos. She begs him to stay for a while, but Arsenios leaves the next day.
His emotion is great when he enters the Garden of the Panagia. He turns to Father Kyrillos, a great spiritual father, who gives him the first advice on monasticism. Shortly afterwards, he receives a letter from his father asking him to return immediately to help him in the fields and to make a dowry for his little sister, Christina. Arsenios is in a big dilemma. He turns to Father Cyril again and asks for his advice.
Episode Eight (with English subtitles)
Arsenios, at great risk of his life, saves one of his soldiers who was wounded in battle. Everyone admires his courage and tries to understand how he was not hit by the many bullet shots he received in his attempt to transport the wounded soldier. Eulogia receives a great surprise. Arsenios returns home and tells her that he was released from the army. Her joy will not last long, because he announces that he will leave for Mount Athos. She begs him to stay for a while, but Arsenios leaves the next day.
His emotion is great when he enters the Garden of the Panagia. He turns to Father Kyrillos, a great spiritual father, who gives him the first advice on monasticism. Shortly afterwards, he receives a letter from his father asking him to return immediately to help him in the fields and to make a dowry for his little sister, Christina. Arsenios is in a big dilemma. He turns to Father Cyril again and asks for his advice.
Thursday, March 31, 2022
Greek Television Series on the Life of Saint Paisios (Episode 7)
...continued from episode six.
Episode Seven (with English subtitles)
The Eznepidis family is preparing for Amalia's wedding. The Greek-Italian war, however, comes to disrupt these plans and the lives of all Greeks. Raphael and Haralambos go to war and Arsenios tries to help his family in the very difficult times. What follows is the German occupation and the great difficulties it brings with it.
Following the example of his mother and father, Arsenios tries to help those in need. Liberation is coming but very soon the great plague of Greece begins, the Civil War. Arsenios is called up to join the army. He turns to the Virgin Mary and begs her to help him not to kill anyone. He becomes a specialist as a radio operator and is an example for his fellow-soldiers with his self-denial, great faith and sacrificial love.
Episode Seven (with English subtitles)
The Eznepidis family is preparing for Amalia's wedding. The Greek-Italian war, however, comes to disrupt these plans and the lives of all Greeks. Raphael and Haralambos go to war and Arsenios tries to help his family in the very difficult times. What follows is the German occupation and the great difficulties it brings with it.
Following the example of his mother and father, Arsenios tries to help those in need. Liberation is coming but very soon the great plague of Greece begins, the Civil War. Arsenios is called up to join the army. He turns to the Virgin Mary and begs her to help him not to kill anyone. He becomes a specialist as a radio operator and is an example for his fellow-soldiers with his self-denial, great faith and sacrificial love.
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Greek Television Series on the Life of Saint Paisios (Episodes 5 and 6)
Episode Five (with English subtitles)
After many wanderings and difficulties, the family of Prodromos Eznepidis arrives in Konitsa, Epirus. There, they find people who welcome them with love and help them to start anew. Little Arsenios stutters his first prayers and grows up in a spiritual environment. With her death, grandmother Hatzi-Christina leaves a rich spiritual legacy to her children and grandchildren. At the same time, a new member is added to the family. Christina's birth leads Raphael home again, so that he does not listen to the mother who gives birth and little Amalia learn about the mystery of life and death. Arsenios grows up and encounters as a refugee child the first difficulties with his peers.
After many wanderings and difficulties, the family of Prodromos Eznepidis arrives in Konitsa, Epirus. There, they find people who welcome them with love and help them to start anew. Little Arsenios stutters his first prayers and grows up in a spiritual environment. With her death, grandmother Hatzi-Christina leaves a rich spiritual legacy to her children and grandchildren. At the same time, a new member is added to the family. Christina's birth leads Raphael home again, so that he does not listen to the mother who gives birth and little Amalia learn about the mystery of life and death. Arsenios grows up and encounters as a refugee child the first difficulties with his peers.
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Greek Television Series on the Life of Saint Paisios (Episode 4)
...continued from episode three.
