Holy Martyr Nicephorus (+c. 257)

The holy Martyr Nicephorus lived in Antioch of Syria. In the same city lived the presbyter Sapricius. Nicephorus and Sapricius were bound by such sincere friendship that many even took them for brothers by blood. Once, through the devil’s machinations, the inseparable friends quarrelled, and their former ardent love was replaced by terrible hatred. Nicephorus soon came to his senses, fell into repentance, and through friends asked Sapricius’s forgiveness, but he did not wish to forgive. Then Nicephorus himself came to his former friend and humbly asked forgiveness, but Sapricius was pitiless. At that time the Emperors Valerian (253–259) and Gallienus (260–268) began a persecution of the Christians. Among the first to stand before the tribunal was the presbyter Sapricius. He courageously confessed the true faith and endured cruel torments for Christ without murmuring. At last the tormentors sentenced him to death. When Sapricius was being led to execution, Nicephorus in tears again asked forgiveness of his former friend, now, as he thought, a holy martyr. But the presbyter hardened his heart and did not forgive his brother even before death. For this the Lord took from Sapricius the veil of grace that had given him firmness under torture. The valiant father was seized with fear of death, and, wavering, declared that he was ready to offer sacrifice to the idols. The astonished Nicephorus implored him not to destroy himself by apostasy when he was already standing on the threshold of the Kingdom, but in vain. Then Nicephorus himself declared: “I am a Christian and I believe in our Lord Jesus Christ, whom Sapricius has denied. Put me to death in place of Sapricius!” When this was reported to the governor, he ordered the father who had fallen away from the Lord to be released, and Nicephorus to be beheaded.