Saint Nikita the Stylite, Wonderworker of Pereslavl. Saint Nikita in the Orthodox religion Message on the topic of the Holy Great Martyr Nikita

Memory Saint Nikita, Bishop of Novgorod The Church honors several times a year: 12th of February(January 30, old style), may 13(April 30 O.S.) and May 27(14th century). Saint Nikita has the grace of preservation from fire and lightning.

Life of St. Nikita, Bishop of Novgorod

The future Saint Nikita, Bishop of Novgorod, was from Kyiv. In his youth, he took monastic vows in the Kiev-Pechersk monastery and soon, despite the objections of Abbot Nikon, wished to go into seclusion. In seclusion, Saint Nikita fell into temptation, because he did not listen to Abbot Nikon, but relied on himself, taking on a difficult feat for a young monk. Kiev-Pechersk Patericon reports that he was overwhelmed by the temptation of the devil and could not stand it:

...and the devil deceived him. ... a demon appeared in front of him in the form of an angel. Falling down, the monk bowed to him like an angel. And the demon said to him: “Do not pray, but only read books, and in this way you will converse with God, and from books you will begin to give a useful word to those who come to you. I will constantly pray for your salvation to my Creator.

Monk Nikita was seduced, left prayer and took up reading and book wisdom. He excelled everyone in the knowledge of the books of the Old Testament, but he did not want to talk or listen about the Gospel. The Kiev-Pechersk monks came to him and, having prayed, drove the demon away from him. After this, monk Nikita, having left the seclusion with the blessing of the monks, began to spend his life in strict fasting and prayer, most of all exercising in obedience and humility. God, by His mercy and the prayers of the monks, raised him from the depths of his fall to a high degree of spiritual perfection.

In 1096, Nikita was made bishop of Kiev Ephraim (XI century) and appointed to the Novgorod cathedra; in the "Mural, or a brief chronicler of the Novgorod rulers" Nikita is called the sixth Novgorod bishop. During the time of Nikita's bishopric, several churches were built (the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior on Ilyin Street (rebuilt in 1374), the Church of the Annunciation on Gorodische, the wooden Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin in the Anthony Monastery). Bishop Nikita for his pious life was awarded from God the gift of miracles. Once, during a drought, he prayed for rain to fall from the sky; another time, through his prayer, the fire in the city stopped. In 1108, Bishop Nikita reposed and was buried in St. Sophia Cathedral in Novgorod.

Veneration of Saint Nikita, Bishop of Novgorod

In 1547, at the first Makariev Council, Bishop Nikita was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church. On April 30, 1558, the incorrupt relics of St. Nikita were uncovered by Archbishop Pimen. At the same time, a posthumous portrait was drawn from the face of the saint, the details of the appearance and vestments of the saint were clarified, and the information was sent to Metropolitan Macarius in Moscow in order to clarify the icon-painting tradition. F.G. Solntsev in his work Antiquities of the Russian state» noted:

At the opening of St. of his relics in 1550, a vestment was found on him, preserved incorruptible in the grave, where it lay for 450 years. The entire vestment consists of a phelonion, stole, handrails, clubs, damask brown, garus belt, white chandelier omophorion, blue grodetur (made of dense taffeta) cap trimmed with ermine fur; it is embroidered with gold crosses and seraphim with the words Seraphim. Such a hat served as a miter. To this episcopal utensils of the XI century. belongs to the bishop's staff, which will be discussed below, and iron chains weighing 20 pounds, found on the relics of the Hierarch. On the day of the discovery of his incorruptible remains, the Novgorodians brought to the coffin his iron lamp, stored in the sacristy, with a circular slotted inscription: “The candle of Veliky Novgorod of all Orthodox Christians, was placed to the new miracle worker Nikita ....

In 1956, the relics of St. Nikita were transferred by Bishop Sergius (Golubtsov; 1906-1982) from St. Sophia Cathedral to Nikolsky Cathedral, and in 1962 - to the church in the name of the Apostle Philip. In 1993, the relics of St. Nikita were returned to St. Sophia Cathedral. The First Life of St. Nikita is found in the letter of Polycarp to Akindin of the 13th century. In 1942, the Nazis drove over three thousand Novgorodians to Lithuania. In the autumn of the same year, in the Lithuanian town of Vekshni, where the Novgorodians were assigned to settle, a German military train brought five silver shrines with the relics of Novgorod saints. The rector of the local church, Archimandrite Alexy (Cheran), who arrived immediately, was the first to identify the shrine of St. Nikita. All the relics were immediately transported to the church, and Metropolitan Sergius (Voskresensky) of Lithuania, in a telephone conversation, instructed the rector to open the shrines and straighten the robes of the saints before the all-night vigil. Archimandrite writes:

After a long journey, the saints in shrines moved from their place, and they had to be put down in the proper way, and therefore the Lord vouchsafed me, unworthy, the Lord to raise Saint Nikita entirely, in my arms, with the help of Hierodeacon Hilarion. The saint was dressed in a dark crimson velvet phelonion, on top of which lay a large omophorion of forged gold brocade. His face was covered with great air; on the head is a golden miter that has darkened with time. The face of the saint is wonderful; the completely preserved features of his face express strict calmness and at the same time meekness and humility. The beard is almost invisible, only sparse vegetation on the chin is noticeable. The right hand, blessing, is folded with two fingers - a strongly darkened place from application for 400 years clearly stands out on it. Wonderful is God in His saints! At the same time, Deacon Hilarion, who was helping the rector of the temple to put the relics of the saints in order, had the same dream twice: Saint Nikita, dressed in a mantle, stood in the middle of the temple and read the penitential canon. Hierodeacon, who entered the temple and saw the bishop, immediately fell at his feet and asked for blessings. The saint blessed the Novgorodian with a gesture and said: “Pray all of you for deliverance from the disasters that are coming to our homeland and people. The wicked enemy takes up arms. All of you must receive the blessing before the service of God.

