Kaftanzoglio National Stadium in Thessaloniki, one of the highest quality sports stadiums in the Balkans, opened its doors on October 27, 1960. The reason it opened on that date is because it was the feast of Saint Nestor, who was proclaimed the patron saint of athletes after he appeared in the dreams of a man responsible for the building of the stadium, which is why there is a chapel to Saint Nestor there.
On October 27, 2000, at the National Sports Center of Larissa, a chapel dedicated to Saint Nestor was consecrated by Metropolitan Hieronymos of Larissa and Tyrnavos, in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Sports, Eleftherios Avgenakis, and the city's officials.
In his brief address at the consecration, the Metropolitan emphasized that the Christian life is like a stadium of sports and exercise, while the entire Christian teaching constitutes the Church's invitation to man in the spiritual struggle and the ascetic life in Christ.* He thanked those responsible for the sports center for the erection of the Sacred Chapel and called on all athletes to pray daily to Saint Nestor so that he may strengthen them in their arduous struggle.
On October 27, 2000, at the National Sports Center of Larissa, a chapel dedicated to Saint Nestor was consecrated by Metropolitan Hieronymos of Larissa and Tyrnavos, in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Sports, Eleftherios Avgenakis, and the city's officials.
In his brief address at the consecration, the Metropolitan emphasized that the Christian life is like a stadium of sports and exercise, while the entire Christian teaching constitutes the Church's invitation to man in the spiritual struggle and the ascetic life in Christ.* He thanked those responsible for the sports center for the erection of the Sacred Chapel and called on all athletes to pray daily to Saint Nestor so that he may strengthen them in their arduous struggle.
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* The adjective "ascetic" derives from the ancient Greek term áskēsis, which means "training" or "exercise". The original usage referred to the physical training required for athletic events. Its usage was later extended by Christians to describe rigorous practices to overcome various vices, passions and demons through spiritual warfare in the pursuit of a virtuous life according to the commandments of Christ. Like athletes seeking the crown of victory, the goal of a Christian engaged in the stadium of spiritual warfare or martyrdom is to be crowned by Christ for victoriously enduring in a life pleasing to God.
