All language subtitles for Man.of.God.2021.1080p.WEBRip.AAC2.0.x264-NOGRP (SDH)

[birds chirping faintly]

[bell tolling]

I am the ruler
of the whole world.

What would you
like me to give you?

What can you give me,

the slave of my slaves?

[somber strings instrumental]

[fabric rustling]

♪

[pen scraping on paper]

♪

[paper rustling]

♪

[street din]

No, Your Eminence.

Not this time.

Look at me.

I can stand.

You said
you were going to pray for me.

Allah answered your prayers.

[Nektarios]
He answered your prayers.

-Thank you.
-It is the least that I can do.

The situation
has become critical.

Patriarch loves him.

And the people of Egypt
love him, too.

We have to
find a way.

Our lives
are at stake.

Don't you think you are
being a little dramatic?

No, we cannot take the risk
of him becoming a Patriarch.

He's not fit
for the position.

He would give
every cent away

to native Arabs
and beggars.

There would be
nothing left!

Maybe he is
good-hearted and all that...

but definitely crazy.

A fanatic,
I would say.

I'm not even sure
about his good heart.

He's a fake.

Remember he said "thank you"
response at the banquet?

What "thank you" response?

This "thank you" response.
"Oh, your Eminence,

we only want you to
become our next Patriarch.

We only want you,
Your Eminence!"

"Oh, thank you. Thank you.
Thank--"

Thank God
you're not an actor.

He consorts
with harlots on the streets.

The Patriarch
would certainly not like that.

Metropolitan Nektarios
is the Patriarch's

spiritual child,
his creation.

We need something
more substantial

to convince the Patriarch
to turn on him.

This is not
going to be easy.

Things are much easier

than what you are
making it out to be.

Patriarch Sophronius

was a Patriarch
of Constantinople

before he became
the Patriarch of Alexandria.

He was kicked out
after three years

because of, uh,
some kind of unrest.

He claims that,
uh, he was betrayed

by one of his men
closest to him.

He's scared to death
of losing his seat again.

He will not take any chances
when it comes to it.

Are you talking about

my son, Nektarios?

Is that
who you are saying

is plotting against me?

[Bishop]
I'm sorry, Your Holiness,

but it's him
we're talking about.

I know it is hard
for you to believe

that he can be a Judas,
but it's true, Your Holiness.

It is not hard for me
to believe that.

This flesh is filth!

[indistinct] Judas!

Your Holiness.

We strongly recommend

that you don't see
or speak to him again.

I need to be alone.

We are trying to
protect you, Your Holiness.

Get out.

All of you.

Out!

[tense, dramatic music]

[footsteps]

[Nektarios]
It's beautiful, isn't it?

[Minas]
It is.

Thanks to you.

Thanks to God, Minas.

Forgive me, Your Eminence.

But you know
what I think about that.

You must have faith.

With all
the injustice and poverty,

it is hard
to have faith.

[Nektarios]
You're right.

It's a lot of
injustice and suffering.

But that is exactly
why I believe

that our life here
is not all there is.

I have some faith
because of you, Father.

[men singing hymnals]

[paper rustling]

♪

[inaudible]

[paper rustling]

♪

[singing ends]

[reciting in Latin]

[priests vocalizing]

Is it true?

They release you
from your duties?

We will not
allow this.

They have no right
to do things without asking us.

Shame on them.

Please,
let's stay calm.

I'm sure things
will be resolved.

[fabric rustling]

Don't worry, Your Eminence.

We have more influence
with the government of Egypt

than they do.

We are financially
supporting the Patriarchate.

If they don't give us
a proper answer

why they removed you,

we will demand
Patriarch Sophronius

to be removed,
and place you in his position.

I need to speak
to the Patriarch first.

He brought me to Egypt

and ordained me
a Metropolitan.

I am sure
he will see me.

[indistinct chatter]

Please, don't worry.

[man] What's going?
We'll support you.

I know
His Holiness is here.

I would like
to see him, please.

He's here,
but he is extremely ill.

I must see him.

Can I help you,
Your Eminence?

I need to speak to
Patriarch Sophronius, please.

His Holiness
does not wish to see you.

I don't believe that.

[Bishop]
What is there not to believe?

You have received
an official letter from him,

have you not?

The letter doesn't mention
the nature of my crime.

I was sentenced
without a trial,

without the chance
to defend myself.

I deserve to know why.

For what reason?

For reasons known to us.

[mysterious music]

Go, go, go, go!

[overlapping chatter]

[man]
We want our priest!

[door handle rattling]

Your Eminence.

From the Patriarch.

[Nektarios]
Thank you.

Please. Stay.

[paper rustling]

It's not a good news, is it?

No.

What do they
want from you now?

They want me
to leave Egypt.

This is why I doubt God.

Don't ever doubt God, Minas.

The Patriarch
don't believe in him.

Please, don't say such things.

They want you
to leave Egypt

because they are afraid
there will be an uproar.

People will demand
from the government--

They don't want anything
like that to happen.

Is that clear?

[Minas]
But why, Your Eminence?

I'm not going to do anything
to hurt my father, Sophronius.

[Minas]
Your father?

After what
he did to you?

I can't go
against him.

I need to leave.

Very soon and quietly.

No unrest, Minas.

[ship horn honking]

[luggage thudding]

[emotinal music]

Keep your faith, Minas.

Thank you, Your Eminence.

[woman 1]
Your decision to leave Egypt

has left us
deeply saddened

and very emotional.

[woman 2]
We consider your removal

to be
an irreparable loss.

