Saint Nikon Metanoeite (“the Preacher of Repentance”), born Nicetas in early tenth-century Pontus, renounced his wealthy upbringing to pursue the monastic life at Chrysopetro. Receiving the name Nikon at his tonsure, he embraced a new life devoted entirely to God and soon became known for his powerful preaching. Traveling through Armenia, Crete, Euboea, Aegina, and the Peloponnesus, he proclaimed the Gospel with the constant call to “Repent,” a message that gradually won people’s hearts through his sincerity, miracles, and profound spiritual teaching on true repentance through prayer, self-denial, almsgiving, ascetic struggle, and confession.

After years of missionary labor, Saint Nikon settled near Sparta, eventually moving into the city where he built a church dedicated to Christ the Savior and where a monastery later developed. He continued preaching, healing the sick, and guiding people to renewed spiritual life until his repose in 998. Though largely forgotten during the Turkish occupation, his veneration revived after 1821, and in 1893 he was formally recognized as the patron saint of the diocese of Monemvasia and Lakedaimonia when Sparta’s cathedral was dedicated in his honor.

Troparion — Tone 3

(Podoben: “Thy confession of the Divine Faith...”)

Lakedaimon* rejoices, having the divine coffer of your relics, / which gush forth a fountain of healings, / and protect from afflictions all those who have recourse to you with faith, / O Venerable Father Nikon, / entreat Christ God that He may grant us great mercy.

* Pronounced Lah-keh-DAY-mon

Kontakion — Tone 6

(Podoben: “When thou hadst fulfilled Thy dispensation...” - The Kontakion for Ascension)

Emulating the life of the Angels, you regarded worldly pleasures as refuse, / showing us the path of repentance, O God-bearer and righteous Nikon; / therefore, now we celebrate your memory, / for truly you are a fountain of healings.