In his youth, he renounced the world and went away to monastic asceticism. Shining with virtue like the sun, he was noticed by the elders of the church and elevated to the episcopal throne in Chalcedon. As a bishop, he was especially merciful to the poor, and he cared a lot for orphans, widows and the destitute. When the evil Leo the Armenian rose up against icons, this saint Nikita also rose up courageously in defense of icons, rebuking the emperor and explaining the significance of icons. Because of this, he suffered many humiliations, bitterness and imprisonment. Finally, he was exiled for his faith, and in labors and sufferings he presented himself to the Lord, to receive the crown of glory in the Kingdom of God.

The Holy Martyr Elikonida. Saint Ignatius, Bishop of Rostov.