Saint · 1350
Nikon
Venerable Nikon, Abbot of Radonezh, and disciple of Venerable Sergius († 1426)
New Calendar November 17 Old Calendar November 30
Why they are a saint
He was born in 1350 in the town of Yuriev-in-the-fields, between Rostov and Radonezh. At a very young age he sought out St Sergius of Radonezh, seeking to be his disciple; but the Saint placed him in another monastery, where he soon became known as the ‘lover of obedience’ for his humility and selflessness. At last, when he was about thirty and had been ordained to the priesthood, he was able to go to Radonezh, where St Sergius, discerning his advanced spiritual state, made Nikon his cell-attendant.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Nikon as a patron when they bear the name Nikon at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on November 17. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Nikon, 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.