Saint · 1108
Nicetas
Venerable Nicetas, hermit of the Kiev Caves and Bishop of Novgorod (1108)
New Calendar February 13 Old Calendar February 26
Why they are a saint
His is a remarkable story of spiritual delusion (prelest in Russian) and repentance of delusion. Nicetas was a young and zealous monk of the Lavra of the Kiev Caves who, against the advice of his abbot St Nikon (March 25), retired alone to a cave and walled himself in. Some time later, the young monk experienced a delightful scent filling his cave.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Nicetas as a patron when they bear the name Nicetas at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on February 13. As a bishop, he is also remembered by clergy and those who serve the Church.
Prayer
O holy Nicetas, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.