Born in Naples of a pagan father and a Christian mother. Nikon was a Roman officer in Naples. And he was not baptized, although his mother, secretly from his father, taught him the faith of Christ. Once, when he went with his company into battle, his mother advised him, if he was in trouble, to cross himself and call upon Christ for help. And indeed, when Nikon's company was surrounded in battle and very close to final destruction, Nikon crossed himself and cried out to Christ in his heart. At that moment, he was filled with unusual strength, rushed at his enemies, and killed some and put others to flight. Returning home, Nikon constantly exclaimed in wonder: "Great is the God of Christians!" Having gladdened his mother with the news of his victory by the cross of Christ, he secretly sailed to Asia, where Bishop Theodosius of Cyzicus baptized him. After baptism, he closed himself in a monastery, where he devoted himself to learning and asceticism. But before his death, Bishop Theodosius had a vision in which he was ordered to ordain Nikon as his successor. Elder Theodosius immediately summoned Nikon and ordained him a deacon, then a presbyter and bishop. But by God's Providence, Nikon soon arrived in Naples, where he found his mother still alive. After his mother's death, he left with nine disciples, once comrades in arms, to Sicily, and there he devoted himself to preaching the Gospel. But there was a terrible persecution of Christians at that time. And Prince Quintian seized Nikon and his companions and subjected them to great torture. One hundred and ninety of his disciples and companions were beheaded. And the torturer tied Nikon to the tails of horses, threw him from a high cliff into a precipice, beat him, scraped him, but Nikon survived all these torments. Finally, he was cut down with a sword and passed away to the Lord. His body was left in the field, to be eaten by birds. But a shepherd boy, with a furious spirit, got caught and fell on the dead body of the martyr of Christ, and was immediately healed. He spread the news about Nikon's body, and Christians came and buried him honorably. Saint Nikon suffered during the time of Emperor Decius.

Saint Venerable Nikon of the Caves. Holy Martyrs Philitus and Lydia, and others with them. Holy Venerable Martyr Luke of Adrianople Easter Fast.