Nikephoros the Leper

Nikephoros the Leper
File:Leper.png
Monk, Ascetic
Born: 1890 (Khania, Greece)
Died: January 4, 1964 (Athens, Greece)
January 4
-Biography
Nikephoros was born in 1890 in Khania, Greece. His parents, simple and pious villagers, died when he was 13 leaving him as an orphan. His grandfather began to raise him and taught him to be a barber. Around that time, he began showing signs of leprosy, a contagious disease treated with great fear and stigma. At 16, his symptoms began to become even worse after moving to Alexandria. Eventually, he arrived in Chios where he resided at a church for lepers where his priest was future Saint Anthimos. Despite his disease progressing and becoming even worse, he received his Angelic Schema, and lived with obedience to his Spiritual Father and God; he was especially known for praying to make everyone happy. Because of his illness, he began to lose his sight and chanted from memory. When the Chios leprosarium was closed in 1957, he was sent to Saint Barbara's. He lived with Father Eumenios, another leper, and despite his disease, numerous people came to visit his cell and obtain his prayers. Despite his pain, wounds, and loss of sight, he was extremely patient and caring to all his visitors. On January 4, 1964, he reposed in the Lord and his relics were found to be fragrant. Numerous people including Father Eumenios reported miracles occurring after venerating him.