Saint Nikolaos was born on the island of Naxos in the Cyclades in 1851 to Ioannis and Augustina. His pious parents raised him with the ideals of Christianity.
From his childhood, he expressed his appeal and love for the sacred.
He was ordained a deacon on July 28, 1879, in the Church of the Transfiguration in Plaka and after five years, on March 2, 1884, he was ordained a Presbyter in the small Church of Saint Elissaios in Monastiraki.
He served at the sacred altar for about fifty years (1884 – 1932) in the churches of Saint Panteleimon near the river Ilissos and in the even poorer and more isolated Church of Saint Ioannis Prodromos, the so-called “Hunter,” on today’s Vouliagmeni Street.
Papa-Nicholas, the so-called “simple,” lived in the joy of the Eucharist, which he performed every day, as defined by the liturgical canons, and extended it for many hours, thus extending the spiritual enjoyment.
The late Elder reposed in the Lord in 1932 at the age of 82.
On August 29, 1992, the relics of Saint Nikolaos Planas were placed in a silver reliquary, which is now located in the right aisle of the Church of Saint Ioannis the Hunter.
The Church officially canonized Saint Nicholas Planas during the 135th Synodal Period (1991-1992) of the Ecumenical Patriarchate at the suggestion of the Metropolitan Nikodimos of Patras.
Following a decision of the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece, Saint Nikolaos Planas is commemorated on the first Sunday of March, except when it falls during the Great Lent period; then it is celebrated on the first Sunday following March 2.
Source: Metropolis of Constantia