[woman 3]
The Church of Alexandria

is being deprived
on one of the truly

distinguished Hierarchs--

[man 1] We are greatly
distressed over your departure

because we feel
an emptiness in our hearts

and consider
the deprivation of you

to be
a great moral loss.

[boy] We kindly ask you
not to exclude us

from your prayers,
but to remember us,

your friends who love you
and long to be with you.

[seagulls squawking]

[market din]

[horse whinnies]

[dogs barking distantly]

[luggage thudding]

[knocking]

[muffled footsteps approaching]

[door creaking]

Mrs. Filanthi?

Please. Come in.

[mysterious music]

Good morning. Mr. Laskaridis
sent me. Do you need anything?

No, we don't need
your services.

[knocking]

♪

[door slamming]

[Nektarios praying
in Greek]

♪

[patients coughing]

♪

♪

[Nektarios] Lord,
have mercy on the poor,

the orphans, the widows,

those in sickness
and sorrow...

in prisons.

Have mercy on them
that hate me

and wrong me

and let them
not perish

because of me,
a sinner.

[door opening]

Your Eminence.

The Archbishop
sends his regards...

and he's very sorry
that he had to

cancel your meeting.

He's just swamped

with so many
unexpected occurrences.

If he doesn't
want to see me,

it's all right.

Just tell me
the truth.

I'd rather hear
the truth.

[street din]

Can I sit
next to you?

[gravel crunching]

It's hard
to be hungry

and destitute

and there's
nothing one can do.

But there is something in
the midst of this hopelessness.

When the Lord
becomes your only hope...

it's then
that one can feel His presence.

I have been
blessed lately

to participate
in your suffering, my brother.

[footsteps approaching]

You're different
than they are.

They don't seem
to care about me.

They don't seem
to care about me either.

But the good news
is God loves us.

Don't ever forget that.

Please, take these.

I have
another pair at home.

[horse neighing distantly]

[gravel crunching]

[morose violin instrumental]

What have I done?

I must have done something.

Why didn't
he want to see me?

What did
they tell him?

He must be thinking
that I betrayed him.

I can't bear
to think that.

Please, Lord,

give me a chance
to speak to him.

[Bishop 2] How are you
holding up, my brother?

[Nektarios]
I do panikhídas and funerals

thanks to people like you.

But it is not enough.

I don't understand
why the Synod

does not give me
a diocese here in Greece.

[Bishop 2] Because they keep
slandering you from Egypt.

They keep sending letters.

Most of them
are anonymous.

[Nektarios] I left.
Why don't they leave me alone?

If they grant
you a dioceses here in Athens,

you will become eligible
to replace the Patriarch.

But I don't want to
replace the Patriarch.

[Bishop 2]
They don't know that.

And they certainly
don't want to be exposed.

[Nektarios] So, they will
never stop prosecuting me.

I will leave
and go to a monastery.

[Bishop 2]
You can't do that.

You have a gift,
my brother.

People listen to you.

In these difficult times,

Greece needs you.

What do you suppose
I do, then?

I can't even get a position
of a preacher anywhere.

There are bishops
and priests like myself

that know
that you are innocent,

and we will continue
fighting for you in the Synod.

In the meantime,

go and see the Minister
of Religion and Education.

He has the power
to appoint you as a preacher.

[door clicking]

[paper crumpling]

Sorry, Your Eminence.

Just one of those days
when everything goes wrong.

How may I
help you?

I am Nektarios,
Metropolitan of Pentapolis.

I have been
in Athens now for a year

without means to
support myself.

I kindly ask you
to appoint me as a preacher

wherever you wish.

I am willing to work
for food and a place to stay.

These are my documents.

And this is a letter

of recommendation
from the Holy Synod.

[Minister] You're more than
qualified to be a preacher,

Your Eminence.

But there is
one problem.

You are not
a Greek citizen.

Pardon me?

You were born
in Silivri.

That is
no longer Greece.

It is Turkey now.

So, now I'm not--
I'm not Greek?

What am I, then?

Could you help me
and tell me what I am

if I'm not Greek?

Forgive me for coming here
and wasting your time.

You seem to be
the real deal.

No wonder
they don't like it.

Who are "they"?

[Minister]
You know who they are.

Otherwise,
with all your credentials,

you wouldn't be here
asking me to get you

a position
in the church.

There is a place
that no one wants to go to.

It's from
the island of Evia.

Would you be willing
to get a position there?

Of course I would.

You're hired.

Thank you.

From the bottom
of my heart,

I promise
that you will not regret it.

[horse huffing]

[peaceful music]

[carriage rattling]

[birds chirping]

-Good morning.
-[priest] Good morning.

[horse neighing]

[dogs barking distantly]

My dear brothers
and sisters in Christ...

blessed is the person
who has a clear conscience.

[man 1] Pharisee!

How misled

are those
who seek their happiness

outside of themselves,

far away
from their own selves?

[man 2] Did you come here
to steal our money, too?

Shame on you!

[Nektarios] In riches,

in pleasures, in glory.

[man 3] Shame on you.

And in all vanities,

all of which...

end in bitterness.

[delicate piano instrumental]

Please.

Please help me, Lord.

What do you
want me to do?

Should I leave?

I don't know
what to do.

Please give me
the strength

to do what is right.

What is your will?

[crowd booing]

... so that the genuineness
of your faith,

more precious than gold
[indistinct] tested by fire.

And glory and honor

and the revelation
of Jesus Christ.

Without having
seen him, you doubt.

Believe in him.

♪

Your Eminence.

They are
persecuting you from Athens.

God bless them.

