Nikephoros of Corinth

Holy Martyr Nikephoros of Corinth was one of the disciples of the Holy Martyr Codratus who suffered with him at Corinth in the persecution of Decius (249-251).

Codratus

In a time of persecution of the Christians, a pious woman, Rufina, fled from Corinth into the mountains and there bore a son, Codratus, dying soon after the birth. By God's providence the child stayed alive: a cloud came down upon him and fed him with sweet dew. His childhood and youth passed in the desert. Once, grown to manhood, he met some Christians who enlightened him with the true faith. He learned to read and, later, medicine, in which he became skilled, but he loved above all the quiet of the desert. Friends and followers came to hear him; among them were Cyprian, Dionysius, Anectus, Paul, Crescens and many others.

The martyrdom

By command of the emperor Decius, the commander Jason came to Corinth. Codratus was seized with his friends and thrown into prison. Questioned above all, as the eldest, he boldly defended his faith in Christ and was tormented. Despite his sufferings he found strength to urge the others not to be afraid. Jason gave them to wild beasts, but the beasts did not touch them; he had them dragged tied to chariots through the city, while many threw stones at them, and finally he condemned them to the sword. At the place of execution the saints asked for a little time to pray and then, one by one, bowed their heads beneath the sword.

The other disciples of Codratus suffered as well: another Dionysius was stabbed; Victorinus, Victor and Nikephoros were crushed alive in a huge stone mortar; Claudius had his hands and feet cut off; Diodorus threw himself into the fire prepared for him; Serapion was beheaded; Papias and Leonidas were drowned in the sea. Following the example of the men, many holy women also accepted torments for Christ, among them Chariessa, Nunechia, Basilissa, Nike, Gale, Galina and Theodora.

They are commemorated on 13 February and on 23 March, in the new style.