Episode Four (with English subtitles)
Prodromos Eznepidis, father of Saint Paisios, tries to endure without his spiritual father, but he cannot. He is ready to give up when his wife Eulogia shows her strength and the wisdom she carries in her soul. She supports him and helps him not to bend.
Episode Four (with English subtitles)
Prodromos Eznepidis, father of Saint Paisios, tries to endure without his spiritual father, but he cannot. He is ready to give up when his wife Eulogia shows her strength and the wisdom she carries in her soul. She supports him and helps him not to bend.
Thursday, March 3, 2022
Greek Television Series on the Life of Saint Paisios (Episodes 1 - 3)
The life of Saint Paisios the Athonite has become a television series (as reported in September 2020) and has enjoyed high ratings and much acclaim in Greece. It aspires to bring to the screens of our homes the most important moments of the life of the Saint, from the moment he was born until his death. The first season, which is currently airing, concerns the course of the Saint from his family being led out of Farasa by Saint Arsenios of Cappadocia, who baptized Saint Paisios, to growing up in Konitsa, his experiences in the Greek army, his initial monastic venture in Konitsa, until the moment he enters Mount Athos. The second season will begin with his life on Mount Athos and end with his death.
Friday, February 25, 2022
UPDATE: Due to Popular Demand, the Film 'Man of God' Has Added a Showtime Date in the United States for March 28th
According to Fathom Events, the internationally acclaimed film Man of God,
about the life of Saint Nektarios, will be released nationwide in the
United States on Monday, March 21st at 7pm. Originally it is was one
night only, but due to popular demand it has added a showtime date for Monday, March 28th at 7pm. For now, it will be playing in over 800 cinemas nationwide, though less on March 28th. You
can purchase your tickets now.
See where it is playing near you and purchase your tickets here. Group sales requests must be for a minimum 25 tickets., which can be made here.
See trailer and info here.
Friday, January 28, 2022
UPDATE: The Film 'Man of God' Is Scheduled to be Released on March 21st Nationwide in the United States
According to IMDB, the internationally acclaimed film Man of God, about the life of Saint Nektarios, will be released nationwide in the United States on Monday, March 21st at 7pm. For right now, it is one night only. If it does well in cinemas, it may be extended to other nights. For now, it will be playing in over 800 cinemas nationwide. You can purchase your tickets now. I encourage people to do so, in order to sell out the theaters and for it to be extended with more dates.
See where it is playing near you and purchase your tickets here. Group sales requests must be for a minimum 25 tickets., which can be made here.
See where it is playing near you and purchase your tickets here. Group sales requests must be for a minimum 25 tickets., which can be made here.
See trailer and info here.
Saturday, October 30, 2021
Alfred Hitchcock Presents - "The Ikon of Elijah" (1960)
"The Ikon of Elijah" was originally broadcast on 10 January 1960 as part of the fifth season (ep. 16) of Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
The episode is based on the 1956 short story contained in the collection The Investigations of Avram Davidson. Davidson is best known for his work in the sci-fi and fantasy genres, but his 200+ published short stories included many mysteries. This volume collects thirteen of his best, most of which appeared in the pages of Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine between 1956-86. Two of his crime fiction stories, “The Ikon of Elijah” (in which an antique dealer goes to extreme lengths to obtain a valuable antique) and “Thou Still Unravished Bride” (in which a woman goes missing on her wedding day) were adapted for episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents. "The Ikon of Elijah" had also previously been the source of a 1958 episode of the CBC-TV anthology The Unforeseen.
The episode is based on the 1956 short story contained in the collection The Investigations of Avram Davidson. Davidson is best known for his work in the sci-fi and fantasy genres, but his 200+ published short stories included many mysteries. This volume collects thirteen of his best, most of which appeared in the pages of Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine between 1956-86. Two of his crime fiction stories, “The Ikon of Elijah” (in which an antique dealer goes to extreme lengths to obtain a valuable antique) and “Thou Still Unravished Bride” (in which a woman goes missing on her wedding day) were adapted for episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents. "The Ikon of Elijah" had also previously been the source of a 1958 episode of the CBC-TV anthology The Unforeseen.