[footsteps]

Glory to God
for your success

in the land of Egypt

and for your willingness

to support our church.

In times like these,

our church desperately
needs people like you.

We know
that you're supporting

the Greek Patriarchate
of Alexandria

and we're grateful
that you responded

to our need
and came to visit us.

May God
reward you greatly.

It's a true pleasure,
gentlemen,

having you here.

-Who would like to start--
-Forgive me for interrupting.

Um, but before
we start the conversation,

we would like to know

where holy
Metropolitan Nektarios is.

Uh...

Wasn't he condemned

a-- and expelled
by the Patriarch Sophronius?

Shame on everyone

who condemned him.

Including Patriarch Sophronius.

Where is he?

I don't think
he's in Athens.

Where is he?

I believe
that he took

the position
of a preacher in Evia.

Of a preacher?

What's going on?

I'm sorry,
but we were informed about him

by the representatives
of your Patriarchate.

We want
our Metropolitan Nektarios

to come back to us
as our next Patriarch.

Before we proceed with any
business, we would like you

to make clear to everyone

that Metropolitan Nektarios
is holy and just,

and that
he was slandered.

We will do that.

Let's send
an urgent cable

to the dioceses
in Evia.

Mm-hmm.

Now.

[wind whooshing]

[grass rustling]

[birds chirping]

Elder Daniel,

why are you walking
ahead of the holy Bishop

Nektarios,

he who is already included

in our church's holy hierarchs?

[somber strings instrumental]

[birds chirping]

[grass rustling]

♪

♪

Keep your mind in hell
and despair not.

♪

[Bishop 2]
No monastery for you.

Not yet.

We achieved this

despite the obstacles
from Alexandria.

They still cannot
forget about me.

Ah, forget about them.

You're the best
possible person

to guide our young men
into priesthood.

[Nektarios]
Dear Father Sophronius,

I have officially
become appointed director

of the prestigious

Ecclesiastical
Rizarios School.

Deep in my heart,
I believe that this news

will make you glad,

as you always
believed in me.

Since I didn't get
a chance to see you,

please permit me
to ask in writing

for your forgiveness,

for whatever offense
I might have done.

I ask you
to find it in your heart

to forgive me,
whatever it may be.

I pray
that you are well

and that God
grants you many years.

And I hope
to see you again.

[school yard din]

Permit me to ask,
gentlemen,

where are
the students performing

the church services?

In the church
not far from here.

Unfortunately, one cannot
perform services here

due to the condition
of the chapel.

Something needs
to be done about this.

Obviously,
Your Eminence,

but the funds
are simply not available.

We will
have to find a way.

This is
an ecclesiastical school.

Permit me to correct you,
Your Eminence.

This is not only
an ecclesiastical school.

It is a regular
high school as well.

And our primary focus
is to provide

our students
with an excellent education.

[Nektarios]
I understand.

But if we
attend to the chapel

and make this place
look more appealing,

we will attract
more students

who will be able
to get an excellent education.

Of course,
I just can't see

how we can achieve
something like that.

Like I said,

the funds
are extremely limited.

As a new director,

I will do my best
to help with that.

I'm happy
to use my salary

and some of my skills,

and I'm sure that God
will provide for the rest.

I speak
from personal experience

when I say
that God will provide.

Well,

that sounds... fantastic.

Please excuse me,
Your Eminence.

Let me show you to your office.

[door shutting]

This is Kostas.

He will be assisting you
with anything you might need.

Nice to meet you, Kostas.

My pleasure, Your Eminence.

Let-- let me take
your things to your room.

Thank you.

[door clicking]

Please,
make yourself comfortable.

We will be
seeing you shortly.

Thank you very much.

[door shutting]

[birds chirping distantly]

[door opening]

How long
have you been here, Kostas?

I graduated last year.

Are you thinking
of becoming a priest?

Probably not.

Uh...

So, uh,
I will let you settle in now,

Your Eminence.

Uh, whenever you need me,
I'm here.

Thank you.

[door shutting]

[pensive piano instrumental]

[birds chirping]

[clattering]

He sure looks different
than our last principal.

Remember he used to make us
pull weeds as a punishment?

I guess we won't
have to do that anymore.

We might even
get lucky

and have some fun
once in a while.

Right?

I am here
to become a priest.

Oh, I forgot.

From the jungle
that you come from,

fun is forbidden.

What did you say?

-What did you say?
-Forget it. Doesn't matter.

♪

[branches rustling]

[inaudible]

♪

♪

♪

[Kostas]
Your Eminence.

This is for you,
Your Eminence.

Many letters from Egypt.

You ask me to keep an eye on.

I understand why
the people of Egypt love you.

We had you here
for a short time

and you've performed miracles.

I-- I read
some of your writings.

Yes, a-- and--
I-- I am very moved.

Which ones
did you like?

Um...

I-- I like--

[stammering] I like...

everything that
I have read.

I think
your writings will help people.

I am glad
to hear that.

I would like to
have it printed and circulated.

Oh, please,
let me assist you with that.

I-- I know
a very good printer, um,

and I-- I could also
submit your writings

to religious journals.

They need, uh,
materials like this.

I would
appreciate that very much.

[chuckles]

[door clicking]

[door shutting]

What happened here?

-He insulted me--
-No, he insulted me.

He called me a Turk.

-Did you say that?
-[student 1] No.

Yes, you did. You call
us names all the time.

-You stole the book.
-What book?

The one
that is in your bag.

He gave me that book
and asked me to read it.

-I haven't stolen anything.
-[student 2] You liar.

[Nektarios]
I think I have heard enough.

I have
no other choice...

but to punish myself.