After these words, the saint became invisible. Having learned about this, Metropolitan Sergius established a rule that before the beginning of each service, when opening the shrine of St. Nikita, the clergy should go out and kiss the right hand of St. Nikita, return to the altar, and then only begin the liturgy.

Troparion and Kontakion to Saint Nikita, Bishop of Novgorod

Troparion, tone 4

Enjoy God-wise abstinence, and curbing the desire of your flesh, sitting on the throne of hierarchy. And like a bright star, enlightening faithful hearts with the dawn of your miracles, our father to St. Nikito. Praying Christ God, may our soul save.

Kontakion, tone 6

Honoring the rank of bishops, standing purest before the purest, diligently offering prayers for your people. Like a rain with a prayer, extinguish it, even extinguish a hail of fire. And now to Saint Nikito, pray to Christ God to save our country, and your people who are praying. Yes, we all cry out to you, rejoice in the prelate Father.

Saint Nikita, Bishop of Novgorod. Icons

It is known that the icon painter Simeon, Archbishop Pimen, ordered to paint an icon of the Most Holy Theotokos with the Christ Child, and before Them, standing and praying with uplifted hands, St. Nikita. The saint did not have a beard. And the icon painter thought that it was necessary to depict on the icon at least a small beard on the face of Bishop Nikita. Simeon dozed off and heard a voice in a thin dream:

Simeon, you're thinking of writing Bishop Nikita's beard! Don't think about it, for he didn't have a beard. And to erect other icon painters so that they do not write on the icons of Bishop Nikita with a beard.

The image of the saint was painted as he himself commanded. On the icons, Bishop Nikita is depicted in hierarchal vestments with the Gospel in his hands. On the icon “St. Nikita, Bishop of Novgorod, and St. Sergius of Radonezh”, St. Nikita depicts a small beard, probably because the presence of a beard corresponded to the medieval understanding of the image of God in man.

Among the finds collected in the city of Tver on the eroded banks of the river. Volga, Tvertsy, Tmaki, a significant group are crosses with the image of St. torment. Nikita-besogon.

Similar finds are known in Staritsa and its environs, as well as in Rzhev, Torzhok and Bely Gorodok.

In Orthodox church history, there are several saints who had the name Nikita: Nikita the Besogon and Nikita the Martyr (Nikita the Gotsky) - the first Christians to be tortured and killed for Christ in Constantinople, as well as Nikita the Stylite (who lived in 18th century Russia on top of the column).

Before the split of the church in 1666, the most famous and revered of them was Nikita the Besogon. In large quantities, ancient crosses and various works of small plastic art bearing the image of St. Nikita are found. How to recognize Nikita the besogon? He is depicted with a stick or shackles clutched in his hand, "beating the demon."

This plot illustrates one of the episodes of the Byzantine apocryphal life of St. Nikita, the son of a certain king Maximian (Istrin V.M., 1899). Becoming a Christian, Nikita aroused the extreme displeasure of his pagan father and, after a series of torments, was thrown into prison, where a demon appeared to him, taking on an angelic appearance. The demon began to persuade Nikita to bow to pagan idols and thereby avoid new torments.

Nikita doubted the angelic nature of the guest, prayed to the Lord!, after which the archangel Michael descended to him from heaven and ordered the false angel to be put to the test. Nikita grabbed the demon, stepped on him and beat him with his iron shackles, forcing him to confess his devilish nature.

When the king again summoned him for interrogation, the saint brought the demon with him by the hand and showed his father the one who rules over him. BUT so that his father would believe in Christ, Nikita resurrected two long-dead spouses.

But nothing worked on Maximian. And then the whole city with the queen rebelled against him. On this day, Nikita baptized eighteen thousand four hundred people and soon rested in God.

In his life it is said that he helps in teaching, heals, casts out demons, frees from slavery, helps to repent of sins and free himself from the temptations of the devil.

Associated with the name of St. Nikita two incantations, in which the relation ancient Russian man to him as the main defender from demons. One of them is read before going to bed, the other is attributed to Nikita himself before his death.

It is precisely because of its protective nature that the iconographic composition "Nikita Beating the Demon" was extremely popular in Russia. Its earliest incarnations are the relief on Western facade of the Dmitrovsky Cathedral in Vladimir(1197) ( where, according to the prophecies, Seraphim of Sarov himself will bring the future Russian Orthodox Tsar for anointing)

And double-sided stone icon of the 13th century. with images of Nicholas the Wonderworker and Nikita with a demon, presumably of Novgorod origin(Nikolaeva T.V., 1983, pl. 14, 2, cat. No. 68).

