The MonkMartyr Nikon Commemorated on March 23 The MonkMartyr
Nikon was born at Neapolis (Naples). His father was a pagan, and his mother
– a christian. Having reached maturity, Nikon remained a pagan. He served as a
soldier and showed unusual courage and strength. One time, Nikon with his
military company was surrounded by enemies. In deadly peril, he remembered the
christian precepts of his mother and, signing himself with the sign of the
cross, he prayed to God, vowing in the event of being saved to be baptised. He
managed to escape inescapable death and, having returned home, with the
blessing of his mother he set off in search of a priest, – which in this time
of persecution was no easy thing to do. Saint Nikon reached the island of Chios
on a ship. He went up on an high mountain there and spent 8 days in fasting and
prayer, entreating the Lord to help him. In a dream vision an Angel of God
appeared to Saint Nikon, showing him the way. Saint Nikon set off to Mount
Ganos, where many monks were hidden, headed by Theodosios the bishop of
Kyzikos. Saint Nikon received from the bishop both the mystery of Baptism and
the Angelic form (ie. monasticism). Having settled at the cave-church, Saint
Nikon became an exemplar for all the brethren. When the monk Nikon had dwelt on
the mountain for three years, it was revealed to the bishop by an Angel, –
that he should ordain the monk Nikon to the dignity of bishop, and should order
him to re-settle with all the monks to the province of Sicily. Bishop
Theodosios fulfilled this and, having entrusted the 190 monks to Saint Nikon,
he died. Having buried bishop Theodosios, Saint Nikon sailed off with the
brethren to Sicily, thereby being saved from approaching barbarians. But
through Divine Providence, Sainted Nikon came to his native city Neopolis /
Naples. He found his mother there among the living, and he remained together
with her for the final day of her life. His mother, seeing him, collapsed on
his chest with tears of joy and kissed him. Making a poklon (prostration) to
the ground, she said: "I do give thanks to Thy MostHoly Name, O Lord, in
that Thou hast granted me to behold my son in Angelic form and in bishop's
dignity; and now, my Lord, my Lord hear me Thy servant, and accept my soul into
Thine hand". Having made this prayer, the righteous woman died. Those
present glorified God and buried her with psalmody. © 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos. |
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