Saint Nicephorus lived under the reign of Emperors Valerian and Gallius and was closely associated with the priest Sapricius, who harbored hatred against Nicephorus because he believed in the words of a slanderer.
During the persecution against the Christians in AD 257, many bishops and priests were arrested, including Sapricius. As soon as Nikiforos saw him among those arrested, he begged him to forgive him. Sapricius stubbornly refused. After the tortures, Nicephorus kissed his wounds and asked him to bless him even at the last moment. Sapricius was adamant. Finally, he was about to be beheaded.
Sapricius’ denial and intransigence made him unworthy in the eyes of God. Without the power of divine grace anymore, he could not stand the torture and he bent down and asked to sacrifice to the idols. As soon as Nicephorus heard this, he asked him not to offer sacrifice and lose his faith. The executioners were very infuriated and beheaded Nicephorus, thus receiving the crown of martyrdom.
Source: Church of Cyprus