Mount Athos weathered lithography (icon) of Saint Nikephoros the Confessor in pine wood with carved decoration.

Saint Nikephoros was born in 758 AD. in Istanbul by pious parents, the Theodore and Irene. Nikephoros received a good education and was invited by the palace to take over as royal secretary. But he soon resigned from this position and became a monk. He later became the director of a large orphanage in Istanbul where he displayed great social and philanthropic work. He gained great fame, as a result of which he was elected Patriarch of Constantinople on April 5, 806 AD. From his new high position he dedicated his life to the service of God and the Church.

After the iconoclastic council of Hagia Sophia, he was dethroned and exiled to Prokonisos where he died in 828 AD. Saint Nikephoros belongs to the great Fathers of the Church and fought zealously against iconoclasm. The Orthodox Christian Church celebrates his memory on June 2 of each year.

Apolytikion of Saint Nicephorus, Patriarch of Constantinople

Fourth Tone

A model of faith and the image of gentleness, the example of your life has shown you forth to your sheep-fold to be a master of temperance. You obtained thus through being lowly, gifts from on high, and riches through poverty. Nicephorus, our father and priest of priests, intercede with Christ our God that He may save our souls.