TV Series - "Saint Paisios: From Farasa to Heaven" (Seasons 1 and 2)

Saint Paisios: From Farasa to Heaven

Season One (English subtitles)

Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 3

Episode 4

Episode 5

Episode 6

Episode 7

Episode 8

Episode 9

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.

Maria Menounos Fulfills a Dream By Visiting the Tomb of Saint Nektarios

On May 31st, Maria Menounos shared a moving testimony of her devotion to Saint Nektarios, after fulfilling a dream by visiting his tomb on the Greek island of Aegina with her husband. She wrote the following on Instagram, accompanied with photos:

"My trip to greece wasn’t all about island hopping and fun. I had a mission. I have dreamed about going to Aegina. For those of you who don’t know about it- Aegina is a small island in the Gulf of Greece, located just 16 miles southwest of Athens. Saint Nektarios, the patron saint of the island, was a prominent figure in the Greek Orthodox Church in the early 20th century and is known for his healing miracles. Saint Nektarios is considered a patron saint for people who are suffering from diseases; such as cancer, heart trouble, joint pain, epilepsy, arthritis and more. Ever since my mom and I were diagnosed with brain tumors friends would tell us they were going there to pray for us. We attended St. Nectarios church in California but going to his church in Greece was always the dream. I wanted to say thank you for all the miracles and healings we have been blessed with. It was our first stop on the trip. They say the faithful can hear St. Nectarios in the tomb. As soon as I kneeled down I heard knocking. Faint knocking noises. I asked Joanna our friend guiding us if that was him and she said yes. But I couldn’t believe it. I stayed ear to the tomb for a long time. I prayed to St. Nectarios and said please make it undeniable. I don’t want to leave here unsure if I heard you. As I was praying for the people in my life with cancer I heard a massive bang and started screaming I hear him! It was definitely undeniable. I sobbed with joy. It was so emotional as I feel I have such a connection with him and this just made me feel even more grateful for our connection. I will never forget this incredibly inspiring moment. I also got to sit on his bed where he used to live and got the chills. Everyone in our group was moved to tears on this visit. If you ever go to Greece, add this to your trip. St. Nectarios helps so many and has granted so many miracles. I like to say believe in the unbelievable because nothing is too far from possible when you believe in St. Nectarios. 🙏❤️🇬🇷 "

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MARIA MENOUNOS (@mariamenounos)

Maria was diagnosed with stage 2 pancreatic cancer, considered among the most dangerous forms of cancer, back in January 2023, just a month before she was to publicly announce her first child via a surrogate. She credits her faith in God and the healing power of Saint Nektarios for her miraculous delivery, since she is now cancer free, and will be soon welcoming the birth of her baby.

Of course, Maria was not unfamiliar with Saint Nektarios before this incident. She placed her faith in the miraculous powers of Saint Nektarios even as far back as 2016, when her mother was diagnosed with brain cancer. Some months later, in 2017, she also was found to have a benign tumor in her brain, which was removed after a successful surgery, and she then began a mission in life to help people with their health, since she considered her healing a gift of God and was grateful to Saint Nektarios.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MARIA MENOUNOS (@mariamenounos)

It should be noted that notable Hollywood stars liked Maria's moving post about Saint Nektarios, including non-Greeks like Sylvester Stallone and Johnny Knoxville. With the recent appearance of Mickey Rourke in the successful 2021 drama film Man of God about the life of Saint Nektarios, it appears that he is becoming more and more known throughout the world.

In the video interview below, Maria said the following in Greek:

"It was a difficult battle I fought with cancer, but I see other people for whom it is tougher. Saint Nektarios helped me in my battle with cancer, I am very lucky. In my adventure I had my dad and my husband by my side who helped me.”

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:

Greek Television Series on the Life of Saint Paisios (Episodes 1 - 3)

 

Greek Television Series on the Life of Saint Paisios (Episode 4)

 

Greek Television Series on the Life of Saint Paisios (Episodes 5 - 6)

 

Greek Television Series on the Life of Saint Paisios (Episode 7)

 

Greek Television Series on the Life of Saint Paisios (Episode 8) 

Greek Television Series on the Life of Saint Paisios (Episode 9)

 

"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.