Yourself, Your Eminence?

[Nektarios]
Yes, myself.

I will punish myself
with a hunger strike.

Please.

I would like you
to instruct the cook

not to send me food
for three days.

Are we clear?

Yes, Your Eminence.

Go.

And please,
make amends with one another.

Otherwise,
I will continue my punishment

for a longer time.

[door clicking]

[door slamming]

Jesus Christ, Son of God,

have mercy on me, a sinner.

Jesus Christ, Son of God,
have mercy on me, a sinner.

Jesus Christ,
Son of God,

have mercy on me,
a sinner.

Jesus Christ,
Son of God,

have mercy on me,
a sinner.

[faintly] Jesus Christ,
Son of God,

have mercy on me,
a sinner.

Jesus Christ,
Son of God,

have mercy on me,
a sinner.

[swelling
orchestral instrumental]

[cutlery clanking]

[knocking]

[President Rizarios] I heard
you were looking for me.

Why are the students being
punished without my knowledge?

[door thudding shut]

Because we feel that you don't
exercise enough authority.

[Nektarios]
I do implement punishments

when I feel
it is necessary.

A healthy balance between
kindness and authority is best.

[President Rizarios]
Punishing yourself

instead of the students
when they misbehave

is out of balance,
in my opinion.

It looks like
your primary focus

is to direct
our students into priesthood.

Not everyone
is destined to become a priest.

We just came out
of the dark ages,

400 years of Ottoman
oppression and slavery.

Education is vital
for our development,

for the development
of both clergy and laypeople.

-I hope you understand that.
-Of course.

You are cultivating
asceticism in our students,

and we all know
that asceticism

is a thing
of the past.

It's dark age material.

I believe that
you have a distorted view

of what asceticism is,
Mr. President--

No, I have a perfect view
of what asceticism is.

It is a radical
approach to religion.

It's long [indistinct]
and long beards

and painting
this holy image,

outwardly, of course.

A true ascetic
does not worry about

the outwardly
appearance at all.

His main focus
is to correct himself inwardly

so he can
get closer to God.

He's, in effect,
a true Christian.

Are you
a true Christian?

I try to be.

[President Rizarios]
Your appointment at this school

has not been filed
with proper papers

and the talk
at the ministry

says that
you were expelled

from Egypt
for moral reasons.

I was slandered.

[President Rizarios]
Of course you were.

[Nektarios] Did you request
background check on me?

No, Your Eminence.

We only asked for information
in an official capacity.

So, the Patriarchal trust
is bluntly informed

the civil representative
of the Greek government

that I was removed
from my position

because I was,

"rebellious,
unethical and immoral"?

Mr. Riparis finishes
the letter clearly stating

that he believes
you're a perfect cleric

who was unjustly slandered.

But slander keeps following me,
doesn't it?

Where are my accusers?

Where are the witnesses?

Where is
the evidence of my crime?

On what grounds?

After four years

of my unjust
departure from Egypt,

was this official
accusation of me made,

an accusation that
condemns me to immoral death.

What great wrong
did I do against you,

Your Holiness?

Why is there
such a great wrath

and pursuit against me,

seeking my total destruction?

The purpose
of my outdated protest

is to bring you to
the knowledge of Your Holiness

that your every rough
against me is unjust.

May God be
my witness and judge.

Vassili,
leave the garden for me.

You mop
the whole school already,

you need to rest.

I love this garden,
Your Eminence.

It makes
this place look so beautiful.

If you continue
doing my gardening,

I might have to
take up some of your cleaning.

Oh, no, don't even joke
about that, Your Eminence.

It is beneath you
to clean toilets.

Honest and hard
work is not beneath anyone.

Let's go
and have some coffee.

You want to
have coffee with me?

Yes, Vassili.
I want to have coffee with you.

[Vassili grunts]

Leave that here.
Come on, let's go.

[birds chirping]

I had to call
this meeting, gentlemen,

as a medical emergency
concerning

our student, Nicholas.

He has had fever
for over two weeks.

His condition looks critical.

And even
after doctors' treatments,

it is not getting
any better.

Nor do
the doctors have any idea

what is wrong
with him.

His illness

seems to be
of a mental nature.

Therefore, I suggest

we transfer him
to the sanatorium.

We need to inform
his guardian right away.

We cannot do
such a thing.

He needs to go
to the hospital

to be properly treated
and diagnosed,

which is
right across the street.

Not some sanatorium
far away from here.

After all,
he does have a fever.

He is here
on a minimum tuition.

I doubt he can afford
additional treatment

of any kind.

We should
pay for it.

It's the least
that we can do

for the child who has been
studying here so diligently.

We can't bear
such an expense, Your Eminence.

He's here
on a partial scholarship.

I think we already
did more than doing the least.

We should inform his guardian
immediately of our decision.

[Nektarios]
I will pay for it myself.

[doctor]
We ran all possible tests.

We don't know
what's going on.

His health
is falling apart.

I'm sorry
to say this,

but we're expecting
the worst by tomorrow.

[kissing]

[somber music]

[Nektarios]
What is going on, my son?

You are holding
something heavy inside of you.

Whatever it is,
know that God loves you

and wants you
to do great things.

God has forgotten
about me.

Why do you say that?

I studied hard...

so that
I could come here

and--

and help my father
and my sisters.

But it was
all for nothing.

[paper rustling]

My father has--

has killed himself.

And my step-mother sent
my sisters into servitude.

So, you see,

God wants me
to die.

Let's see about that.

♪

Here, Kostas,
inform our students

that we are going to do
an all-night prayer

for the healing
of Nicholas.

