3rd century
Holy Martyr Nicephorus of Antioch
A Christian of Antioch martyred in 257 under Valerian; according to tradition he persistently sought reconciliation with the priest Sapricius and was beheaded in his place when the latter denied Christ.
Biography
Nicephorus lived in the time of the emperors Valerian and Gallienus and was closely connected to a priest named Sapricius, who had come to hate him after believing a slanderer. Nicephorus repeatedly asked to know the reason and begged forgiveness, without success.
When persecution broke out in 257 and Sapricius himself was arrested, Nicephorus ran to him and pleaded tearfully for reconciliation, even as the priest was being led to execution, but Sapricius remained unyielding.
At the moment of execution Sapricius wavered and agreed to sacrifice to idols; Nicephorus tried in vain to dissuade him, and the enraged executioners beheaded Nicephorus in his place, granting him the martyr's crown.