Venerable Saint Nikon/Nicon "Metanoeite," the Preacher of Repentance

Which the Holy Orthodox Church Commemorates on November 26th /December 9th (OS)
PATRON SAINT and ENLIGHTENER OF SPARTANS, MANIATES, AND LAKONIANS
"Flee pride, cleave to humility; do not despise the poor; keep clear of all evil, of all envy and of the remembrance of wrongs; forgive your brethren. Go regularly to
church and confess your sins often to the priests and spiritual fathers. If you keep to these counsels, I will never abandon you."

Apolytikion in the Third Tone

Lacedaemon doth rejoice with gladness in the godly shrine of thy blest relics, which doth make streams of healings to overflow and doth preserve from affliction and sore distress
all them that hasten, O Father, to thee with faith. Righteous Nicon/Nikon , intercede with Christ God in our behalf that His great mercy may be granted unto us.

Άπολυτίκιον. Ήχος γ'. Θείας πίστεως.

Χαίρει έχουσα, ή Λακεδαίμων, θείαν λάρνακα, των σων λειψάνων, άναβρύουσαν πηγάς των ιάσεων, και διασώζουσαν πάντας εκ θλίψεων, τους σοι προστρέχοντας Πάτερ εκ
πίστεως. Νίκων Όσιε, Χριστόν τον Θεόν ικέτευε, δωρήσασθαι ημίν το μέγα έλεος.

Troparion of St Nikon tone 3

Sparta rejoices in holding the shrine of thy relics,/ a source of healing for those who run to thee./ Holy Nikon, intercede with Christ our God to grant us His great mercy.

Kontakion in the Second Tone

Emulating the life of the Angels, thou didst esteem the world's delights as dross, while showing us the paths of repentance, O righteous and God-bearing Nicon/Nikon. Wherefore,
as we now celebrate thy memorial, we honour thee; for thou in truth art a fountain of healings.

Kontakion of St Nikon tone 6

Thou didst despise the world's delights,/ thou didst show us the path of repentance, emulating the Angelic life,/ O Nikon. We praise thee and celebrate thy memory;/ thou art a
fountain of healing.

Κοντάκιον τού Οσίου Νίκωνος. Ήχος πλ. Β’. Τήν υπέρ ημών πληρώσας
Τήν Αγγελικήν μιμούμενος πολιτείαν, κόσμου τά τερπνά ως σκύβαλα ελογίσω, μεταανοίας τήν τρίβον δεικνύων ημίν, θεοφόρε Νίκων Όσιε διά τούτό σε γεραίρομεν, εκτελούντες
νύν τήν μνήμην σου, υπάρχεις γάρ αληθώς, ιαμάτων πηγή.

Μεγαλυνάρια τοῦ ὁσίου Νίκωνος.

Νίκην περιφὲρων κατα παθῶν, τὴν εὺκλειαν ταὺτης, διαγράφεις Νίκων σοφέ, τοίς πᾶσι κηρύττων, την τοῦ Προδρόμου ῥῆσιν Μετανοεῖτε ἤγγικεν ἠ ἀπόδοσις.

Megalynarion in the Plagal of the Second Tone

O Righteous Father Nikon, into all the earth hath the sound of thine achievements gone forth; wherefore thou hast found in the Heavens the reward of thy labours. Thou didst
destroy the ranks of the demons; thou didst attain to the orders of the Angels, whose life thou didst emulate without blame. Since thou hast boldness with Christ God, pray that
peace be granted unto our souls.

Saint Nikon Metanoeite ("the Preacher of Repentance") was born at Pontus Polemoniacus (Armenian Pontos) at the beginning of the tenth century. He was the son of a
wealthy landowner, and he was given the name Nicetas in Baptism.

Since he had no desire to take over the management of his family's wealth and estates, Nicetas entered the monastery of Chrysopetro, where he shone forth in prayer and
asceticism. When he received the monastic tonsure, he was given the new name Nikon. The new name symbolizes a new life in the Spirit (Romans 7:6), and the birth of the new
man (Ephesians 4:24). A monk is expected to stop associating himself with the old personality connected to his former life in the world, and to devote himself entirely to God.

