Ηegumen / Abbot
Born in Constantinople, Saint Nikephoros was the son of noble and wealthy parents, who taught him the fear of God. After their passing, having recognized the vanity of the world, he decided to dedicate himself to monasticism, distributing all his inheritance to the poor. Retreating to Chalcedon, he entered the monastery of Saint Andrew and, seeing the life of the ascetics, decided to remain with them. The abbot of the monastery sent him to the Phoenician island, where he became the abbot of the monastery of the Most Holy Theotokos. The saint converted many pagans to christianity, destroyed their temples, and built churches in the name of God. Having lived in the monastery for thirty-three years, he felt the approach of the day of his departure to the Lord and informed the brotherhood, so that they would be prepared. He also appointed the pious monk Joseph as abbot. Departing to Chalcedon, he fell ill while being on the ship and, having a feeling about his end, he asked the sailors to bring his body to his destination. The saint passed away, while his body was buried with honor.
