Saint Nikitas was born in Pereyaslavl. In his youth he was known to be hard-hearted and difficult in character. One day, upon hearing the words of Prophet Isaiah, he was shaken to the core, recognized his errors, repented, and went to the monastery of Saint Nikitas. There he confessed his sins for three consecutive days.
Afterward, he removed his garments and immersed himself in a marsh, praying to God for his salvation. When the abbot saw him, he discerned his spiritual depth. He tonsured him a monk and placed him in a holy cell where the saint spent many days and nights fasting. He received the gift of working miracles and, through his prayers, healed countless people suffering from serious illnesses.
When Prince Michael of Chernigov fell gravely ill, he came to Saint Nikitas seeking help. On his journey home he was assaulted by demons and unclean spirits. However, through the saint’s blessing he preserved his faith and was indeed healed. Saint Nikitas achieved to drive away all evil spirits and care for those he had harmed earlier in his life.
He passed away after some of his relatives conspired against him, believing they would gain wealth from his death. His body was found fragrant with a holy scent. He was buried near the Church of Saint Nikitas. Countless miracles were later attributed to him. The saint appeared, among others, to the monk Symeon, while healings continue to occur at his tomb.