St Nikon had a remarkable gift for preaching. When he spoke of virtue and spiritual matters, his listeners were filled with heartfelt compunction and love for God. His words
produced such spiritual fruit in those who heard him that he was asked to travel through the eastern regions to preach. He visited Armenia, Crete, Euboea, Aegina, and the
Peloponnesus, proclaiming the Gospel of Christ.

"Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand." This was the message of St John the Baptist (Matthew 3:2), and of Christ Himself (Matthew 4:17). This was also the message of
St Nikon. Wherever he went, he would begin his sermons with "Repent," hence he was called "Nikon Metanoeite," or "Nikon, the Preacher of Repentance."

At first, people paid little heed to his message. Then gradually he won their hearts through his preaching, his miracles, and his gentle, loving nature. He stressed the necessity for
everyone to repent, warning that those who utter a few sighs and groans and think that they have achieved true repentance have deluded themselves. St Nikon told the people that
true sorrow for one's sins is cultivated by prayer, self-denial, almsgiving, ascetical efforts, and by confession to one's spiritual Father.

After sowing the seeds of piety, St Nikon began to see them bear fruit. People started to change their lives, but he urged them to strengthen their souls in virtue and good works so
that they would not be overwhelmed by the cares of this world.

Eventually, St Nikon settled in a cave outside Sparta. Soon he moved into the city, because so many people were coming to hear him. In the center of Sparta, he built a church
dedicated to Christ the Savior. In time a monastery grew up around the church.

St Nikon never ceased to preach the Word of God, and to lead people back to the spiritual life of the Church. He also healed the sick, and performed many other miracles.

St Nikon fell asleep in the Lord in 998, and his memory was honored by the people around Sparta. During the Turkish occupation of Greece, however, he was all but forgotten,
except in Sparta. After the Greek Revolution in 1821, a service to St Nikon was composed by Father Daniel Georgopoulos, and was based on the saint's Life, which had been
written by Igumen Gregory of St Nikon's Monastery in 1142.

St Nikon was recognized as the patron saint of the diocese of Monemvasia and Lakedaimonia in 1893 when the cathedral church in Sparta was dedicated to St Nikon, the
Preacher of Repentance.

Nikon Metanoite (also known as Nicon)

Born in Pontus (now in Armenia); died in Peloponnesus, Greece, in 998. Nikon received his surname from the Greek 'metanoia' (change of heart) because penance was always
the theme of his preaching. In his youth, he secretly ran away from his wealthy family to an Armenian monastery called Khrysopetro (Stone of God), where he engaged in austere
penance and humble prayer for 12 years. The purity of his love of God when he spoke about virtue caused his superiors to send him out into the world to preach the Word of God
as a missionary, first in Armenia and later on the Saracen-held island of Crete for 20 years, then in Greece.

In imitation of Saint John the Baptist, Saint Nikon began every sermon with a call to conversion and the necessity for sincere repentance and penance. He taught that earnest
prayer, mortification, alms, and holy meditation are needed to allow the resolution of conversion to take root in the heart. The sweetness with which Nikon recommended the most
severe maxims of the Gospel, made our faith appear amiable to the Islamics themselves. The words he preached were confirmed by many miracles (Attwater 2, Benedictines,
Coulson, Husenbeth).

St Nikon Metanoite ("Repent!") (~1000)

He was born about 930 to a pious and wealthy family near Trebizond. Once, making an inspection of the family's estates, he was so affected by the wretched conditions of the
poor fieldworkers that he despaired of happiness in this world and determined to live a monastic life.

After years spent in a monastery, where he shone in obedience, prayer and self-denial, the Saint was given leave to travel in the ministry of the Gospel of Christ. For three years
he wandered the East, without home or possessions, crying to everyone he met, "Repent!" and proclaiming with tears the message of salvation in Christ. He then spent seven
years in Crete, then went to Greece, walking barefoot from place to place, preaching repentance and becoming so well known that he acquired the nickname "Metanoite," meaning
"Repent!"