As is currently believed, most widespread, this plot had in the XIV-XVI centuries, when the composition with Nikita and the demon began to be reproduced in abundance on stone and copper-cast icons, encolpion crosses, pectoral and pectoral crosses, and serpentine amulets. A brief overview of material sources and their understanding can be found in a number of special works published since the 1890s. (Chetirkin I.D., 1898; 1900; Dobrykin N.G., 1900) to the present (Tkachenko V.A., Khukharev V.V., 1999, p. 68-79; Khukharev V.V., 1994 , pp. 210-215).

In the works of metalwork, St. Nikita Besogon is almost always represented with his hand raised to strike. He beats the demon either with chains, or with a stick or club, or with a rope. Nikita is depicted either in short belted clothes of a tunic-like cut and a cloak, or in long clothes resembling a cassock, or in military armor. Nikita's appearance also turns out to be different: he can be depicted both as a beardless young man and as a mature bearded husband.
The appearance of the demon is also different: most often it has anthropomorphic features, occasionally zoomorphic or even ornithomorphic. Sometimes architectural elements are included in the composition, symbolizing the dungeon in which St. Nikita is imprisoned.

Until the 90s of the 14th century. on icons and crosses, the Monk Nikita beat the demon in his guise (with a horned tail, etc.).
But what is surprising, according to the latest archaeological excavations carried out in the Ryazan region, underwear were found, where instead of a beating demon a triangle was depicted - a pyramid!

Begs the conclusion that the Orthodox in the late 14th, early 15th centuries. they clearly understood where the evil for the Russian people comes from and through cult plastics (pectoral crosses and icons) tried to protect themselves from this evil.

One of the oldest temples in honor of Nikita has been preserved in Zaverechye (the old craft district of Tver, located on the Tvertsa River). The notorious Athanasius Nikitin set off on a journey across three seas from the Nikitsky Church.

According to legend, a pectoral cross with two images of St. Nikita belonged to Sergius of Radonezh(later kept in the Pavlo-Obnorsky monastery of the Vologda province).

The memory of Nikita Besogon was celebrated on September 15/28, on the same day as the memory of the great martyr Nikita of Gotha, a Christian commander who suffered for the faith from the king of the Goths Athanarich (c. 372), therefore, even in the Middle Ages, the events set forth in the lives of both martyrs began to be perceived as related to to the same person.

After the introduction in 1720 of the state administration of the Russian Orthodox Church (through the Synod) under Peter I, all the saints were censored. The apocryphal life of Nikita (Besogon), the son of Tsar Maximian, was included in the list of Christian literature prohibited from reading, and the name of Nikita Besogon disappeared from the church calendar. P it's time to restore his name.

His veneration was transferred to the great martyr Nikita of Gotha, and the iconographic plot with the beating of a demon became the property of the Old Believers and was occasionally reproduced by them according to old models until the 19th century. (Tkachenko V.A., Khukharev V.V., 1999, pp. 72-73, fig. 15-19).

** * **

Note

"The Torment of Nikita" refers to the apocryphal translated lives, or, rather, martyrias ("martyria" - "martyrdom") of the first Christian martyrs who died for the faith. His memory is celebrated by the church on September 15 (28).

The apocryphal "Life of Nikita" was included in the Prologues (collections of short stories about the saints) and Chet'i-Minei, but less frequently than the canonical Life of Nikita the Goth.

The mention of the “Torment of Nikita” is found in the index of retracted books from the 14th century. (Pogodinsky Nomocanon, GPB, collected by Pogodin, No. 31), it was included in the "Rule 69 of the Council of Laodicea" along with the "Apostolic Detours", "St. George's Torment". The Slavic-Russian lists of the index comment on this work: “Nikitina’s torment, calling him like a tsar’s son, if not taco” (Pogodinsky Nomocanon), “Nikita’s torment that the son of the tsars Maximianov and the demon tormented” (State Historical Museum, Synod. Collection, No. 491, end of the 16th century). In the titles of some lists of the "Torment" itself, the words: "who tormented the demon" turned into "whom he himself tormented."

Slavic-Russian lists of "The Torment of Nikita" have been known since the end of the 15th century. (Central National Library of the Ukrainian SSR, collection of Mus., IV, No. 208, Menaion of 1489, list of the Athos Hilandar monastery, No. 75). The translation of "The Life of Nikita" was carried out according to the publication of A. N. Pypin in "Monuments of Ancient Russian Literature". Issue. 3. St. Petersburg, 1862, according to the list of the beginning of the 16th century. from Rumyantsevsky Solemnity No. 436, RSL, with the involvement of Greek and Slavic copies published by V. M. Istrin (see Istrin V. M. Apocryphal torment of Nikita. Odessa, 1898).