 

Greek Television Series on the Life of Saint Paisios (Episodes 1 - 3)

 

Greek Television Series on the Life of Saint Paisios (Episode 4)

 

Greek Television Series on the Life of Saint Paisios (Episodes 5 - 6)

 

Greek Television Series on the Life of Saint Paisios (Episode 7)

 

Greek Television Series on the Life of Saint Paisios (Episode 8) 

Greek Television Series on the Life of Saint Paisios (Episode 9)

 

 

Greek Television Series on the Life of Saint Paisios (Episode 9)

...continued from episode eight.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

Greek Television Series on the Life of Saint Paisios (Episodes 5 and 6)

...continued from episode four.

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. 

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.

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.

Trailer for the Television Series on the Life of Saint Paisios the Athonite

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.

Television Series on the Life of Saint Paisios the Athonite Begins Filming

 

Press Release of the Municipality of Konitsa

 

Last week shooting began for the TV series about the life of Saint Paisios, who lived most of his life in Konitsa and was a monastic in the Holy Monastery of Panagia Stomiou.

This is a large production of the company GREEN OLIVE FILMS. The shootings are taking place in various locations of our Municipality, utilizing and promoting the incomparable natural beauty of the place, with leading Greek actors and with the participation of several of our fellow residents.

Christmas Stories Resource Page: Literature, Film and Television

 

Charles Dickens 

 

G.K. Chesterton's Biography "Charles Dickens" (1906)  

 

Charles Dickens and Christianity 

 

25 Worthwhile Quotes From Charles Dickens 

 

"A Christmas Carol" (1971 - Animation) 

 

Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" as a Reimagining of the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus

   

Charles Dickens, Marley's Chain and Theophylact of Ochrid

Marley's Bowels of Compassion (or Lack Thereof)

The Reception of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" in Greece

Charles Dickens' "The Cricket on the Hearth"

Saint Porphyrios and the Visit of Divine Grace Before Christmas: A True Testimony Similar to "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens

Hans Christian Andersen

Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Match Girl"

Russian Tales 

  

The Beggar Boy at Christ's Christmas Tree (Feodor Dostoevsky) 

 

Nikolai Gogol's "The Night Before Christmas" (1951 - Animation) 

 

Leo Tolstoy's "Papa Panov's Special Christmas" (animation)

 

The Geese in a Blizzard: A Russian Christmas Parable 

 

Russian Cartoon: "The Christmas Visit" (1959)

Greek Tales

Christmas in Greek Literature

Christ at the Castle: Papadiamantis’ Tale Captures the Genuine Spirit of Christmas

"The Gleaner: A Christmas Story" by Alexandros Papadiamantis

"The Slacker's Christmas" (Alexandros Papadiamantis)

"The Christmas Bread" (Alexandros Papadiamantis)

"The Cantankerous Man": A Christmas Story by Alexandros Moraitidis

"John the Blessed": A New Year's Eve Tale by Photios Kontoglou

"All-Bright Theophany": A Short Story by Alexandros Papadiamantis


Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde's "The Happy Prince"


Henry van Dyke

"The Story of the Other Wise Man" (1989 - Animation)

Movie: "The Fourth Wise Man" (1985)


O. Henry

O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi"


Silent Films

"Massacre of the Innocents" (a silent film from the 1910's)

Silent Movie: "The Flight Into Egypt" (1903)

 

 

Movies 

 

Short Film: "Christmas Anti-Fable" (2017)

 

The Fundamentalism of “Political Correctness”

 

 

"It's A Wonderful Life" 

 

The Story Behind "It's A Wonderful Life" 

 

How Frank Capra's Christian Faith Influenced His Films 

 

 

Films About Jesus 

 

Popular Depictions of Jesus On Screen 

 

Robert Powell and His Portrayal of Jesus 

 

"The Passion of the Christ": An Orthodox Perspective

Jonathan Jackson Offers his Emmy Award to Mount Athos Monastery

Popular Hollywood star Jonathan Jackson visited Holy Mount Athos together with his 8-year-old-son on Tuesday 28 August 2018, to offer one of his Emmy Awards.

During his five day visit to Mount Athos, Jackson spent most of his time at the Vatopaidi Monastery to celebrate the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, but also visited the Xenophontos and Simonopetra Monasteries.

