Papa-Nicholas (Planas) of Athens

St. Nicholas (Planas) (1851-1932), was officially recognized as a saint by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in 1992. His feast day is celebrated on March 2. He is often referred to as Papa Nicholas (Planas).

Life

He was born in Naxos in 1851 to Captain John and Augustina, well off but good people. He learnt to read the psalter at a very early age under the guidance of his grandfather George Melissourgous. He was married at an early age and was ordained a deacon in the Church of the Transfiguration, Plaka July 28, 1879. He was then ordained a priest five years later on March 2, 1884 at the Church of the Holy Prophet Elisha.

See also

• Philotheos (Zervakos)
• St. Nektarios of Aegina

Troparia

Kontakion in the 3rd Tone.

Humble of spirit and pure of heart, illustrious in life and dispassionate of a truth, wast thou, O wise one. Thou didst illumine all by the virtues and dost grant grace unto them that draw nigh unto thee; and by thine intercessions, thou dost heal them that call upon thee, O Father Nicholas.

Megalinaro

As a simple shepherd of Christ God's lambs, thou didst tend thy flock well on the pasture of piety,

nourishing their spirits with ceaseless supplications and leading them to Christ, O wise Father Nicholas.

External Sources

• Biography of Nicholas (Planas) by Father Nektarios Serfes