Commemorated on February 9
The biography of this martyr clearly demonstrates how God rejects pride and crowns humility and love with glory.
There lived in Antioch two close friends, the learned priest Sapricius and the simple layman Nicephorus. Somehow their friendship turned into a terrible hatred for each other. The God-fearing Nicephorus attempted on many occasions to make peace with the priest. However, at no time did Sapricius desire to be reconciled.
When the persecution of Christians began, the presbyter Sapricius was condemned to death and brought to the place of execution. The sorrowful Nicephorus followed after Sapriciuss, beseeching him along the way to forgive him before his death, that they may depart in peace.
“I beseech you, O martyr of Christ,” saint Nicephorus, “forgive me if I have sinned against you!” Sapricius did not even want to look at the Saint, but quietly and arrogantly walked toward his death.
Upon seeing the hardness of the priest’s heart, God did not want to accept the sacrifice of Sapricius’ martyrdom and crown him with a wreath, and instead the Lord mysteriously withheld His grace.
At the last moment, Sapricius denied Christ and declared before the executioners that he would bow down before the idols. So it is with blind hatred! Nicephorus implored Sapricius not to deny Christ, saying: “O, my beloved brother, do not do that; do not deny our Lord Jesus Christ; do not forfeit the heavenly wreath!” But all was in vain. Sapricius remained adamant. Then Nicephorus cried out to the executioners: “I too am a Christian; behead me in place of Sapricius!”
The executioners informed the judge of this, and the judge ordered the release of Sapricius and beheaded Nicephorus in his place. Nicephorus joyfully lowered this head on the block and was beheaded. Thus, he was made worthy of the Kingdom and was crowned with the immortal wreath of glory.
This occurred in the year 260, during the reign of Gallienus.
Troparion & Kontakion
Troparion β Tone 4
Your holy martyr Nicephorus, O Lord, / through his suffering has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God. / For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries, / and shattered the powerless boldness of demons. / Through his intercessions, save our souls!
Kontakion β Tone 1
Bound with chains of love, O Nicephorus, / you demolished the malice of hatred. / And when beheaded, you became a holy martyr for the Incarnate Savior. / Pray to Him for us who praise your glorious memory in song.