Patriarch
Saint Nikephoros was born in Constantinople to two deeply devout parents, Theodoros and Eudokia. His father became a martyr for his faith, during the period of Iconoclasm, defending the honor of the holy icons. The saint himself, being wise and virtuous, became an imperial advisor and likewise defended the Orthodox faith. At the Seventh Ecumenical Council, he strengthened the arguments of the holy fathers and defeated the claims of the heretics.
After the council, he abandoned worldly life and withdrew to a quiet place, where he founded a new monastery. Later, he succeeded Patriarch Tarasios on the throne of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Saint Nikephoros reproached Emperor Leon the Armenian for his political decisions, his support of heresies, and his persecutions against the iconophiles. As a result, he too was persecuted and exiled. Even in exile, he continued to pray and guide the faithful, despite the hardships he endured. He was deprived of his office and anathematized by the heretics.
He spent thirteen years imprisoned, suffering from illness and deprivation, until at last, praying, he departed to the Lord.
His body was buried in the church of Saint Theodore the Great Martyr.
