Ioannis Kapodistrias, Greece’s revered first Governor, may soon be officially recognized as a saint by the Orthodox Church, according to a groundbreaking revelation by acclaimed Greek film director Yannis Smaragdis.
The director, whose new historical epic “Kapodistrias” is set to hit screens, announced that the process for Kapodistrias’s sanctification has been activated by Mount Athos, with the blessing of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
Smaragdis made the astonishing disclosure during an interview following the release of the trailer for his highly anticipated film. He recounted a personal meeting with Patriarch Bartholomew, where he sought the Patriarch’s blessing for Kapodistrias‘s canonization.
Crucially, Smaragdis revealed the Patriarch’s response: “He told me that they had come from the Holy Mountain and asked me to sanctify him.” This indicates that the formal procedure for Kapodistrias’s canonization has already been set in motion by the monastic community of Mount Athos.
Kapodistrias, the future Saint
Smaragdis further clarified the Patriarch’s stance: “So the Patriarch sees it positively… He told me that it might be the Holy Mountain. That is, the relative process has been activated. Some groups of people ask for this.” The director then identified the key figure behind the proposal: “It is Archimandrite Georgios Alevras, who is a bright case. He is unique.”
The news marks a potentially historic moment for Greece, combining the cultural impact of Smaragdis’s film with a significant spiritual development. Ioannis Kapodistrias (1776-1831) is widely regarded as the architect of the modern Greek state, known for his integrity, diplomatic prowess, and profound commitment to his nation. His life of selfless service and deeply held Orthodox faith has long made him a figure revered by many for his moral character.
While the process of canonization within the Orthodox Church is rigorous and often lengthy, requiring extensive examination of a candidate’s life, virtues, and potential miracles, the formal initiation by Mount Athos and the positive inclination of the Ecumenical Patriarch signify a major step forward.
Smaragdis’s film, “Kapodistrias,” which delves into the life and legacy of the statesman, is poised to bring renewed public attention to Kapodistrias’s contributions, potentially further galvanizing support for his recognition as a saint. The revelation adds an extraordinary dimension to the film’s release, intertwining historical narrative with contemporary spiritual aspiration.
The trailer of the Smaragdis’s film
Related: The Parallel Visions of Alexander the Great and Kapodistrias for Greece