After driving a great plague from Sparta through his prayers, he settled near that city, building a great church dedicated to Christ the Savior, and living in the church for the
remainder of his life. In time, a monastery was attached to the church for his disciples. His last counsel to his disciples was: "Flee pride, cleave to humility; do not despise the poor;
keep clear of all evil, of all envy and of the remembrance of wrongs; forgive your brethren. Go regularly to church and confess your sins often to the priests and spiritual fathers. If
you keep to these counsels, I will never abandon you." He then gave his soul back to God.
Saint Nikon was immediately venerated as a saint by the people of Sparta, and is regarded as the protector of the city, where his relics are venerated to this day.
(from Abbamoses.com)

The Venerable Nicon, the Preacher of Repentance

Nicon was born in Armenia. Awakened by the words of the Lord, Every one that hath forsaken … father or mother … shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life
(Matthew 19:29), Nicon indeed forsook all for the sake of Christ, and went to a monastery, where he was tonsured a monk. When he was perfected in all virtues, he left the
monastery and went to preach the Gospel among the people. He ceaselessly cried out, ``Repent!'' for which he was also called the ``the Preacher of Repentance.'' As a preacher,
he visited all of Anatolia and the Peloponnese. He worked miracles by prayer in the name of Christ and peacefully went to his beloved Lord. He reposed in Sparta in the year 998.
(from Prologue of Ohrid)

Ο ΟΣΙΟΣ ΝΙΚΩΝ ό "Μετανοείτε"

Καταγόταν από τον Πολεμωνιακό Πόντο και ήταν γιος μεγιστάνα. Νέος ακόμα άφησε το πατρικό του σπίτι και μόνασε. Επειδή δε τον διέκρινε Ιερός ζήλος και
μεγάλο χάρισμα διδακτικότητας, γύρισε όλη την Ανατολή σαν απεσταλμένος της Μονής του κηρύττοντας το Ευαγγέλιο και επαναλάμβανε τη φωνή, πού αντήχησε
πρώτα στην έρημο της Ιουδαίας και κοντά στις όχθες του Ιορδάνη: "Μετανοείτε". Κατόπιν ό όσιος Νικών πήγε στην Κρήτη, όπου παρέμεινε διδάσκοντας για 20 χρόνια.
Από κει πήγε στην Πελοπόννησο, όπου κατέληξε στην πόλη των Λακώνων. Εκεί κήρυξε, έκανε διάφορα θαύματα και έκτισε ναό στο όνομα του Σωτήρος Ιησού
Χριστού. Ή ηθική επιρροή του στους κατοίκους, υπήρξε μεγάλη. Και στη χώρα αυτή, πού αγάπησε περισσότερο και από την πατρίδα του, άφησε την τελευταία του πνοή το
έτος 998.

Ο Όσιος Νίκων ο« Μετανοείτε»

Ο Όσιος Νίκων γεννήθηκε σε ένα χωριό του Πόντου, κοντά στην Τραπεζούντα στις αρχές του 10ου μ.Χ. αιώνος. Ήταν γόνος επιφανών και ευσεβεστάτων γονέων και
από μικρός ήταν αφοσιωμένος στα θεία με όλη του τη ψυχή, ακολουθώντας το παράδειγμα των γονέων του. Σαν παιδί περιφρονούσε τις διασκεδάσεις, τους χορούς και
γενικά τις κοσμικές τέρψεις της εποχής του και ζούσε βίο εγκρατή επιθυμώντας να αφιερωθεί στο Θεό. Ο πατέρας του ήταν πολύ πλούσιος γαιοκτήμονας και θα
μπορούσε να εξασφαλίσει στο γιο του όλα τα μέσα για μια άνετη ζωή. Πλην όμως ο μικρός Νικήτας -έτσι ήταν το όνομα του Αγίου πριν γίνει μοναχός-θεωρούσε ως
μάταια και απατηλά τα αγαθά του παρόντος κόσμου και επιθυμούσε την κατάκτηση της αιωνιότητος και της σωτηρίας, ψάχνοντας για την κατάλληλη ευκαιρία.

