Nikitas the New

Holy Hieromartyr Nikitas the New came from Epirus and became a hieromonk on Mount Athos, first in the Skete of Saint Anne, then in the Russian Monastery of Saint Panteleimon. A longing for martyrdom seized him, and he travelled the villages around Serres and Drama, proclaiming Christ as true God and Muhammad as a deceiver.

Seized by the Turks, he was imprisoned at Serres. He endured dreadful torments: fire held to his nose, a crown of thorns, reed splinters under his nails and burning of the hidden parts of his body. With wonderful steadfastness he continually confessed Christ. In the end he was hanged and received the crown of incorruption. The saint.gr source gives the year 1806 and the day 19 February, while the Greek calendar calls him Nicetas the Epirote and gives the year 1809. He is commemorated on 19 February (new style).