Pyramid of Freemasons-Illuminati-Satanists in the end

Prayer one

O great passion-bearer of Christ and wonder-worker Great Martyr Nikito! Falling down to your holy and miraculous image, but your deeds and your miracles and many of your compassion for people are glorifying, we pray diligently: show us humble and sinners your holy and powerful intercession, for our sin is not the imams of the freedom of the children of God, hedgehog about the needs boldly ask our Lord and Master, but we offer you a prayer book favorable to him and we cry out for your intercession, ask the Lord for usable gifts to our souls and bodies, right faith, undoubted hope of salvation, love for all unfeigned, courage in temptations, in suffering patience, constancy in prayers, health of souls and bodies, fruitfulness of the earth, well-being of the air, contentment of worldly needs, peaceful and pious life on earth, Christian life death and a good answer at the terrible judgment of Christ. Also, O passion-bearer of Christ, ask the Heavenly King for our Russian country peace, health and salvation, and for enemies victory and overcoming, prosperity, peace and prosperity. Be a soratai and helper to the enemies of the Christ-loving army, and show your holy intercession to all Orthodox people: heal the sick, comfort the grieving, help the needy. She, the servant of God and the long-suffering martyr! Do not forget your holy abode and all those living in it and the ascetic nuns and worldly ones, but hurry them in humility and patience to wear the yoke of Christ and mercifully deliver them from all troubles and temptations. Bring us all to a quiet haven of salvation and the heirs of the blessed kingdom of Christ with your holy prayers, may we glorify and sing the great bounty of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, in the Trinity of the glorious and worshiped God, and your holy intercession forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer two

O great passion-bearer of Christ Nikito! Hear the prayer of us sinners, and deliver us (names) from all sorrow and finding adversity, from sudden death and from all evil: at the hour of separation of the soul from the body, otzhen, passion-bearer, every evil thought and evil demons, as if our souls will be accepted with peace in a place of light, Christ the Lord our God, as from Him the cleansing of sins, and He is the salvation of our souls, He deserves all glory, honor and worship, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever and ever.

personal petition

O great passion-bearer of Christ and wonderworker, Great Martyr Nikita! Hear us praying to you with tears (names), and beg Christ God to have mercy on us and give us (content of the petition), let us praise and sing the great bounty of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and your holy intercession, forever and ever. Amen.

Holy ve-li-ko-mu-che-nick Ni-ki-ta was a goth. He was born and lived on the banks of the Danube. He suffered for Christ in the year 372. Then the hri-sti-an-sky faith was already shi-ro-ko race-pro-stra-ni-las in the country of the Goths. St. Ni-ki-ta ve-ro-val in Christ and accepted the Baptism from the Gotf-th epi-sko-pa Fe-o-fi-la, participant-no-ka I All-len-sko-go So-bo-ra. Ras-pro-country-non-niya of christ-sti-an-stva became-whether about-ti-twist-sya language-ni-ki-goth-fa, in re-zul-ta-te of something -la inter-to-common swearing.

We-li-ko-mu-che-nick Ni-ki-ta Gotfsky

After the be-dy of Fri-ti-ger-na, the head-of-viv-she-go howl-sko hri-sti-an and on-nes-she-go in the same language no-ku Afa-na-ri-hu, the faith of Christ-sto-va has become more successful than the race among the goths. Bishop Ul-fi-la, pre-em-nick epi-sko-pa Fe-o-fi-la, co-created Gothic az-boo-ku and translated into the Gothic language many th sacred books. In the race-pro-country of Christ-sti-an-stva among co-tribes-men-ni-kov, St. Ni-ki-ta also worked diligently. With his example and inspiring word, he led many pagans to Christ's faith. One-na-ko Afa-na-rih, after-a-ra-zhe-niya, su-mel again to right your strength, return to your country and resurrect -but-twist your former mo-gu-s-stvo. Remaining tongue-less, he continued to hate-see-child christian and persecute them. Saint Ni-ki-ta, subjected to many tortures, was thrown into the fire, where he died in the year 372. A friend of the saint Ni-ki-you, hri-sti-a-nin Ma-ri-an, but whose body was found by mu-che-no-ka, not damaged with fire and illumined with miraculous light, re-carried him and betrayed him in gre-be-niyu in Ki-li-kii. Subsequently, it was-lo pe-re-not-se-but in Kon-stan-ti-no-pol. Part of the holy relics ve-li-ko-mu-che-no-ka No-ki-you later re-re-not-se-on in the mo-on-stay you-so -kie De-cha-ny in Serbia.

Prayers

Troparion to the Great Martyr Nikita of Gotf, Tone 4

Thy martyr, O Lord, Nikita / in his suffering, an incorruptible crown is received from Thee, our God: / have Thy strength, / put down the tormentors, / crush and the demons of weak insolence. / With prayers / save our souls.

Kontakion to Great Martyr Nikita of Gotf, Tone 2

Charms cut power with your standing, / and we will receive the crown of victory in your sufferings, / rejoice gloriously from the Angels, / name Nikito, / with them Christ God pray unceasingly for all of us.