Μια ημέρα, λοιπόν, ο πατέρας του τον έστειλε να επισκεφθεί την αγροτική περιουσία του. Η αφθονία των χτημάτων όμως δεν προξένησε καμιά ευχαρίστηση στην ψυχή
του, αλλά αντίθετα η αθλιότητα την οποία παρατήρησε στους φτωχούς εργάτες, γέννησε μέσα στην ψυχή του ένα αίσθημα συμπαθείας μεν προς τους φτωχούς
καλλιεργητές, και αποστροφής από την άλλη προς τη ζωή, του κόσμου και της ύλης. Έτσι, εγκατέλειψε τα πλούτη, την οικογένειά του, την πατρίδα του, ακολούθησε
δύσβατους δρόμους και έφτασε στο μοναστήρι της Χρυσής Πέτρας. Εκεί έλαβε το αγγελικό σχήμα του μοναχού και από Νικήτας ονομάστηκε Νίκωνας. Στη μονή ο
Νίκων προόδευε συνεχώς πνευματικά, τόσο με την προσευχή και τη μελέτη, όσο και με την εργασία και την εγκράτεια. Η παραμονή του όμως δεν διάρκεσε πάνω από 12
χρόνια. Οι αναζητήσεις του πατέρα του τον ανάγκασαν να εγκαταλείψει το μοναστήρι και να διαμείνει για τρία ολόκληρα χρόνια σε τόπους έρημους και άγνωστους.

Στη συνέχεια ο Όσιος Νίκων αναλαμβάνει ιεραποστολική δράση, γίνεται μέγας κήρυκας του ευαγγελίου και συνισταμένη του κηρύγματός του είναι η μετάνοια. Σαν
άλλος, λοιπόν, Ιωάννης Πρόδρομος, κήρυττε στα πλήθη και τους ζητούσε να μετανοήσουν. Γι' αυτό ακριβώς έλαβε και την προσωνυμία Νίκων "ο Μετανοείτε".

Ο Νίκων, αφού περιήλθε πολλές χώρες της Ανατολής, έφθασε στη νήσο Κρήτη, όπου παρέμεινε 7 χρόνια και κατόρθωσε να οδηγήσει πολλούς από τους κατοίκους του
νησιού στην αληθινή χριστιανική πίστη, ενώ έχτισε ναούς και εγκατέστησε ιερείς. Από την Κρήτη ο Όσιος πήγε στην Επίδαυρο της Αργολίδος και κατόπιν στην Αθήνα,
όπου έτυχε καλής υποδοχής. Μετά πήγε στην Εύβοια, όπου έκανε πολλά θαύματα. Κατόπιν μετέβη στη Θήβα και από εκεί στο κύριο μέρος της δράσης του την
Πελοπόννησο. Πέρασε από την Κόρινθο, το Άργος, το Ναύπλιο, πήγε στη Σπάρτη όπου έχτισε δύο ναούς και κατόπιν μετέβη στη Μάνη, Καλαμάτα, Κορώνη, Μεθώνη
και Μεσσήνη. Μετά κατευθύνθηκε προς την Αρκαδία, όπου κήρυξε για αρκετό καιρό και τελικά εγκαταστάθηκε στην πόλη των Λακώνων, στη Σπάρτη.

Στη Σπάρτη ο Όσιος ανέπτυξε αξιόλογη δράση, ενώ την απήλλαξε και από τη μάστιγα των Ισραηλιτών, που με την άσχημη διαγωγή τους επηρέαζαν τον πληθυσμό και
αποτελούσαν εμπόδιο στην ηθικοπλαστική προσπάθεια που έκανε ο Νίκων. Επίσης έκανε και θαύματα. Υπάρχουν πολλές πληροφορίες σχετικά με την ίαση ασθενών που
πήγαιναν σ' αυτόν ή που πήγαινε ο ίδιος σ' αυτούς, ενώ τα θαύματα συνεχίζονται και μετά τον θάνατό του, που τοποθετείτε το 998 μ.Χ..

