Nikephoros of Chios

Father Nikephoros of Chios (; 1750–1821, also Nicephoros, Nicephorus, Nikephorus) was the spiritual son and disciple of Macarius of Corinth and known for his holy life and character. He was regarded as a saint already during his lifetime. His feast day is celebrated on May 1.

Life Saint Nikephoros was a hieromonk born around 1750 in the town of Kardamyla, in the northeastern part of the Aegean island of Chios. As a child he fell seriously ill with a contagious disease. His parents vowed that if he survived he would be given as a monk to the monastery of Nea Moni. He recovered from his illness and became a monk, studying at the famous Chiote school.

His mentors included Father Neophytos Kafsokalyvitis, Father Athanasius of Paros and Saint Macarius of Corinth. He was ordained and elected an abbot of Nea Moni.

Although Saint Nikephoros probably died in the summer of 1821, his Feast Day is designated as May 1. He died in a home near the church of Saint Paraskeve, where he sometimes stayed overnight when he was unable to return to Resta, a hermitage where he lived after leaving the monastery. His body was brought to Resta and placed in a grave where both Saint Athanasius Parius and the monk Nilus had once been buried. The holy relics of Saint Nikephoros were uncovered in 1845 and brought to the metropolitan church of Chios. Many years later, the Guild of Tanners asked for the relics and placed them in the Church of Saint George in Resta, where they remain. In 1907, an icon of Saint Nikephoros was painted and a church service was composed in his honor.

He taught and wrote in Chios, leading a life of spiritual endeavor there. He loved Chios as his fatherland and as a place where piety and learning flourished. For this reason, and because no occasion arose for him to leave the island, he remained within its confines throughout his lifetime.

One year after his death Chios was devastated by the Turks.