Prayer to Great Martyr Nikita Gotfsky

Oh, great passion-bearer of Christ and miracle worker Great Martyr Nikito! Falling down to your holy and miraculous image, your deeds and your miracles and your many compassion for people are glorifying, we pray to you diligently: show us humble and sinners your holy and powerful intercession, for it is sin for our sake, not for God's sake, children of God's freedom our gentlemen and the lord of our dreamerly asking, but you bring a prayer person to him a favorable one and we encounter your program, we ask for the Lord's abundant gifts to our souls and a body, faith, the right, salvation of hope is undoubted, love to all non-estate, in temptations, in temptations, in temptations suffering patience, constancy in prayers, health of souls and bodies, fruitfulness of the earth, well-being of the air, contentment of worldly needs, peaceful and pious life on earth, Christian life, and a good answer at the terrible judgment Also, O passion-bearer of Christ, ask the King of Heaven for our Russian country peace, health and salvation, and for enemies victory and overcoming, prosperity, peace and prosperity. To the Christ-loving army, be a fighter and helper against enemies and show your holy intercession to all Orthodox people: heal the sick, comfort the grieving, help the needy. She, pleasing to God and long-suffering martyr! Do not forget your holy abode and all those who live in it and labor as nuns and secular ones, but hurry them to wear the yoke of Christ in humility and patience and mercifully deliver them from all troubles and temptations. We bring us in a quiet religion of salvation and the heirs of the Holy Prayers of the Great Prayers of Christ's Holy Prayers, and saint and saint the glory of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, in the Trinity of Slavimago and Pokhlagago God, and your holy intercession forever. Amen.

See also: "" in from-lo-same-nii svt. Di-mit-ria Rostov-sko-go.

Prayers

Troparion to the Great Martyr Nikita of Gotf, Tone 4

Translation: Yours, Lord, Nikita, by his feat, received an incorruptible crown from You, our God; for he, having thy strength, cast down the tormentors, crushed the feeble audacity of the demons. Through his prayers, Christ God, save our souls.

John Troparion to the Great Martyr Nikita of Gotf, Tone 4

The Cross of Christ, like some kind of weapon, we diligently accept, / and you rushed to the struggle of enemies, / and suffered for Christ, / follow the fire of your sacred soul to the Lord you betrayed: / from him and the gifts of healing / from Him you were great / pleasing to none Pray to Christ God// be saved for our souls.

Translation: The Cross of Christ, as if boldly taking up a weapon, you hurried to the battle against enemies and suffered for Christ, after which you gave your sacred soul to the Lord, and therefore you were honored to receive the gift of healing from Him, Great Martyr Nikita. Pray to Christ God for the salvation of our souls.

Kontakion to Great Martyr Nikita of Gotf, Tone 2

Translation: You destroyed the dominance of delusions with your opposition and received the crown of victory in your martyrdom, with the angels, glorified, rejoice, Nikita of the same name victory (Nikita from the Greek. νίκη - victory), with them praying Christ God unceasingly for all of us.

Prayer to Great Martyr Nikita Gotfsky

Second Prayer to the Great Martyr Nikita Gotfsky

Oh, great passion-bearer of Christ Nikito! Hear the prayer of us sinners and deliver us (names) from all sorrow and finding adversity, from sudden death and from all evil: at the hour of separation of the soul from the body, unmarried, passion-bearing, every evil thought and evil demons, as if our souls would receive with peace in a place of light, Christ our Lord from He is the cleansing of sins, and He is the salvation of our souls, to Him is due all glory, honor and worship, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and forever and ever. Amen.

Canons and Akathists

Kondak 1

Chosen as a passion-bearer of Christ and a good warrior of the King of kings, Nikito is more glorious, with the weapons of the Cross, the enemies of the visible and invisible, conquering stronger and in a fat burnt offering, like a favorable sacrifice, offering the Lord herself, in songs with love we praise thee, our holy representative, and we joyfully cry out to you:

Ikos 1

Having lived like an angel on earth, name victories, Great Martyr Nikito, you, like a good Angel in the country of Gothstay, shone thou, the faith of Christ by the people, darkened by the darkness of unbelief, preaching, the same Apostle equal to your deeds seemed to be. We, as a duty to you, as a preacher of Christ, appease, with tenderness calling to you:

Rejoice, preacher of the gospel truth.

Rejoice, right pagan wickedness.

Rejoice, beloved of the faith of Christ.

Rejoice, spiritually enlightening land of Gotha.

Rejoice, revealing the devil and his servants.

Rejoice, victoriously overthrowing those by your name.

Rejoice, thou who didst serve even to the blood in the confession of Christ.

Rejoice, thou who valiantly endured many torments for Christ.

Rejoice, burnt by fire and ascended in the abode of paradise.

Rejoice, undefiled sacrifice to the Trinity of Saints.

Rejoice, strong pillar of the Holy Church.

Rejoice, beauty and foundation of the faith of Christ.

Rejoice, Great Martyr and Wonderworker Nikito.

Kondak 2

Seeing Afanarich, a fierce Christian tormentor, how Saint Nikita victoriously preaches the faith of Christ in gotfeh, like a beast of divi nan rush and crush that body with fierce torments; both the courage of his soul cannot be shaken, for that the conqueror of the tormentors appears, victoriously singing to Christ God: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Understanding the torments of bodily comfort, as if you went to a feast, to torment for Christ, holy Nikito, having the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos with you, you were inseparable from her and in all torments, and, by virtue of grace we strengthen you, victoriously passed the path of torment, and from You were crowned with Christ, but teach us to cry out to you like this:

Rejoice, Angeli rejoicing over him.

Rejoice, people marvel at him.

Rejoice, strong patience adamante.

Rejoice, form of perfect courage.

Rejoice, conqueror of the devil.

Rejoice, shameful of all his servants.

Rejoice, invincible warrior of Christ.

Rejoice, thou who didst receive the Cross of Christ as a weapon of victory.

Rejoice, thou who didst lay down all enemies.

Rejoice, clothed in the armor of the faith of Christ.