[singing hymnal]

♪

Father! Father!
Nicholas woke up!

[panting]

He asked for food.

God heard your prayers,
Your Eminence.

God heard our prayers.

Look how beautiful they are.

[hymnal singing continues]

[singing continues]

[Kostas] "Justice and truth
compel us to not only endorse

the Metropolitan
of Pentapolis,

but to affirm
that his candidacy

is among the strongest

because he's one of
the most distinguished,

well-educated
and irreproachable bishops

that the Eastern
Orthodox Church has to offer."

-Kostas, I read it.
-I know you did.

I just
need to point out

what the most respected
religious journalists

think about you.

"His character
is such that if someone

other than himself
is chosen

for the Patriarchal throne,

he would be
most pleased."

I'd like to remain
most pleased.

Father,
do not say such things.

They wilt you.

I hope, uh,
you are not avoiding

your heavenly
call to duty.

I am not
avoiding anything

and especially
not the heavenly things.

I just prefer
the simple people.

It seems
that your time has come.

Don't forget the ones

who did not side
with the slanderers.

[emotional music]

[hammering]

[bells ringing]

We are praying
you're elected.

Justice
will prevail this time.

[bells ringing]

[crowd murmuring]

♪

♪

[Nektarios] Your silence
used to cut like a knife.

One word from you
would have soothed my pain.

Even a lie
or a courtesy.

But nothing?

Like I meant
nothing to you at all.

Did you really
believe that I was a fraud?

That I wanted your seat?

Or has the fear
of losing your position

blinded you
to such an extent?

You used to
call me your son, remember?

I loved you
like my father.

But some other things
were more important to you

than your son.

My beloved father, Sophronius,

justice will prevail today.

I will not be
elected a Patriarch.

[paper rustling]

[paper tearing]

[grunting]

[objects clattering]

[panting]

[melancholy music]

[people whispering]

Thank you.

♪

[door thudding shut]

[sighs] Father.

How can you
be happy?

You--

You should have been
the Patriarch and you know it.

Everyone knows that.

Let God's will
be done, Kostas.

[Kostas] You are
meant to do great things.

You don't
have to be Patriarch

to do great things.

♪

[pen scratching]

Your Eminence!
I need to talk to you.

[soft chatter]

Your articles
and your books

are so full
of wisdom and truth.

And what's more important,

people listen
to what you have to say.

You know,

we have a serious problem
with heretics in our city.

Would you be able
to write something

to encourage people to stay
with the Orthodox tradition?

It would be my pleasure,
Your Eminence.

I need
your help with this.

Please,

can you make
an effort to clear your status?

Pardon me?

You need to clear
your status with Egypt.

They need to
give you a dioceses.

I have done
everything that I could

to resolve
my situation in Egypt.

Perhaps you could help me.

First, you need to
resolve the matter

with the Patriarchy of Egypt.

You are considered
a traveling Hierarch

because of your status,

meaning
not a Greek citizen.

[soft chatter]

I am still
not considered Greek.

You're a holy man,
Your Grace.

Forgive me
for bothering you.

You are not bothering me.

It is so good
to be here.

There is so much light
in your presence.

I mean, not like
anyone else would see it,

Your Eminence.

I lost my eyesight
due to illness

when I was
very little.

My parents
had to make a choice

to let me get
a certain vaccine

and become blind,
or to let me die.

Thank God
they chose to let me live.

Life is so beautiful,

Your Eminence,

I have been
so fortunate.

And also to meet you
and get your blessing.

What is your name?

Xenia.

Xenia, thank you very much
for your kind words.

Thank you, Your Eminence.

Forgive me
if I am being bold, but...

is there any way
I can speak to you again?

A few
of my friends and I

would like
to become nuns.

Could you
help guide us?

It would be
my pleasure to help you.

Please,come
and see me at my office.

Jesus Christ, Son of God,
have mercy on me, a sinner.

Jesus Christ, Son of God,
have mercy on me, a sinner.

Jesus Christ, Son of God,
have mercy on me, a sinner.

Jesus Christ, Son of God,
have mercy on me, a sinner.

Jesus Christ, Son of God,
have mercy on me, a sinner.

[hymnal singing]

So, please, tell me.

When did this idea
about becoming nuns come about?

We have talked
about it for a long time

and we have all decided

that we really
want to do that.

Your desire
is indeed beautiful...

but are you aware...

that by becoming a nun,

you're accepting poverty
and a very difficult life?

We are aware of it.

Our life
has not been easy.

We all grew up
as orphans in extreme poverty.

Hardships don't scare us

as long as
we can stay together.

Only a few
are chosen to take this path.

You must be
truly ready and willing

to go through it
until the end.

We are, Your Eminence.

Is there a place
where you would like to go?

Have you visited
any monasteries?

We visited quite a few,

but it's hard to find a place
that will take all of us.

And we want
to remain together.

So, the best option

would be to find a place

where we can
establish the convent.

[women giggling]

Thank you, Your Eminence.

We will start
searching immediately.

[joyous folk instrumental]

♪

[Nektarios]
Whose land is this?

[woman 4]
It was [indistinct], Reverend.

[cutlery clanking]

I have a few girls

who are
my spiritual daughters

who wish to become nuns.

They found an old monastery
that is in ruins in Aegina.

Since Aegina
is under your jurisdiction,

I would like to get
your blessing for them

to establish
the monastery there.

That is wonderful.
You have all of my blessings!

Thank you, Your Eminence.

[Theoklitos]
Thank God for that.

We need
to reawaken monasticism.

We need young nuns.

