Venerable Nectarius of Bitola (XV)

The Venerable Nectarius of Bitola (in the world Nicholas) was born in the Bulgarian town of Bitel (Butil). Before the Turkish invasion the Most Holy Theotokos appeared in a divine vision to his mother and commanded her to flee with her husband and children. The saint’s father went with his son to the monastery of the Unmercenaries near Bitel and became a monk with the name Pachomius. When Nicholas reached the age of youth, he moved to Mount Athos.

Besides his wonderful labour of prayer, fasting and toil, the Lord’s chosen one was also distinguished by compassion: he gave all the money he received for his handiwork to the poor. In 1500 the venerable father committed his soul to the Lord in peace.