Ο Όσιος Νίκων "ο Μετανοείτε", είναι ο πολιούχος και προστάτης της πόλεως της Σπάρτης και τιμάται με ιδιαίτερες τιμές από την τοπική μας Εκκλησία.

Η μνήμη του εορτάζεται στις 26 Νοεμβρίου.

(HELLENIC)

Our Righteous Father Nikon/Nicon “Repent – Ye”

Saint Nikon / Nicon, the son of a certain noble, was from Byzantine Armenia / Pontos Polemoniakos, forsaking his parents and homeland, he passed throughout the parts of the
East, crying to all men, “Repent – Ye” , because of which he received his name. Finally he came to Lacedaemonia (Sparta, Lakonia and Mani) of the Peloponnisos, where he built
a Church in honour of “Christ our Savior”. After having dwelt there many years in solitude, and having converted many from paganism, he departed to the Lord about the end of the
ninth century (998 A..D.).

From the Life of St. Nikon "Metanoeite"* (Tenth Century, Commemorated on 26 November/9 December)
When, therefore, the Saint had arrived in Evia and had stood on the top of a rampart, as though on a pulpit, in order that his preaching might be heard, he called out “Repent ye”
[“Metanoeite”] all day and night long, as was his custom. The children of Evia, taking his unusual preaching for a game, as is often the case, all flocked together to the place where
the Saint was standing. But what did the envious enemy Belial do? Not enduring the sight of the return and salvation of sinners, he hastened to show his maliciousness here as
well. That is why, then, the homicidal one invisibly thrust one of the small children from high off the rampart wall, tossing him to the ground.

When a great tumult arose and a large crowd had gathered, no one doubted that the child who had fallen to the ground had been dashed to pieces and, unseen, had died a bitter
death. The child's parents were nearly ready to rip the Saint to shreds, because he was, supposedly, to blame for the misfortune.

But he, calmly and quietly, said to them: "Your child lives. He is alive and has suffered no harm, as you imagine." When the boy’s parents and the rest of the crowd saw the boy
safe and sound, they were dumbstruck, marveling and taken aback at the event. Judging well that the wondrous miracle did not occur without the aid of Divine power, they took up
the boy with great astonishment.
As for the boy, he said: “That monk who calls out ‘Repent ye’ reached into the air and held me, not allowing me to fall to the ground.” Thus, all being conquered by a great fear,
they henceforth looked upon the blessed one as an Angel.

After a short while, the small boy, desiring the life without cares, was tonsured and lived in accordance with the vows of monastic life. And, having pleased God in this way, he
departed to the Lord.

Nikon the Penitent (Metanoiete), Born in Pntos, Died in the Pelopponisos, 998. The son of a wealthy land owner, he was born in what is now ethnic Hellenic Land occupied by
Turks. He entered a monastery as a Young man and lived there for a dozen years, but so successful was his preaching that he was sent as a missionary, first to Crete, then to The
Mani, Sparta and the rest of Laconia, and afterwards to other places in Hellas. His name recalls the constant theme of his preaching, “Repentance”, he died in a Monastery (Feast,
November 26th)
(Saints East and West)

Hotasia (Mani)- According the lore, Saint Nikonas Metanoite, went ashore at the Bay of Hotasia and used it as his base. Saint Nikon acted during the 10th century for the
Enlightenment and the Christianization of the Slavs and the Greek residents of the peninsula of Mani. There are two caves, not far from the sea, up on the cliffs. There was the
place of his ascetic and prayer. He founded the churches Panagitsa and Taxiarhi. There are two cistern dated at his time, built by himself, to save rain because since that time,
there was lack of water. The churches of Prophet Elia and Panagia Pantanassa are a place of worship and prayer for the residents of the region. During the local fair on 15th
August, a lot of people come from all around the area.
 THE LITURGY - NOVEMBER 26TH, SAINT NIKON METANOITE
"Flee pride, cleave to humility; do not despise the poor; keep clear of all evil, of all envy and of the remembrance of wrongs; forgive your brethren. Go regularly to
church and confess your sins often to the priests and spiritual fathers. If you keep to these counsels, I will never abandon you."

