Metrarch of Sweden Cleopas: 180 Years Since the Birth of Saint Nektarios of Pentapolistranslated

In commemoration of the 180th anniversary of the birth of Saint Nektarios of Pentapolis, on October 1, 1846, in Selyvria of Eastern Thrace, I have composed and published this article, dedicated to the relationship of the saint with his special homeland.

By Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden

Selyvria of Eastern Thrace was the birthplace of Saint Nektarios, Metropolitan of Pentapolis of Libya, whose name in the world was Anastasios Kephala. He was born in Selyvria on October 1, 1846, and received his first ecclesiastical ordination, and lived the first fourteen years of his earthly life.

Selyvria, which holds an outstanding position in ecclesiastical history, is located on the Thracian coast of the Propontis, near Constantinople.

Since the 18th century, it had markets, shops, workshops, cafes, and many stores, with old churches. The majority of the population were Greek Christians, with a few Jews and occasionally a few Turks.

Since the 17th century, there were two schools: one was a seminary, founded with funds from Metropolitan Callinicus, and the other was a public school, funded by the ruler of Wallachia, Alexandros Murez. In 1849, the...