Hieromonk
Saint Hieromartyr Nikita was born in Albania and labored on the Holy Mount Athos, first in the Russian Monastery of St. Great Martyr Panteleimon, and then in the Skete of St. Anna. He aspired to a martyr's end, wishing to shed his blood for the faith in Christ.
Having arrived in the city of Serres, he confessed Christ as the true God and reproached Muhammad, for which he was captured and subjected to tortures. He was imprisoned, where he endured cruel torments, including burning and the wearing of an iron crown. On April 4, 1808, he was sentenced to death by hanging.
Before his execution, he asked for forgiveness and forgave all. The body of the saint remained on the gallows for three days without undergoing any changes. On the third day of Pascha, blood flowed from his wound, which the Christians collected with reverence. Later, his body was buried behind the church of St. Nicholas.
After his martyr's death, a merchant, hearing of his boldness, saw in a dream that Saint Nikita is a true martyr. This confirms the sanctity of his deed.
