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We are blessed to have the relics of our Patron, Saint Nektarios of Aegina, The Wonderworker, in our parish. We extend an open invitation to all faithful who would like to venerate the relics of our beloved Patron.
To plan a pilgrimage to the shrine, please contact us for times and for more information.
What are relics?
Relics are the remains from the body of a saint, or a saint's possessions, such as clothes or vestments. The relics are honored and venerated by all Orthodox. Upon the consecration of a new church, the consecrating bishop embeds holy relics in the Altar Table, following the ancient traditions of the church in performing the Eucharist on the tombs of Martyrs (Martyria).
Source: http://www.goarch.org/en/ourfaith/articles/article8049.asp
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Why
do we venerate relics?
In the Orthodox Church the worship (latreia)
given to God is completely different from the
honor (tim) of love (agape) and respect, or
even veneration (proskynesis), "paid to
all those endowed with some dignity" (St.
John Chrysostom, Hom. III, 40). The Orthodox
honor the saints to express their love and gratitude
to God, who has "perfected" the saints…To
this day the Orthodox have maintained the liturgical
custom of meeting on the day of the saint's
death, of building churches honoring their names,
and of paying special respect to their relics
and icons. The Seventh Ecumenical Council (787
A.D.), in summarizing this practice of the Church,
declares that "we adore and respect God
our Lord; and those who have been genuine servants
of our common Lord we honor and venerate because
they have the power to make us friends with
God the King of all." |
Source:http://www.goarch.org/en/ourfaith/articles/article8044.asp
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Apolitikion
of St. Nektarios
Let us the faithful honor Nektarios,
Child of Selivria, Patron of Aegina,
A true Friend of Virtue,
Revealed in the latter days as a Godly servant of
Christ.
He grants abundant healing to those who sing in reverence.
Glory to Christ who glorifies you;
Glory to Him who magnifies you;
Glory to Him who through you works healing for all.
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