Sergius of Paphlagonia

The Holy and Venerable Confessor Sergius of Paphlagonia came from the town of Niketia in Amastris on the Black Sea. He belonged to an aristocratic family and was related to the family of Empress Theodora, wife of the iconoclastic Emperor Theophilos. Sergius excelled in his studies and soon attained high military and political posts. Although Theophilos was a staunch supporter of the iconoclasts, Sergius remained a confessor of the Orthodox faith, making great efforts to restore the holy icons, and he became the protector of many who defended the icons and were persecuted by Theophilos. After the emperor's death he used all his influence to strengthen Theodora's decision to convene a council for the restoration of the icons.

He is particularly honored in Crete, where he reposed peacefully in the year 866 and was buried in the Monastery of the Magistrate. Later his relics were transferred with great honor and buried in the Monastery of the Most Holy Theotokos on the gulf of Nicomedia, called Niketianos because its founder was from the town of Niketia. He is commemorated on 28 June (new style; 11 July on the old calendar).