Martyr
Martyr Nicephorus of Antioch
† ок. 257
Also known as: Никифор Сирский, Никифор Антиохийский (Сирский)
A layman of Antioch who repeatedly begged forgiveness of the priest Sapricius; when Sapricius denied Christ at the place of execution, Nicephorus confessed himself a Christian and was beheaded in his place (c. 257).
St Nicephorus lived in Antioch in Syria under the emperors Valerian and Gallienus (253–260). He was a close friend of the priest Sapricius, but the two quarrelled bitterly. Nicephorus repented and several times asked Sapricius for forgiveness, at last falling at his feet, but the priest refused to be reconciled.
When persecution broke out, Sapricius was arrested, confessed Christ under torture and was sentenced to beheading. On the way to execution Nicephorus again begged his forgiveness, but Sapricius would not forgive him, and at the last moment he lost courage and agreed to sacrifice to the idols. Nicephorus implored him not to deny Christ, then declared himself a Christian and asked to die in his place. The governor released Sapricius and had Nicephorus beheaded, around 257.
His feast on 9 February is already found in the Typikon of the Great Church and the Synaxarion of Constantinople. The Russian Church keeps it on 9 February (22 February, new style).