Agios Paisios: Apo ta Farasa ston ourano

Truly, there are no words to describe this series. It's my first time writing a review here, but this diamond truly deserves it. Most Orthodox Christians are probably familiar with Saint Paisios, but through this 21-episode journey, you will come to know him even deeper.

Congratulations to the entire team - creators, photographers, and everyone involved. Special thanks to Prokopis Agathokleous and especially to Christina Pavlidou. Words cannot express how beautifully and emotionally you portrayed the role of the Mother. Honestly, both of you deserve to be nominated for an Oscar.

Must-watch, 10/10.

This is the reason i created my account here. To honor the people who created the Saint Paisios short biography for TV .

I felt that Prokopis Agathokleous is Saint Paisios for real!

Congratulations to everyone !

The scenes from his birthplace, Hagion Oros, Oros Sina etc were really breathtaking!

There are many emotional scenes.

The musical background is exactly what it should be.

Saint Paisios who devoted his life to others , who showed true , unconditional love to all human beings, animals , nature etc. He was really God' s creation!

A must watch series for all . I couldn' t wait until the next episode. Now that it ended, i will start watching it again and again.

Watching this series will make you wonder about your place on earth and teaches all the good Christianity and bring to the world. Is about Saint Paisios life on earth and his spiritual journey, his miracles and how the love for Jesus Christ and embrassing his teachings can elevate human to get closer to God and be a better man and eventualy reach the ascension to hollyness, something very difficult to an everyday human but possible for a few people dedicated to deep prayer, holy asceticism, the expulsion of selfishness and the renunciation of worldly everyday life and temptations with the sole goal of loving Christ and the Virgin Mary.

The series "Saint Paisios: From Farasa to Heaven" is a true masterpiece of Greek television, seamlessly blending historical accuracy, spirituality, and artistic excellence. From the very first scene, it captivates the audience with its aesthetics, heartfelt storytelling, and authentic portrayal of Saint Paisios's life.

Plot and Themes

The screenplay masterfully unfolds the story of Saint Paisios's family, starting in Farasa, Cappadocia, through their painful journey as refugees, and eventually reaching Greece. The series focuses not only on the events of the Saint's life but also on the deeper messages of faith and love that he exemplified. The dialogue is simple yet profound, capturing human concerns and the constant quest for spirituality.

Acting and Characters

The performances are mesmerizing, with Prokopis Agathokleous delivering a deeply moving portrayal of the young Paisios. With sincerity and an almost reverent approach, he embodies the Saint's humility and grace. Eugenia Dimitropoulou and Nikitas Tsakiroglou shine in their roles, offering emotionally rich performances, while the entire cast lends authenticity and realism to every scene.

Direction and Aesthetics

Stamos Tsamis's direction vividly brings the era to life with meticulous attention to detail. The natural landscapes, traditional costumes, and the architecture of Cappadocia and interwar Greece are portrayed with realism, vividly recreating the historical backdrop. The cinematography is artistically impeccable, using light and shadow to create a mystical atmosphere that heightens the emotional impact.

Musical Score

The series's music is one of its standout features, incorporating Byzantine melodies that touch the soul. The compositions are not merely a backdrop but enhance the dramatic intensity, reflecting the spirituality of the narrative.

Spiritual and Historical Messages

Beyond its biographical dimension, the series accomplishes a significant spiritual feat. It highlights faith as a driving force, inviting viewers to reflect on the values of humility, love, and solidarity. Simultaneously, it sheds light on the history of Asia Minor refugees, portraying the hardships and resilience of a people uprooted but never losing hope.

Message and Impact

The series appeals not only to believers but also to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of human nature. With respect for historical truth and tradition, it combines art with a religious experience, creating a work that inspires and teaches.

Conclusion

"Saint Paisios: From Farasa to Heaven" is not merely a television series; it is a spiritual journey and a study of the values that define us as human beings. With high aesthetics, exceptional performances, and profound spirituality, it stands as one of Greek television's finest productions, deserving its place among the most inspiring works of its kind.

The excellent performances of the actors, the intelligently structured script, the breath taking presentation of Greek landscapes in which many of the scenes of the series are filmed under an excellent director of photography, are the ingredients of one of the most successful works for the presentation of a modern saint of the Greek Orthodox Church. Moments of the modern history of Greece are also present. But, more and above all, the presence of God in the life and the relations of a Saint of the modern Days.

A project that should be watched by anyone who wants to know a man of God who lived in our days, died in in 1994 and was classified as a Saint in 2015.