Who Was Saint Porphyrios?
Saint Porphyrios (1906–1991), known in the world as Evangelos Bairaktaris, was a humble Greek Orthodox monk and elder who became one of the most beloved saints in modern Orthodox Christianity.
Canonized by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in 2013, he is widely known for his deep spiritual gifts, miraculous discernment, and ability to guide souls in a troubled and increasingly secular age.
He is often referred to as a “Saint of our times” because of his profound relevance to modern struggles—spiritual confusion, psychological distress, technological overload, and the hunger for meaning in contemporary life.
Early Life and Calling
Saint Porphyrios was born in the village of Agios Ioannis in Evia, Greece.
From an early age, he exhibited a rare spiritual sensitivity. At just 12 years old, he left home for Mount Athos, driven by a deep love for Christ and the saints.
He joined the Skete of Kafsokalyvia on Mount Athos and lived under the guidance of two austere elders. It was here that he was gifted by God with the grace of clairvoyance and spiritual discernment.
“I would sit on a stone and see my elders praying far away, though they were invisible to the eye. Then I knew: God had given me something I must never misuse.”
The Return to the World: Living in Modern Times
Due to poor health, the elder was forced to leave Mount Athos. Unlike other ascetics who remained in remote places, Saint Porphyrios lived most of his life among people—in hospitals, churches, cities.
He served as a hospital chaplain in Athens for over three decades, and his presence radiated peace even in the busiest of environments.
His life demonstrates that Orthodox Christianity is not limited to monasteries but thrives in the heart of the modern world.
“You don’t need to go to the desert to find Christ. Turn your heart into a desert, and He will come.”
Why Saint Porphyrios Is So Loved
He Was Joyful and Gentle
Saint Porphyrios never judged people. Even those deeply immersed in sin or despair found in him a loving presence.
“Don’t fight the darkness. Turn on the light.”
He Combined Wisdom and Simplicity
Though uneducated in the worldly sense, Saint Porphyrios was full of divine wisdom. He spoke with clarity, depth, and childlike humility.
“The Christian must be joyful. Sorrow is not from God.”
He Understood Modern People
Saint Porphyrios could relate to everyday anxieties—family stress, mental health, spiritual confusion. People came to him not only for miracles but for understanding.
“Do not pressure the children. Love them. Pray silently and Christ will speak to them.”
Teachings of Saint Porphyrios
On Faith
Faith, for Saint Porphyrios, was not blind belief but a living relationship with Christ.
“Fall in love with Christ, and everything will change.”
He taught that Orthodox Christianity is not about rules and punishments but about divine love, grace, and joy.
On Prayer
He emphasized the Jesus Prayer (“Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner”) as a path to inner stillness.
“Don’t say the prayer with pressure. Say it with love.”
Prayer was not mechanical repetition but a dialogue of the heart with God.
On Parenting and Family Life
One of the most quoted saints on modern family life, Saint Porphyrios gave guidance that is gentle, compassionate, and relevant.
“A child becomes good through the sanctity of the parents. Not through pressure.”
He urged parents to correct themselves first, rather than focusing on correcting their children.
Miracles of Saint Porphyrios
Healing the Sick
Saint Porphyrios healed people from cancer, blindness, and psychiatric disorders—not with theatrics, but with silent prayer and deep compassion.
Seeing at a Distance
He could describe places and people he had never seen with physical eyes. He saw into souls and revealed hidden truths gently and discretely.
“I do not see with my own eyes. Christ shows me.”
Comforting the Dying
People reported that he appeared to them during illnesses or at the hour of death, bringing peace and light. Many of these incidents were confirmed by others who had no natural way of knowing.
On Technology and Modern Distractions
Saint Porphyrios warned about the dangers of noise, distraction, and the overuse of technology, long before smartphones and social media.
“The devil does not fear anything more than stillness.”
He encouraged people to simplify their lives, to turn off the noise, and to find moments of silence where the heart could meet Christ.
On Depression and Anxiety
Unlike many religious figures who might spiritualize mental health, Saint Porphyrios was realistic and compassionate. He saw that many psychological illnesses were connected to a lack of purpose, love, and prayer.
“Sadness is not from God. It is the work of the evil one.”
He advised people to confess, receive the Eucharist, and cultivate hope.
Quotes from Saint Porphyrios
Here are some of his most powerful sayings:
- “Love Christ and do not worry about anything.”
- “Speak to God simply, like a child to its father.”
- “When you are tired, do not seek rest in worldly things. Pray instead.”
- “Silence is the language of the age to come.”
- “Spiritual life begins when we stop blaming others.”
How He Became a Saint
The love for Saint Porphyrios was universal and spontaneous. Long before his formal canonization, he was already venerated by thousands. The Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate recognized his holiness officially in 2013.
His canonization was not based solely on miracles, but on the purity of his life, the clarity of his teaching, and the spiritual fruit he bore in countless lives.
Saint Porphyrios and Orthodox Christianity Today
In a world filled with noise, doubt, and distraction, Saint Porphyrios offers a radiant example of what Orthodox Christianity looks like when lived fully. He didn’t condemn the modern world—he healed it from within.
His message is one of love, healing, joy, and deep peace. He reminds the faithful that holiness is possible today, even in cities, even in pain, even in doubt.
“Christ is hidden in our brother, in our work, in our sorrow, in everything.”
Final Thoughts: Why Saint Porphyrios Matters Today
Saint Porphyrios is more than a historical figure. He is a light for those navigating faith in modern times. People love him because he met them where they were, offered hope without judgment, and pointed them gently—but firmly—toward Christ.
His teachings resonate not only with monks and theologians but with students, parents, workers, and seekers.
He is, truly, a Saint for our times.
Other modern Holy Fathers: