Nicholas the Slav

Holy Venerable Nicholas the Slav was a schemamonk, formerly a military commander in the time of the Byzantine emperor Nikephoros I (802-811).

While a soldier, he was sent to war against the Bulgarians. On the eve of the battle he was tempted by a woman, but resisted manfully. In the bloody battle all his comrades perished, and Nicholas stayed alive. It was revealed to him in a vision that his life had been given him because he had overcome the temptation. After that the blessed Nicholas left the world, withdrew to a monastery, took the schema and prayed unceasingly for the soldiers fallen in battle. By his great labours he so pleased the Lord that he was found worthy of the gift of foresight.

His life was written by Saint Demetrius of Rostov. His memory is kept on 6 January, in the new style.