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Official Trailer: Saint Chryse (2021)
The film takes place in 1795, in the village of Slatena, near the border of Serbia and Bulgaria, when it was under Ottoman rule. The young Chryse (Zlata), who is a Christian, goes to gather wood, because it is winter. A Muslim in the area, who had been possessed by carnal love for Chryse, kidnaps her. For the next nine months the young girl suffers terrible abuse. She is systematically tortured, mentally and physically, because she refuses to convert to Islam and marry her abductor. She was horribly killed on October 13, 1795, refusing to betray her faith.
Thursday, September 30, 2021
When Will the Film "Man of God" Receive a Wide Release?
I've received over a dozen messages in the past week asking me when the film "Man of God" will be released. Though I appreciate the enthusiasm, I'm not involved with the film at all, and look forward to its release as much as everyone else. However, I decided to write this short update to at least inform people where things are at in the moment. I also want people to know that when I hear more information regarding the release in America, I will let everyone know.
Currently "Man of God" is playing in theaters throughout Greece and Cyprus. It has been out for five weeks and has been dominating at #1 at the box office every week, beating out even Hollywood summer blockbusters. According to screendaily.com on September 29th:
Currently "Man of God" is playing in theaters throughout Greece and Cyprus. It has been out for five weeks and has been dominating at #1 at the box office every week, beating out even Hollywood summer blockbusters. According to screendaily.com on September 29th:
Monday, September 20, 2021
Movie Review: "Man of God" (2021) - Reviewed by Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria
As you may know from the 26th of August there began to be screened in the cinemas of Greece and Cyprus the film "Man of God", which is a film dedicated to Saint Nektarios of Pentapolis the Wonderworker.
Saint Nektarios is one of my beloved Saints and lived within the environment of the Patriarchate of Alexandria. I would like to convey my thoughts, those that were created by watching the film, because I believe that this film can give a lot of consolation and strength to the faithful in these difficult days that humanity is going through.
The film is directed by the Serbian in origin Yelena Popovic who also wrote the script. Many internationally renowned actors participated. I think that for the first time a film is presented to the Greek community that extols a Saint of the Church with equivalent seriousness and professionalism.
Saint Nektarios is one of my beloved Saints and lived within the environment of the Patriarchate of Alexandria. I would like to convey my thoughts, those that were created by watching the film, because I believe that this film can give a lot of consolation and strength to the faithful in these difficult days that humanity is going through.
The film is directed by the Serbian in origin Yelena Popovic who also wrote the script. Many internationally renowned actors participated. I think that for the first time a film is presented to the Greek community that extols a Saint of the Church with equivalent seriousness and professionalism.
Monday, September 13, 2021
Movie Review: "Man of God" (2021) - Reviewed by Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos
By Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos and Agiou Vlasiou
I watched with interest the film "Man of God" which refers to Saint Nektarios, Metropolitan of Pentapolis, founder of the Sacred Monastery of the Holy Trinity in Aegina, the production of which the Sacred Monastery of Vatopaidi from the Holy Mountain took part.
The life and conduct of Saint Nektarios, but also the miraculous charisma given to him by God, are wonderful, as well as his theological patristic training is also wonderful. His texts show the meeting of theology and pastoral care.
Watching this particular movie, the first thought that came to my mind is that our director and producers are not engaged in the projection and presentation of the elements of Orthodox tradition, but are content with presenting the various diseased elements of everyday men, with their various passions, love affairs, rivalries, violence, divorces, murders. A Serbian director, Yelena Popovic, had to come to show us that the people need to follow the healthy models which can be found in the Orthodox ecclesiastical environment.
The life and conduct of Saint Nektarios, but also the miraculous charisma given to him by God, are wonderful, as well as his theological patristic training is also wonderful. His texts show the meeting of theology and pastoral care.
Watching this particular movie, the first thought that came to my mind is that our director and producers are not engaged in the projection and presentation of the elements of Orthodox tradition, but are content with presenting the various diseased elements of everyday men, with their various passions, love affairs, rivalries, violence, divorces, murders. A Serbian director, Yelena Popovic, had to come to show us that the people need to follow the healthy models which can be found in the Orthodox ecclesiastical environment.
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