Mount Athos weathered lithography (icon) of Saint Nikon Metanoeite in pine wood with carved decoration.

Saint Nikon was a monk of the Christian church, originating from Pontus. He practiced asceticism in a Pontic monastery and preached the word of God in Asia Minor. He received the nickname "Metanoeite" because in his sermon he used the words of John the Baptist when he baptized in the river Jordan. When Crete was liberated from the Arabs, he went to the island and worked passionately for the Christianization of its inhabitants.

The last destination of the Saint was Sparta. Nikon loved the area very much and built a majestic monastery there. He exerted great influence on its inhabitants and Christianized the Slavs who were settled in Taygetos with the help of the local bishop. Saint Nikon the Miracle Worker slept peacefully in 998 AD. in Sparta of which he is the patron saint. The Orthodox Christian Church celebrates his memory on November 26 of each year.

Apolytikion of Saint Nikon Metanoeite

Third Tone

Lacedaemon doth rejoice with gladness in the godly shrine of thy blest relics, which doth make streams of healings to overflow and doth preserve from affliction and sore distresss all them that hasten, O Father, to thee with faith. Righteous Nicon, intercede with Christ God in our behalf that His great mercy may be granted unto us.