Saint Paisios: From Farasa to Heaven
Season One (English subtitles)
Season One (English subtitles)
Showing posts with label St. Paisios the Athonite. Show all posts
Showing posts with label St. Paisios the Athonite. Show all posts
Saturday, July 12, 2025
Cast and Screenwriter of the Television Series About Saint Paisios Visit the Metropolis of Nafpaktos
On the 9th and 10th of July, His Eminence Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos and Agiou Vlasiou was visited by the screenwriter of the successful television series about Saint Paisios “From Farasa to Heaven,” Mr. George Tsiakkas and his wife, actress Christina Pavlidou, who played Saint Paisios’ mother, Eulogia, with three other friends of his.
On the morning of July 9, they visited the Offices of the Sacred Metropolis, where they discussed with His Eminence Metropolitan Hierotheos about Saint Paisios, whom he met personally and wrote two books about, such as “Saint Paisios the Athonite as an Empirical Theologian” and “Saint Paisios the Athonite: An Autobiography”, as well as drafting the petition for his canonization to the Ecumenical Patriarchate as early as 2004, ten years after his repose.
On the morning of July 9, they visited the Offices of the Sacred Metropolis, where they discussed with His Eminence Metropolitan Hierotheos about Saint Paisios, whom he met personally and wrote two books about, such as “Saint Paisios the Athonite as an Empirical Theologian” and “Saint Paisios the Athonite: An Autobiography”, as well as drafting the petition for his canonization to the Ecumenical Patriarchate as early as 2004, ten years after his repose.
Monday, November 4, 2024
Actress Juliette Binoche Acclaims Saint Paisios the Athonite and Byzantine Iconography In Award Speech
The 65th Thessaloniki Film Festival welcomed two of the most prolific stars of contemporary cinema, Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fiennes, on Friday, November 1st 2024, at the Olympion theater. The two renowned actors received the Festival’s honorary Golden Alexander award prior to the screening of the monumental film The English Patient (1996), which marked their second collaboration (their first was in 1992's Wuthering Heights) and garnered Juliette Binoche an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, and Ralph Fiennes a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor.
The thank you speech of Juliette Binoche was particularly interesting for Greek Orthodox Christians, because she opened with the following words:
"Your skies and seas are an inspiration in my life - in our lives. Your words and thoughts through Sophocles, Homer, the great philosophers and the saints, especially Saint Paisios, are feeding my path and heart. Thank you for what you give to the world (applause). I had the most amazing day today in Thessaloniki (applause). Visiting your monasteries, walking in your streets, feeling your stones and trees and eating your bread, fish and vegetables and admiring your Byzantine Treasures, like icons. What a beautiful journey!"
The thank you speech of Juliette Binoche was particularly interesting for Greek Orthodox Christians, because she opened with the following words:
"Your skies and seas are an inspiration in my life - in our lives. Your words and thoughts through Sophocles, Homer, the great philosophers and the saints, especially Saint Paisios, are feeding my path and heart. Thank you for what you give to the world (applause). I had the most amazing day today in Thessaloniki (applause). Visiting your monasteries, walking in your streets, feeling your stones and trees and eating your bread, fish and vegetables and admiring your Byzantine Treasures, like icons. What a beautiful journey!"
A few years ago in Greece a former MP Petros Tatsopoulos caused a major uproar when he publicly mocked a Greek tv series based on the life of Saint Paisios the Athonite as a work of fiction, since it portrays him working miracles and having visions, which he does not believe in, and he criticized such depictions as keeping Greeks in the Middle Ages. Now, just a few days ago, a renowned foreign actress from France received a prestigious award in Greece, and not only acclaimed Saint Paisios, but put him and other Orthodox Christian saints in succession with Sophocles and Homer, and with them spoke of her admiration for the monasteries of Thessaloniki and the treasures of Byzantium, especially its iconography. Essentially she sees the ancient Greek spirit and Orthodox Christianity are an unbroken historical continuity that proclaims the greatness of Greece to the world. And this isn't just an ordinary actress saying this, but Juliette Binoche is the first actress to win the European "Best Actress Triple Crown" (winning the Best Actress awards at the Berlin, Cannes & Venice film festivals), as well as the previously mentioned Academy Award, among many others.
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:
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
"Saint Paisios - From Farasa to Heaven" (Links to the Nine Episodes of the First Season)
Some months ago I posted links to the nine episodes of the first season of the Greek television series Saint Paisios - From Farasa to Heaven. These online episodes were available temporarily and removed before Holy Week of last year when they were going to appear on television in Greece. Since then, a few Greek Facebook accounts have posted all nine episodes on their accounts. I don't know how long these will be available, so watch them as soon as you can. And yes, for now all these episodes are only in Greek, but in the links below, which includes links to each episode, there is included a summary of each episode in English, so you can follow basically what is going on.
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.
Saturday, May 22, 2021
Trailer for the Television Series on the Life of Saint Paisios the Athonite
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| Prokopis Agathkleous as St. Paisios |
The life of Saint Paisios the Athonite has become a television series (as reported in September 2020) and 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 has already been completed, 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.
Saturday, January 12, 2019
The Shocking Advice of Saint Paisios the Athonite to a Physician
In his book Holy Mountain (Αγίων Όρος), Metropolitan Nektarios of Argolidos refers to a certain physician who asked Saint Paisios the Athonite (+ 1994) the following question:
"Elder, there are certain patients that I don't know what to do with, whether I should send them to a priest or a doctor?"
He responded:
"You will see, that not all are for the priest nor are all for the doctor. One you will send to the doctor, another to the priest, and another to the bouzoukia*."
Monday, September 19, 2016
Interview with an Actor Who Possesses the Cap of Saint Paisios the Athonite
September 16, 2016
Petros Xekoukis gave an interview for the magazine Loipon with Renee Sarantinou, and revealed among other things how he acquired the cap of Saint Paisios.
You have in your home the cap worn by Saint Paisios?
Of course, I have the cap of Saint Paisios. I saw him for the first time in 1979, where I met him at Panagouda, at his cell, at the Skete of Saint Panteleimon, at the Holy Mountain.
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Saint Paisios in the Youth Culture of Greece (photos + video)
On a wall on the island of Samos, there has been designed an unusual graffiti image, depicting the figure of the Holy Elder Paisios, whose memory is celebrated on July 12th.
Although this artistic trend is to some extent linked with rap and hip hop music, we should remember the song by the Greek rapper Artemis titled "Max (Passions and Virtues)" from his album Wolves in Sheep's Clothing (Λυκόσχημος Αμνός), which speaks of the true story of the conversion of a young junkie named Max to Christianity after reading the book Counsels of Saint Paisios: Passions and Virtues in prison.
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