Most of the monasteries
are practically graveyards.

As a matter of fact,
I even have

a few young nuns from Sparta

that would
like to join the convent.

If you go ahead
and do that,

I promise
that the monastery

will get recognized
by the Holy See.

Thank you, Your Eminence.

You know, I really
need your help with things.

Any news from Egypt?

I reached out twice
to His Holiness,

Patriarch Photios
of Alexandria.

I know for a fact
that he received my letters

but as usual,
there was no response.

Also,
I reached out to his grace,

the Ecumenical Patriarch
of Constantinople,

Joachim III.

That is fantastic.
He can definitely help.

[Nektarios] Honestly,
I don't see why the Synod

here in Athens
cannot appoint a dioceses

to traveling Hierarchs
who taught

their future
priests so many years.

As I said to you previously,
it is complicated.

[cutlery clanking]

[Nektarios] We have sugar,
cumin and bread.

Silk as well,
and manuscripts, of course.

[Nektarios] Excellent.

We should send money
to [indistinct].

She will
make sure it gets to them.

Is that all right, Kostas?

Father, I'm happy to do
whatever you want me to do.

I just don't see
how it's possible

to rebuild
the monastery on your salary

and a few donations.

With God,
everything is possible.

♪

I got more mulberry
and fruit trees.

They will have them
planted all over Aegina.

How many trees
have we shipped so far?

6,000 or 7,000, I believe.

7,000?

[Nektarios]
Don't worry, Kostas,

they gave them to me
for almost nothing.

♪

I would love to send
a few copies of my new book.

Have we been
able to print any?

Unfortunately, we have not.

We owe money
to the printer, again.

It's all right.

It will just have to wait
until I get paid.

Of course.

[footsteps approaching]

Why are the toilets
so filthy?

[Kostas] Our janitor
is in the hospital.

And why haven't we
found a new janitor?

How hard can that be?

I found
a replacement already.

[President Rizarios]
Oh, you did?

Do you mind
telling me who it is?

[Nektarios]
Someone that I trust.

Who are those women
who have permit passes...

and why
do they come here?

They are my spiritual children.

Your spiritual children?

They want to become nuns,
and they seek my advice.

So, it is not enough
that you are trying to persuade

everyone in here
to become a priest.

Now you're grooming
nuns from here, too?

I want them
to return their passes

and refrain
from coming here!

[books thudding]

I'm sorry, Your Eminence.
I didn't mean to do this.

No, I am sorry.

I made you angry.

[books rustling]

[scrubbing in distance]

[Vassili] Your Eminence?

Vassili?

Don't worry.
I will not take your job.

[Vassili sobs]

You saved me and my family,
Your Eminence.

Please.

Please...
let's keep this between us.

Go rest...

and I will be
waiting for you.

Thank you.

I want
to tell you something.

[footsteps approaching]

I have been tired lately.

I have less
and less strength

to do things
that I want to do.

You know that I wish
to retire to the monastery.

I feel
that it is my duty...

to go to Aegina and take
full responsibility

for the monastery
and the nuns.

I cannot believe
what I'm hearing, Father.

You're a respected
hierarchical writer.

You cannot leave it all...

and go
to some deserted island.

[Nektarios]
My inner voice, my heart...

has informed me
that I have to go to Aegina.

If they
invite you back to Egypt?

Please,
stop thinking about that.

I will never stop
thinking about that, Father.

You deserve
to become a Patriarch.

There lies a danger

in what you desire
for me to become, Kostas.

When you become a Patriarch...

you become
a man of power.

The position of power
is like a cancer;

it eats at you slowly,
and you don't even know it.

Before you realize,

you can turn into something
that you once despised.

Many great men have fallen

because of the power
they were given.

I would rather not
fall into that trap.

I beg you,
please don't go.

[Nektarios]
I made up my mind.

You're going...
to leave me all alone.

You are not alone, Kostas.

You're...

more of a father to me...

than my real father
ever was.

Please,
I'm not leaving you.

Good things
will happen to you.

Come on, have faith.

[scoffs]

[knocking]

May I come in,
Your Eminence?

[Nektarios] Of course.

[door clicks closed]

I've come
to say goodbye and, uh...

to say...

believe it or not...
thank you.

[Nektarios]
Thank you, Mr. President.

You really mean that,
don't you?

[Nektarios]
Of course I do.

I'm starting to think
that you're not human.

[Nektarios] I can assure you
that I am human, Mr. President.

No, no, I can
assure you that I'm human.

I'm the one
who dislikes you.

Maybe I--
I envy you in a strange way.

Although I dislike
your-- Your ways, your...

asceticism and everything
that comes with it--

Quite frankly,
I can't stand it.

But I see that you have
found peace in it.

So, I must say
that is good.

Do you have peace,
Mr. President?

[clock ticking]

♪

No.

No, I do not.

But I don't care about that.

I only care
about knowing the truth.

Without having
peace in your heart...

you will never
be able to know the truth.

[President Rizarios] So, I need
your God to find peace?

He's the one
not letting me have peace.

He's the one who's been
tormenting me all my life.

I wish
I would have faith.

And believe.

But I can't deny reason.

You stand for something,
Mr. President.

You are a good man.

I'm sure
you will find the way.

[joyful folk instrumental]

♪

[rocks clanking]

[rocks rattling]

♪

[music crescendos]

[music softens]

♪

-How much do I owe you?
-Nothing.

Just give keep
blessing our nets, father.

♪

Again?

You left class
early, [indistinct].

They were not
teaching us today, and...

I already know
how to read and write.

