Mega Channel in Greece is preparing a television series on the life of Saint Philothei of Athens, commemorated annually on 19 February in the Orthodox calendar.
The saint was born in 16th-century Athens as Revoula, the result of her mother’s prayers after being unable to have children. Although she did not wish to marry, she obeyed her parents and wed a wealthy man who caused her much suffering.
Widowed after three years, she founded the Monastery of St Andrew—on the site where the headquarters of the Archdiocese of Athens now stands—as well as three other monasteries in Athens.
She offered protection to women enslaved by Ottoman Turks. Many refused to renounce the Christian faith and found refuge in her monastery, which brought her into conflict with the Ottoman authorities. She died a martyr after being beaten by Turks who raided the monastery.
About the Series
The production is being developed by Feelgood Entertainment, led by Greek television figure Froso Ralli, with a script by Penny Fylaktaki. Filming is scheduled to begin in 2026.
Ralli described the saint as a precursor of feminism due to her protection of women.
“She was a personality who did not bow her head, who stood against violence, poverty and the oppression of women, and was ultimately martyred for her values,” she told Mediatime.gr.
The series is expected to stand out not only for its historical accuracy but also for its contemporary portrayal of female courage and spiritual independence.
“I do not want to make her a saint artificially. She was a saint because she chose to be free,” Ralli said.
Religious Productions Gain Popularity
Following the success of a series on Saint Paisios of Mount Athos, which became Greece’s most popular fiction programme in 2024 with strong audience ratings, religious productions have proven highly attractive to viewers.
As a result, Mega Channel is also working on a series about Saint Joseph the Hesychast.
Photo: Nif.gr
