Translation of the Holy Relics of St Nicephoros, Archbishop of Constantinople

Commemorated March 13

St Nicephoros whose main feast is on June 2) was a dignitary at the court of the Empress Irene (797-802 AD), and then after receiving monastic tonsure, he became known for his piety. In the year 806 AD, he was elevated to the Patriarchal Throne. The Saint was a zealous defender of the holy Icons. When the Iconoclast Emperor Leo the Armenian (813-820 AD) came to rule, St Nikephoros was exiled to Prokonnis in 815 AD, where he died in the year 828 AD.

In the year 846 AD the holy relics of St Nikephoros were opened when St Methodius (commemorated June 14) was Archbishop (Ecumenical Patriarch) of Constantinople. The relics were found incorrupt and fragrant. They transferred them from Prokonnis to Constantinople and placed them for one day in Hagia Sophia, and then they were transferred to the Church of the Holy Apostles. The Saint's hands are preserved at Hilandar Monastery on Mount Athos.