You can always get better at it
or learn something new.

I'll read here,
next to you.

John the Foreigner

Do you know
what foreigner stands for?

That's his last name.

That is not it, my dear.

Do you know
why we also call him

John the Baptist?

That's his middle name.

You see,
you still have a lot to learn.

I'm sorry.
It's almost time for vespers.

I need to go and get ready.

[hymnal singing]

♪

[singing muffled]

[Nektarios]
So, how is life in the city?

Busy.

I got many new accounts,
uh, for your articles in books.

No more
owing money to anyone.

My new job is great,
and now that I have

a room here to stay,
I-- I can't...

really complain
about anything.

You see?
Things always work out.

Yes,
you're right, Your Eminence.

It is time for the Synod...

to officially
accept the monastery.

I wrote
to Metropolitan Theoklitos.

I didn't get a response.

Perhaps you can
visit him on my behalf.

Father, um,
there has been rumor

that Metropolitan Theoklitos
is planning to shut down

-your monastery.
-That cannot be.

He is the one who gave me
his blessing to establish it.

I know.

You shouldn't believe
these rumors, Kostas.

You know better than that.

I am afraid
that this is not just a rumor.

It looks like he was unhappy

that you left Athens
and came here.

He wanted you there
to help him.

And you know that you could
still become the Patriarch.

[Nektarios] They never
gave me a diocese

and you believe that they
will elect me a Patriarch?

[Kostas] The people of Egypt

want you
to become their Patriarch.

[Nektarios]
You must realize by now...

that it doesn't matter
what the people want.

[somber string instrumental]

♪

[Theoklitos]
My soul is deeply sorry

by having been
informed by Your Eminence

that without
my knowledge and will,

a community of women
has been created in Aegina.

♪

Why,
without the knowledge

and consent of myself,
the canonical Hierarch,

did you create the monastery?
And for what purpose?

♪

So, now you know
nothing about this, my brother?

Absolutely nothing?

♪

[Xenia] Has the decision
from the Metropolitan arrived?

Yes, it has.

[Xenia] Is he seeking
to absolve the monastery?

No.

He wants a written account
and a detailed report.

I will prepare mine
but I need your help...

to prepare the report
that will name each sister...

the details
of their enlistment

and their
financial contributions.

There is nothing else
that we can do.

[Xenia] Your Eminence.

You suffer so much.

And all your suffering
is because of us.

I think you should leave.

You have done enough.

We will find the way.

I would never betray you.

[Xenia] You wouldn't be
betraying us if you left.

Yes, I would.

And that would cause
a pain so devastating...

that it can
break your soul.

Believe me.
I know that pain.

The property is private.

If the monastery is not
acknowledged by the Synod,

the state
will not accept it either.

All the donations,
and I see there are many,

will not be considered
part of the monastery.

Neither will
the private property

that some of the nuns
donated themselves.

If you make it
a church property

that belongs
to the Synod,

they will
most likely go with it.

It does,
however, put the nuns

at the mercy of the Synod.

No.

It needs
to remain independent,

privately owned by the nuns.

Then the Synod will have to
acknowledge it that way.

Are you telling me
that we are completely

at the mercy of the Synod?

There is another way,
Your Eminence.

I just don't know

if you will want
to take that route.

-What it is?
-If the Synod

doesn't acknowledge
the monastery,

you can make this place
into a non-profit entity...

in which case
the state will approve it.

And it will operate
as an independent convent,

just like those
in the West.

We shall do that
if we must.

Don't you see that...

all these obstacles
are signs

that you should
leave this place...

Go do something
more suitable for yourself?

To what more suitable
thing do you refer?

Some high position
in the church?

I don't understand you, father.

When they exiled
you from Egypt,

when they persecuted you,

when everyone wanted you
to defend yourself,

you remained silent
and turned the other cheek.

But now,
when the monastery

and those women
are being persecuted,

you are not only willing
to speak up and fight,

you are even willing
to go against the Synod?

My dear, Kostas,
when you're persecuted...

the right thing to do
is to turn another cheek.

But when
your children are persecuted

because someone
is trying to hurt you,

the right thing to do

is to fight
to protect your children.

I'm sorry, father.

I just can't accept
and never accept that you,

the greatest Hierarch
of our church...

is at the moment stuck here...
in these hills...

withering away.

My body
may be withering away...

but my soul is not.

♪

I wish she would just
leave me alone and disappear.

I understand.
Don't worry.

You need
to pray for your mother.

So, my dear,
have you come to your senses?

Mother,
I am perfectly happy here.

You are not happy.

Everyone knows
that only broken people

end up in monasteries

and they end up
dying in misery.

[Maria] I feel
quite the opposite.

You should go back
to your husband, Maria.

I don't have a husband.

You forced me
to marry that man.

I am not
going back to him.

[mother]
Do you think I like being

with your
whoremonger father?

I took care of you even while
he left us with nothing.

Do you think it was easy?

[Maria] What do you want me
to do, prostitute myself?

I don't want
to talk about this anymore.

What have they done to you!

-What have they done to you?
-My dear woman.

May I help you?

I want my daughter back.

Tell her to come home
with her mother.

[Nektarios] Maria...

do you wish
to go home with your mother?

No,
Your Eminence, I do not.

I want to stay here.
Please.

As you can hear,
she wishes to stay.

You tell her that she needs
to come home with her mother.

I cannot.

And I will not do that.

I will make you
pay for this, you whoremonger.

The whole island
knows about you,

you fallen bishop!

You were
defrocked and thrown out.

And you think
that you can come here

and pretend to be holy?

Well, you have
angered the wrong woman!

