Venerable
Saint Niketas of Medikion (also known as Niketas the Confessor; c. 760, Bithynia — April 3, 824, Princes’ Islands) was a distinguished ascetic and abbot of the Monastery of Medikion. Born into a devout family, he was raised in an ecclesiastical environment and, from an early age, felt called to the monastic life. He became known for his virtuous and deeply pious way of living. In 790 he was ordained a hieromonk. Later he became an abbot, strengthening and expanding his monastic brotherhood, which eventually reached one hundred monks during his leadership.
The saint was also renowned for the gift of working miracles. Through his prayers, the sick and those afflicted by demonic possession were healed. During the period of persecution under Iconoclasm, and especially during the reign of Leo V the Armenian, he steadfastly and courageously defended the veneration of the holy icons. As a result, he was imprisoned and sent into exile. Although he briefly yielded under pressure, he later repented and once again openly denounced the heresy, enduring further persecutions. Even while imprisoned, he continued to strengthen the faithful and performed many miracles.
After his release, he withdrew to one of the islands near Constantinople. There he reposed on April 3, 824, during the reign of Michael II. His relics were later transferred with honor to the Monastery of Medikion.
