Presbyter
Saint New Martyr Nicholas was born in 1865 in the village of Porets, in the Tver Governorate. He grew up in the family of a cantor, together with five other children. He and his two other brothers all became priests. Nicholas graduated from the Theological School and married Lydia Dmitrievna Zvereva, the daughter of a priest. He served in the parish where his father-in-law had also served. He was deeply loved by his parishioners, as well as respected by the local authorities.
In 1910, his wife reposed, leaving him a widower with five children. In 1913, he published a book that became an important reference work for historians. That same year, he celebrated the 25th anniversary of his priestly ministry. Soon afterwards, his eldest son Nicholas met a tragic end, a loss that greatly affected his health.
After the Revolution, there began persecutions against the Church. In 1922, Nicholas was expelled from his home. Shortly afterwards his middle daughter, Valentina, lost her life. His youngest son, Demetrius, became a soldier and abandoned his family. In 1928, the church was closed. Nicholas was arrested and sentenced to five years of exile.
While in exile, he was spared from hard labor. He also met two nuns who offered him shelter and food. Although he was deprived of the right to correspond with his loved ones, his daughter Maria, together with his youngest son, found a way to secretly provide him with assistance.
In 1933, Saint Martyr Nicholas reposed and was buried by the nuns who took care of him.
