Ιn 2020 St Kallinikos, Metropolitan of Edessa, Pella and Almopia was included in the calendar of saints by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, following the proposal by the Church of Greece. He now rejoices among the holy Bishops in heaven, intercedes for us and inspires us.
Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos and St Vlassios was his closest disciple and was with him continuously for the last fifteen years of his life, until he surrendered his holy soul to the Lord of life and death. This account of St Kallinikos Metropolitan of Edessa’s life, blessed sufferings and holy death is based on the author’s own recollections and on other first-hand testimonies. He was an ascetic Bishop who linked asceticism with the episcopal ministry, and prayer with being in contact with people. Thus he combined love for God with love for others.
Although he was a Bishop of the Church of Greece, at the same time he is a saint. And as a saint who emulated the ascetics of the Holy Mountain, he is also a universal human being and Bishop for the whole world. All Christians, wherever they may live on earth, can benefit from different aspects of his life, and can see how it is possible to keep Christ’s commandments wherever one may be.
During his lifetime he won the love of those around him and adorned the Church of Christ. Since his death, his miraculous interventions, the innumerable signs of his presence, and the many occasions on which he has healed the sick bear witness to his sanctity, and have attracted the attention and love of many in Greece today. This book, the first about the saint to be available in English, will serve to make this endearing and wonder-working saint, who is always quick and willing to help, better known, to the glory of God and the consolation of all Christians.