The Church commemorates Hieromartyr Nikon and his 199 disciples, as well as Neomartyr Luke from Adrianople, who was martyred in 1802 in Mytilene.
Saint Nikon was born in Naples, Italy, around the end of the 3rd century AD. His Christian mother taught him the Holy Gospel while being distinguished for his excellence in letters and military virtues.
Despising a brilliant career prospect in the Roman army, he went to the island of Chios where he became a monk, practiced patience and humiliation, and became the abbot of a large monastery.
After the death of his parents, he returned home and, together with his 199 spiritual children, eventually settled in Sicily. The reputation and virtues of the saint infuriated the local ruler, who ordered that all members of the brotherhood be arrested and brought to the court.
There they were asked to renounce their faith in Christ, they were derided, but they all responded with one voice that nothing could stop their love for the Lord. Thus, all of them together were martyred and were deemed worthy to receive the wrath of eternity and the blessing of God.
Source: Church of Cyprus
