Saint
Nikēphóros of Mount Athos
Venerable Nikēphóros of Mount Athos
New Calendar May 4 Old Calendar May 17
Why they are a saint
Saint Nikēphóros was the teacher of Saint Gregory Palamas (November 14). He grew up as a Roman Catholic, but he journeyed to the Byzantine Empire and became Orthodox. Saint Nikēphóros lived as an ascetic on Mount Athos, and died before the year 1300. Venerated as a monastic saint, honored for a life of prayer and asceticism.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Nikēphóros of Mount Athos as a patron when they bear the name Nikēphóros at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on May 4. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Nikēphóros of Mount Athos, 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.