Rejoice, crowned from above by the right hand of Christ.

Rejoice, numbered with an angelic countenance.

Rejoice, Great Martyr and Wonderworker Nikito.

Kondak 3

The power of God is in you, Nikito the Great Martyr, the good victorious, gloriously glorified, not only the tormentor Athanarich, but also the devil herself with your patience you defeated, and showing the courage of your soul, you were burnt with fire, like a phoenix, in eternal life you were renewed and in the abode of heaven with your soul thou hast soared, in a hedgehog from the angels to sing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Have a great strength about Christ, temporary torments imposed on you by a tormentor, Nikito the Wise, you imputed nothing and, rejoicing, you entered the fire: into the fires, as if in a flower garden, you sang the glory of God. The same and we praise thee and sing the voices of such:

Rejoice, passion-bearer of Christ, marvelous in miracles.

Rejoice, tasting death in the fires and not singed abiding.

Rejoice, thou who surprised Afanarich and his slanderers.

Rejoice, comforter of all the faithful.

Rejoice, all who endure affirmation in the Lord.

Rejoice, denunciation of the lazy and weak-hearted.

Rejoice, glorified by many miracles after death.

Rejoice, receiving healing grace from the Lord.

Rejoice, glory and praise of the Gotthian countries.

Rejoice, holy Church of joy and consolation.

Rejoice, holy intercessor and our prayer book to the Lord.

Rejoice, our faithful intercessor.

Rejoice, victorious soldier of Jesus.

Rejoice, beloved of His most sincere.

Rejoice, Great Martyr and Wonderworker Nikito.

Kondak 4

The storm of fierce torment does not sink the ship of your soul, Nikito beyond, but bring you to the quiet bliss of the eternal haven: Armed with the Cross of Christ, holy, thou hast passed the fire of torment unscathed and reached eternal rest, where sweetly sing to Christ God the song: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Hearing, marveling Christians, what a star radiant in the night to your friend Marian, your holy relics, martyr Nikito, showing, as if of old to the Magi in Bethlehem, Christ was born. Marian rejoicing about this, your honest body, passion-bearer, buries it in his house, calling to you:

Rejoice, servant of God, glorified in heaven and on earth.

Rejoice, crowned victorious.

Rejoice, precious treasure of healings.

Rejoice, worldly bloom of paradise vegetation.

Rejoice, heavenly joy and earthly consolation.

Rejoice, uncompensated healing of the sick.

Rejoice, kindness of the bright host of martyrs.

Rejoice, inescapable wealth of the faithful.

Rejoice, blessed burial with a heavenly sign.

Rejoice, giving gracious gifts to your friend.

Rejoice, thou who blessed his house with an abundance of earthly blessings.

Rejoice, miracles glorified by many.

Rejoice, Great Martyr and Wonderworker Nikito.

Kondak 5

The divine source of healing appeared in the house of Marian, your honest coffin, holy Nikito, when you settled in the Greek country, bring your holy relics there and in the temple of God, in your name created, put it on the general worship of the faithful, God, who glorified you, sang: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Seeing the miracles of the most glorious, Nikito holy, flowing from your relics, Auxentius Bishop desires to separate some of them to another city, but that undertaking boldly abie lifted up thou and the hand that touched your power, struck with deadness until Auxentius fell to you with repentance and, having received healing from you, it says:

Rejoice, longsuffering imitator of Christ.

Rejoice, revealing mercy with your punishment.

Rejoice, miraculously resurrecting a bold undertaking.

Rejoice, healer of the withered hand of Abie.

Rejoice, and remain alive after death in Christ.

Rejoice, and perform miracles after death.

Rejoice, incorruptible glorified on earth.

Rejoice, for your feat crowned in heaven.

Rejoice, known propitiator of Christ the King.

Rejoice, mighty intercessor before Him for the faithful.

Rejoice, and admonish those who sin.

Rejoice, and make the unfaithful wiser.

Rejoice, Great Martyr and Wonderworker Nikito.

Kondak 6

We preach your miracles, we do not conceal your healing mercies, Great Martyr Nikito: from the ancient years our father knew this, and the temples of God in the name of your saint in our country are built, where and your face the images of miracles are glorified, and all the faithful affirm in faith, their hearts rapture to heaven, singing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

Many miracles are exalted from the holy icon of the miracle worker Nikita, who lives in his monastery and is all faithful to the singing of the martyr; In the same way, we honor his holy memory with love and cry out to him in song:

Rejoice, abundant source of miracles.

Rejoice, foreboding giver of mercy.

Rejoice, victorious, glorified by God.

Rejoice, healer of ailments of the soul and body.

Rejoice, healer of sick babies.

Rejoice, gracious visitor to those who grieve and despond.

Rejoice, mighty strength of the devil to the shamer.

Rejoice, thou who didst receive power from the Lord over unclean spirits.

Rejoice, action of the devil from man to the banisher.

Rejoice, liberator from the demonic possession of the afflicted.

Rejoice, receiver of the apostolic gifts.

Rejoice, imitator of angelic meekness.

Rejoice, Great Martyr and Wonderworker Nikito.

