At a young age, he renounced the world and went away to monasticism. Shining with virtue like the sun, he was noticed by the elders of the church and elevated to the bishop's throne in Chalcedon. As an archbishop, he was especially merciful towards the poor, and he took great care of the orphans, widows and the poor. When the evil Lion of Armenia rose up against the icons, this Saint Nikita also stood up manfully in defense of the icons, portraying the emperor and explaining the significance of the icons. Because of this, they suffer many humiliations, insults and blackouts. Finally, he was exiled for his confession, and in labor and suffering he presented himself to the Lord, to receive the crown of glory in the Kingdom of God.

Holy Martyr Elikonides. Saint Ignatius, Bishop of Rostov.