"Doctor Zhivago": Russian TV Mini-Series (2006)

In Doctor Zhivago, the life of a young doctor is intertwined with the fate of Russia at the beginning of the 20th century. Yuri Zhivago is orphaned at a young age, and his uncle brings him to Moscow, where he studies medicine while living with his uncle's family. At a New Year's ball, he witnesses an assassination attempt on a high society lawyer named Komarovksy. What shocks Yuri is the identity of the shooter: Lara Gishar. By coincidence, he had been present earlier when Lara and Komarovsky first met at the Montenegro hotel. At the time, their magnetism and their unusual relationship, both extremely open and particularly secretive, revealed to the young doctor a world of emotions he had yet to experience. Yuri is told that Komarovsky played a role in his father's suicide, but this news has less effect on him than the chance meeting with Lara. At the beginning of WWI, Doctor Zhivago goes to the front, leaving his wife and children in Moscow. He is unaware that many years later Lara will touch his life again, changing it for ever; Yuri Zhivago's personal drama plays out against a backdrop of social and historical upheaval, with his generation's hopes and desires wiped out by war and revolution. Yuri's work and family suffer from his sense of having lost his bearings. Hoping to get back on his feet, he makes the fateful decision to leave Moscow and return to his family's house beyond the Urals. Yuri observes from the window of his train as a new Russia is born, and unexpected encounters during his travels come to symbolize for him the spirit of a new era. The people he meets in the train have been forged in this new world, and Yuri desperately tries to find his place among them, learning to live in the provinces and forgetting the dreams of his youth. As he lies on his bunk in the train, Yuri has no idea that Lara has also left Moscow, taking up residence not far from his family home.

Amazon Video Debuts Russian Series "Sophia"

Currently streaming on Amazon is the Russian television series "Sophia". Currently the first season of eight episodes is available.

According to the description:

In 15th Century Russia, the last Princess of Byzantium, Sophia Palaiologina, moves from Rome to Moscow to marry Czar Ivan III. Destined to become the first influential female figure of the Russian Empire, Sophia overcomes court intrigue and betrayals and helps Ivan consolidate the fragmented country, push Mongolian invaders out, and build the Kremlin. Russian language series with English subtitles. Starring: Mariya Andreeva, Eugeniy Tsiganov, Vilen Babichev.

Rod Serling on Why Some Monuments of the Past SHOULD Haunt Us

"Mr. Schmidt recently arrived in a small Bavarian village which lies eight miles northwest of Munich... a picturesque, delightful little spot one-time known for its scenery, but more recently related to other events having to do with some of the less positive pursuits of man: human slaughter, torture, misery and anguish. Mr. Schmidt, as we will soon perceive, has a vested interest in the ruins of a concentration camp — for once, some seventeen years ago, his name was Gunther Lutze. He held the rank of a captain in the SS. He was a black-uniformed strutting animal whose function in life was to give pain, and like his colleagues of the time, he shared the one affliction most common amongst that breed known as Nazis... he walked the Earth without a heart. And now former SS Captain Lutze will revisit his old haunts, satisfied perhaps that all that is awaiting him in the ruins on the hill is an element of nostalgia. What he does not know, of course, is that a place like Dachau cannot exist only in Bavaria. By its nature, by its very nature, it must be one of the populated areas... of the Twilight Zone." (Twilight Zone, "Deaths-Head Revisited", Season 3, Episode 9, Opening Narration)

Fr. George Florovsky and a 1976 Super Bowl Commercial

Tall and gaunt, he would appear in the long black cassock of an Orthodox priest on the Princeton campus. The erudite undergraduates, considerably more flexible in their dress, styled him “the Grand Inquisitor” — a fitting title, given his tendency to project a sense of doctrinal authority. At Princeton, the staff of the Firestone Library christened Florovsky a “patron saint of photocopying” for the countless hours he spent at the copy machine. Apparently his photocopying talent was so well known that he even became an inspiration for the 1976 Super Bowl commercial of the Xerox Corporation, featuring a monk busily copying medieval manuscripts.* In this way, unawares, Florovsky contributed to raising the American advertising industry to a higher level of intellectual sophistication.

Great Art is Transcendent

By Jeff Goins

The people who built the Statue of Liberty gave the world a gift. Everyone who comes to New York benefits from it. As do those who see the memorable icon in a movie or on a key chain.

There are few symbols in the world as powerful as that green lady. When people look at her, they don’t see oxidized copper and a museum.

They see freedom.

They see beginning.

They see new life.

Great art is powerful

It goes beyond the mere physical realm; it supersedes the moment.