The Life of Father Philotei Zervakos


Abbot Philotei Zervakos was from a very young age under the guidance of Saint Nectarios of Aegina, the miracle worker, who he had as his spiritual father. For approximately 50 years, he was the abbot of the Loggobardas Monastery in Paros, being one of the most appreciated spiritual fathers.

Father Philotei Zervakos was born in May 1884 in a small village in the Pakia area, in Sparta. At baptism, he received the name Constantine. From childhood, he had a love for God and for the holy things.

After completing his studies, he worked for two years as a teacher in his native village. Then, in 1906, he performed his military service in the 2nd Cavalry Regiment in Athens, with the rank of non-commissioned officer.

At the urging of his spiritual father, Saint Nectarios of Aegina, he became a monk at the Izvorul Tămăduirii Monastery in Longovarda. Then, on December 29, 1907, he received the name Philotei. On April 22, 1912, he was ordained a priest by Metropolitan Gabriel of Trifelia and Olympia, and a year later, he was elected archimandrite. In 1924, he went on a pilgrimage to Egypt and the Holy Land, about which he would later report in a work. In 1930, he was elected abbot of the Loggobardas Monastery. In 1934, he made another pilgrimage, this time to Constantinople. Returning to Greece, he founded the Monastery of the Mother of God Myrtidiotissa, located four kilometers from Lefkes, the main town of the island of Paros.

He visited numerous islands in Greece, as well as important cities in the world, always preaching and testifying to the word of God. During his life, he built 12 churches, two monasteries, three cemeteries, and two schools. The money he received from the faithful, he distributed to the poor, widows, and orphans.

He was endowed by God with numerous charisms, the most important being the gift of foresight. He is known to the Romanian public through several works about his life and work, such as: “Philotheos Zervakos: Advice, Miracles, Prayers”, “Traveler to Heaven – Life, Sermons and Visions of Blessed Philoteos Zervakos”, “Confession of the Orthodox Faith. Spiritual Testament”, “Father Philoteos Zervakos Speaks to Us”.

Monk Philoteos Zervakos passed away to the Lord on May 8, 1980.

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