Kondak 7

To those who want to praise us, your deeds and miracles, glorious great martyr, help from above the grace given to you, cleanse our hearts from sinful thoughts, let us glorify you with dignity and without condemnation, singing a song of praise to Christ God about you: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

Who will glorify the wondrous victorious and glorious warrior of Christ, Nikita the great-named according to the heritage of the earthly: this more Belial win and depose all his servants, Christ, the King and God, true even to the death of confession and glorified by Him be. Meanwhile, in His holy temple, rejoicing and praying before the miraculous icon of that one, we cry out like this:

Rejoice, in this earthly vale is our consolation.

Rejoice, according to God and the Most Holy Theotokos, our hope.

Rejoice, interlocutor of angelic faces.

Rejoice, sharer of all the saints.

Rejoice, shining star of the most luminous martyr's cathedral.

Rejoice, visiting us sinners from the heights of the mountains.

Rejoice, giving healing gifts to the earthly.

Rejoice, hasten to help those in need.

Rejoice, graciously accept those who pray.

Rejoice, repay those who love you with holy love.

Rejoice, all-generous and merciful our representative.

Rejoice, all-good and soon-appearing our patron.

Rejoice, Great Martyr and Wonderworker Nikito.

Kondak 8

Having completed the earthly journey and passed the path of torment victoriously, Great Martyr Nikito, you did not rest from the deeds of good works, but from the mountain heights your abode and people, faithfully praying to you, vigilant, give us various gifts: give you great grace from the Lord to heal the sick, offended intercede, orphaned babies to feed. We also gratefully praise you and God, who glorified you, we sing the song: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

Being all in Bose, the passion-bearer of Christ, O Bose, you performed many miracles in life and after death, and, having received boldness towards Him, you pray for the people of Christ-named and faithfully help those who call for help. Do not leave us, therefore, with your grace-filled help and intercession, but thankfully we call you:

Rejoice, faithful helper of Christians.

Rejoice, glorious intercessor of believers.

Rejoice, great champion of warriors.

Rejoice, shelter of widows and orphans.

Rejoice, visiting the faithful in their dreams and visions.

Rejoice, in troubles and attack them to help hasten.

Rejoice, namesake of victory.

Rejoice, crowned arrogant one.

Rejoice, strong pillar of the Holy Church.

Rejoice, Orthodox shield and visor.

Rejoice, affirmation of faith.

Rejoice, our country is the preservation.

Rejoice, Great Martyr and Wonderworker Nikito.

Kondak 9

All the sons of Russia from ancient times have been preaching your grace-filled help in battles, Nikito the Precious, as if you help the Orthodox always on adversaries and with your prayers on foreigners who are fighting against us and on our faith, grant us the right to victory: this is more in the days of the Tatar invasions by a multitude of Our fathers have taken away the years of ancient times. The same, pleasurable duty, we sing about you to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

Our oratory is not enough to glorify you according to your heritage, Great Martyr of Christ Nikito, both of you, as a good and merciful imitator of Christ, do not disdain our poor hymns, but accept this for good, knowing the desires of our hearts, be an unfailing helper to us, giving us all your good with prayers, yes we call you graciously:

Rejoice, blessed-leaved cedar, by which many are covered.

Rejoice, beautiful flower, by which people are comforted.

Rejoice, fruitful olive tree, abundantly exuding the oil of mercy to us.

Rejoice, cypress of the garden of Christ, fragrant to those who come to you.

Rejoice, invisible commander of the Christ-loving army.

Rejoice, fear and defeat of the Gentiles.

Rejoice, great patron of the Christian country.

Rejoice, with St. Nicholas, her intercessor.

Rejoice, invisibly aiding the wicked Mamai to the Grand Duke Dimitri.

Rejoice, thou who graciously sided with Tsar John near Kazan.

Rejoice, of the same name of the boyar Romanov, your zealous reader, the ancestor of the royal house.

Rejoice, temple of God, created by him in your name, autumnal with your good pleasure.

Rejoice, Great Martyr and Wonderworker Nikito.

Kondak 10

Save Christ for the people who honor you, beg, Nikito is miraculous, and, like our father of old, so now do not stop helping us humble in goodness, passion-bearer of Christ, name victories the same name, but ask the Lord to overcome the enemies of our people, let us glorify thee forever and sing the victory song to the King of kings: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

With the wall of your prayers, Great Martyr Nikito, save our country from all evil and all people and those who strive in the right way, lead into the Kingdom of Christ, for giving you the grace to pray for us. For this sake, with zeal, we sing to you:

Rejoice, unrelenting guardian of the virginal faces.

Rejoice, pious monastics, heavenly mentor.

Rejoice, with your prayers, like your own chicks, save us.

Rejoice, like an eagle with its wings, cover and observe us.

Rejoice, renew strength to old gray hairs.

Rejoice, affirmation of the young in piety and chastity.

Rejoice, helper to those in charge for the good.

Rejoice, all-time helper to all who are jealous of salvation.

Rejoice, console us with your miracles.

Rejoice, repulse invisible enemies from us.

Rejoice, sacred ornament of the reigning city.

Rejoice, bright citizen of heavenly paradise.

Rejoice, Great Martyr and Wonderworker Nikito.

