Born in Paphlagonia to pious parents, he was a distant relative of Empress Theodora. At the age of 17, he came to Constantinople, where he served at court, achieving high ranks, but realizing the vanity of worldly goods, he wished to take monastic vows. After many requests, Emperor Michael Rangabe allowed him to leave service but did not permit him to depart from the capital, placing him in Chrysonykia.
Seeing the desecration of holy icons, Saint Niketas left Constantinople and entered a monastery, where he spent his time in fasting and labor. He refused to hand over an icon of the Savior, for which he was expelled from the community. After wandering, he settled in a seaside monastery, where he completed his life at the age of 76. He performed many miracles both in life and after death.
