Original subtitles

[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]