Kondak 11

Our singing of prayers, before your miraculous icon, brought today, graciously hear, Great Martyr of Christ Nikito, and do not close the womb of your bounty to us who demand your grace-filled help, but wake up, as you have been until now, our good intercessor and eternal for us Prayer book to the Lord, rejoicing in you and glorifying God, we sing to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

The luminous lamp and the wonderful miracle worker Great Martyr Nikita appeared: for from the ancient years our fatherland does not leave us with its prayers and generosity, but like a winner, all our enemies, visible and invisible, reflects and piously in the world of life suits us. The same and from us, the servant of God, accept this grateful doxology:

Rejoice, our great representative.

Rejoice, winner of our invisible enemies.

Rejoice, do not let them prevail over us.

Rejoice, dissolve all their intrigues, like a spider web.

Rejoice, and at the hour of death do not leave those who love and honor you.

Rejoice, save them powerfully from the violence of the devil.

Rejoice, for the salvation of our God, beseech you.

Rejoice, show your help to the faithful in the ordeals of the air.

Rejoice, and on the land of fierce ailments to the banisher.

Rejoice, healer of incurable diseases.

Rejoice, hopeless hope.

Rejoice, praise of Christians.

Rejoice, Great Martyr and Wonderworker Nikito.

Kondak 12

We see the grace of God from your holy and miraculous icon acting, great name Nikito, for those who flow with faith receive healing and are healthy from your temple, we also reverently revere your sacred image and kiss it with love, and sing with you to the miraculous Christ God: Alleluia .

Ikos 12

Singing your mercy and much compassion for the suffering, Great Martyr Nikito, we glorify and magnify you, exalted by God, and from the love of the heart we sing these songs:

Rejoice, quick helper of those in need.

Rejoice, enlightenment of those who are rich.

Rejoice, God-given patron of all Russia.

Rejoice, everlasting joy of our countries.

Rejoice, I intercede silently for her.

Rejoice, unmercenary praying doctor.

Rejoice, for the healing of the only faith requires.

Rejoice, healer of souls and bodies.

Rejoice, help the faithful take out.

Rejoice, affirming those of little faith in faith.

Rejoice, punishing the faith of those who turn away menacingly.

Rejoice, teacher of the fear of God.

Rejoice, self-indulgent detractor.

Rejoice, Great Martyr and Wonderworker Nikito.

Kondak 13

O great servant of God, passion-bearer of Christ and miracle-worker Nikito! Listen to our prayer and do not despise this small prayer of ours, but pray to Christ God to deliver us from eternal torment, to be granted the Kingdom of Heaven through repentance, so that with you we will sing a song to God on the land of the living: Alleluia.

(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1).

Prayer

O great passion-bearer of Christ and wonder-worker Great Martyr Nikito! Falling down to your holy and miraculous image, do your deeds and your miracles and glorify your many compassion for people, we pray diligently: show us, humble and sinners, your holy and powerful intercession: behold, sin for our sakes, not the imams of the freedom of the children of God hedgehog, boldly ask for our Lord and Master’s needs, but we offer you a favorable prayer book to Him and we cry out for your intercession: ask the Lord for usable gifts to our souls and our bodies: right faith, undoubted hope of salvation, but unhypocritical love for all, in courage in their temptations, patience in their suffering, constancy in prayers, health of souls and bodies, fruitfulness of the earth, well-being of the air, contentment of worldly needs, a peaceful and pious life on earth, a Christian life death and a good answer at the terrible judgment of Christ. Also, O passion-bearer of Christ, ask the King of Heaven for peace, health and salvation for all Orthodox Christians, victory and overcoming for enemies, well-being, peace and prosperity for the whole God-protected country of ours. Be a soratai and helper to the enemies of the Christ-loving army, and show your holy intercession to all Orthodox people: heal the sick, comfort the grieving, help the needy. She, the servant of God and the long-suffering martyr! Bring us all to a quiet haven of salvation and the heirs of the blessed kingdom of Christ with your holy prayers, may we glorify and sing the great bounty of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, in the Trinity of the glorious and worshiped God, and your holy intercession forever and ever. Amen.

Holy Great Martyr Nikita: Life

The Holy Great Martyr Nikita was a Goth. He lived on the banks of the Danube and suffered for Christ in 372.

Then the Christian faith had already spread widely in the country of the Goths. Saint Nikita believed in Christ and received Baptism from the Gotthian bishop Theophilus, a participant in the First Ecumenical Council. The pagan Goths began to resist the spread of Christianity, as a result of which internecine strife arose.

After the victory of Fritigern, who led the army of Christians and defeated the pagan Athanaric, the faith of Christ began to spread more successfully among the Goths. Bishop Ulfilas, the successor of Bishop Theophilos, created the Gothic alphabet and translated many sacred books into the Gothic language. Saint Nikita also worked diligently in spreading Christianity among his fellow tribesmen. By his example and inspired word, he led many pagans to the faith of Christ.

However, after the defeat, Afanarich managed to improve his strength again, return to his country and restore his former power. Remaining a pagan, he continued to hate Christians and persecute them. Saint Nikita, subjected to many tortures, was thrown into the fire, where he died. A friend of Saint Nikita, a Christian Marian, at night found the body of the martyr, undamaged by fire and illumined by miraculous light, transferred it and buried it in Cilicia. Subsequently, it was transferred to Constantinople. A particle of the holy relics of the Great Martyr Nikita was later transferred to the Vysoki Dečany monastery in Serbia.