Nicholas

Holy Venerable Martyr Nicholas was the disciple and companion of Saint Raphael. He was a deacon and monk. He is regarded as a native of Thessalonica, although it is said he was born at Ragai in Media (Asia Minor) and grew up and was formed in Thessalonica.

After the fall of Constantinople he fled with Raphael to Lesbos and settled in the monastery on the hill of Karyes near Thermi. In 1463, when the Turks took the island, he was seized together with Raphael. He died under torture, bound to a tree. His tomb and relics were discovered on 13 June 1960, in the same place as those of Raphael.

His relics are kept at the Monastery of Saint Raphael at Thermi, on Lesbos. He is commemorated on the Tuesday of Bright Week, together with Raphael and Irene.