Nikolas Planas was an Orthodox priest of the Church of Greece who lived in Athens during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on Naxos in 1851, he led a life of extreme poverty and asceticism, dedicating himself to serving the poor and students. He is most notably remembered for his steadfast devotion, having performed the divine liturgy every single day for nearly fifty years. His humble lifestyle and constant prayer attracted a wide range of followers, including prominent Greek writers.
Life and service
After moving to Athens as a teenager, Nikolas lived in poverty and later gave his inheritance to help a neighbor. Following his ordination, he served in various locations, eventually becoming the first rector of the Church of Saint John the Baptist "the Hunter." He lived very simply, subsisting on basic foods like bread and vegetables. Throughout his ministry, he consistently donated his modest earnings and later much larger sums to those in need.
Veneration
The Church of Constantinople canonized him as a saint in 1992. He is commemorated on March 2, the anniversary of his death in 1932. His relics are preserved in a silver reliquary within the Church of Saint John the Baptist "the Hunter" in Athens, where he served for many years.