I will see you in hell!

Dear sir,
I need to talk to you urgently.

[Sir] I'm sorry,
dear lady, but you need

to make
an appointment, first.

Metropolitan Meletius
told me to come here.

His grace,
Meletius sent you?

They took my child.

They took her
away from me and destroyed her.

Who has taken her?

That fallen bishop
in Aegina, Nektarios.

He manipulated her
and seduced her.

I tried
to take her back home

but he won't
let me see her.

I think he has gotten her
pregnant like the others.

I don't know what to do.

He has
turned her against me,

[deep sob]
and he took her away.

Come with me.

I promise I will
take care of this personally.

You have brought shame
to the title of bishop.

You should
read these accusations.

It is a disgrace!

What are you doing
with these women?

What is wrong with you?

I had to come here
with an examiner.

You have created a scandal...

for the church.

Please, forgive me.

♪

[soft ominous music]

[distant rustling]

♪

It seems like you're innocent--
for now.

I will be
sending you instructions

on precisely
what I want you to do.

And I'll be checking
on you...

on a regular basis.

And please, try to dress
more appropriately.

You look more
like a beggar than a bishop.

♪

I have been praying.

[Nektarios]
Praying about what?

Can you please tell me

what were you
praying about?

I was praying to God

to punish
that awful man who came here.

[Nektarios]
You should never pray to God

to punish anyone, my dear.

But why?
He was awful to you.

God wants us

to forgive people
that treat us badly.

We have to pray
even for our enemies.

I'm sorry,
but I don't understand.

[Nektarios] You don't
have to understand everything.

But trust me on this. Hmm?

♪

Are you
the famous bishop, Nektarios?

I am the bishop, Nektarios.

How may I help you?

Don't act
holy with me, you fraud.

You may fool your metropolitan
but you cannot fool me.

I know
what you have been doing here

with you so-called nuns.

How many stillborn children
have you buried

on these grounds,
you murderer?

Why don't you answer,
you hypocrite!

Stop this.
He's sick.

Ah!

[objects clattering]

You are all insane,
to defend this devil!

[clattering continues]

Why are you doing this?

Get off this bed. Now!

She can't move.

Leave her alone,
there's nothing here.

Move her!

[objects breaking]

Father.
Why don't you say something?

You're not
going to escape justice.

You're going to jail!

I'll send a doctor...

to give a medical examinations
of all the nuns.

Starting
with Maria [indistinct]!

[women screaming]

She's a virgin.

[sniffling]

[distant yelling]

[singing in Greek]

Hey!

Hey, old man!

Those stories about you!

Are they true?

Come on... come on!

They must be true.

You can tell me.

You can confess to me.

I understand,
no one can be normal

in this miserable world.

You have to become crazy...

in order to survive.

I know...

I am a thief on the cross.

I know
how bad we all are.

[singing in Greek]

[folk instrumental]

♪

[Nektarios grunting gently]

I need to sit down.

You have been in pain
for some time now, father.

Maybe we should
call the doctor.

♪

Please.

Please bring me
a glass of lemonade.

♪

Why did they build
this window here?

It's for the food.

It's easier that way.

Easier for whom?

It wouldn't be better for them
to come in and help you?

Don't worry, Kostas.

Father [indistinct] here...

has been
taking care of me quite well.

I must confess
something to you, father.

If it had been done to me...
what has been done to you,

I would not
go to church anymore.

I am amazed at your faith.

Well, to me...

if my faith...

depends on man....

[knocking]

[nurse] The doctor is here.

[gloves rustling]

You need to have
prostate surgery right away.

I can arrange for the hospital
to take you immediately.

We shall see.

[nun 3] Are you sure
you want to do this, father?

We're preparing
to take you to the hospital.

You need
to preserve your energy.

I want-- I want
to speak to my mother.

♪

[soft grunting]

♪

♪

[quiet gasps]

[sighing]

[gently sobbing]

Please, Mother.

[sniffing]

Please, help me, Mother.

[gasps]

I cannot bear...

this much
pain.

Please.

[sniffs]

Please, Mother.

Soon...

I will not longer...

be able
to help my children.

Please.

Please Mother...

please protect them.

Please Mother.

Ask...

Mother, ask your holy son...

to guard them
from danger, please.

Please.

Please protect...

all people of this island.

Please, Mother.

Please.

[smooch]

[soft music]

[nun 3]
Are you all right, father?

♪

Who is that?

He's a poor family man.

Fell from a cliff and became
paralyzed the waist down.

Do you think

he will be able
to survive the operation?

[smooch]

You must be
a man of God to have...

so many nuns
caring for you.

Only God knows.

[paralyzed man]
I don't understand.

I don't understand why God...

just didn't let me die
when I fell off that cliff.

I don't under--

I don't understand why.

He has...

He has a purpose for you.

My brother.

A purpose?

What purpose?

I can't do anything.

I can't move my body, I...

All I can do
is lay here like a--

like a piece of meat.

I can't take care
of my family.

I can't feed my children.

I can't do anything.

I don't know why I'm here.

Every one of us...

should ask that question.

You are.

You are just
forced to do it.

Oh, holy man of God.

Oh, holy man of God.

Will you please--

will you please
pray for me?

Maybe.

Maybe God...

has a surprise for you.

[wheezing gently]

[wheezing continues]

[grunting]

Are you
speaking to me, my Lord?

♪

♪

[deep operatic singing]

♪

[operatic singing continues]

♪

[music ends]

[moving strings instrumental]

♪

♪

♪

♪

♪

♪

♪

♪

♪

[music ends]