The TYPIKA, and for the BEATITUDES, Hymns from the Third and Sixth Odes of Canon of the Saint.

Beatitudes:
Ode 3:
Passing from East to West, Thou didst set all men on fire with thy preaching of repentance; wherefore, thou foundest a name suited to thy deeds, O
Righteous Nikon. Proving to be the namesake of repentance (x2)

Having the Forerunners' Zeal laid up in thy soul, O Father, thou didst proclaim Christ's second manifestation to the world, saying: With All your heart, bring
forth fruit worthy of repentance. (x2)

Ode 6:
God, who was Glorified in thy members, glorified thee with with wondrous signs. Wherefore, thou didst fill up that which was lacking in the pillar, that it might
be serviceable to thee in the house of God. (x2)

The City of Lacedaemon (Sparta) hath known thee to be another Moses, afflicting the Egypt of the Passions with the scourges of thy God-inspired teachings
of repentance, and taking away wickedness. (x2)

The Prokeimenon of the Epistle. Grave Tone

v1. What shall I render unto the Lord for all that He hath rendered unto me?
v2. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.
(O Lord, I am Thy servant; I am Thy servant and the son of Thy handmaid.)

The Saints shall boast in glory, and they shall rejoice upon their beds.
Vs. Sing unto the Lord a New song; His praise is in the Church of the saints.

The Epistle of Saint Paul to Galatians (5:22-6:2) (If desired also, the Epistle of the day.)
EPISTLE: (Gal 5:22-6:2):
BRETHREN: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no
law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become
conceited, provoking one another, envying one another Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of
gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Alleluia, Plagal of the Second Tone

v1. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord; in His commandments shall he greatly delight.
v2. His seed shall be mighty upon the earth; the generation of the upright shall be blessed.
(His Righteousness abideth unto ages of ages; His Horn shall be exalted with glory.)

The Holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew (11:27-30) (If Desired also, The Gospel the day.)
GOSPEL: (Matt. 11:27-30):
THE LORD SAID UNTO HIS DISCIPLES: All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does
anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will
give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My
burden is light.”

Communion Hymn
Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous; praise is meet for the upright.
(For he shall remain unshaken for ever. In everlasting remembrance shall the righteous be.)

(In everlasting remembrance shall the righteous be, He shall not be afraid of evil tidings.)

+ On This Day we commemorate our righteous Father Nikon (Metanoite) “Repent-Ye”.

Verses:
Wherefore hath Lacedaemon (Sparta) a loss of demons?
Nikon hath frightened them away with his wonders.
Apolytikion in the Third Tone

Lacedaemon doth rejoice with gladness in the godly shrine of thy blest relics, which doth make streams of healings to overflow and doth preserve from affliction and sore distress all them that hasten, O Father,
to thee with faith. Righteous Nicon/Nikon , intercede with Christ God in our behalf that His great mercy may be granted unto us.

Άπολυτίκιον. Ήχος γ'. Θείας πίστεως.

Χαίρει έχουσα, ή Λακεδαίμων, θείαν λάρνακα, των σων λειψάνων, άναβρύουσαν πηγάς των ιάσεων, και διασώζουσαν πάντας εκ θλίψεων, τους σοι προστρέχοντας Πάτερ εκ πίστεως. Νίκων Όσιε, Χριστόν τον
Θεόν ικέτευε, δωρήσασθαι ημίν το μέγα έλεος.

Kontakion in the Second Tone

Emulating the life of the Angels, thou didst esteem the world's delights as dross, while showing us the paths of repentance, O righteous and God-bearing Nicon/Nikon. Wherefore, as we now celebrate thy
memorial, we honour thee; for thou in truth art a fountain of healings.

Megalynarion in the Plagal of the Second Tone

O Righteous Father Nikon, into all the earth hath the sound of thine achievements gone forth; wherefore thou hast found in the Heavens the reward of thy labours. Thou didst destroy the ranks of the demons;
thou didst attain to the orders of the Angels, whose life thou didsr emulate without blame. Since thou hast boldness with Christ God, pray that peace be granted unto our souls.