A new saint, Saint Nikiforos the leper, was canonized by the Church in December 2012.
Saint Nikiforos, originally known as Nikolaos Tzanakakis, was born in Chania in 1890 to simple and devout parents. Orphaned at a young age, he began showing symptoms of Hansen’s disease, also known as leprosy, when he was just 13 years old. Fearing isolation on the island of Spinalonga, where lepers were sent, he left for Egypt at the age of 16.
With the help of a clergyman, he eventually made his way to the island of Chios in 1914 and was admitted to a leper hospital. It was there that he met Fr. Anthimos Vagianos, who recognized his devotion to the Church and monastic life, and tonsured him as a monk, giving him the name Nikiforos.
Living a life of obedience, fasting, and prayer, Saint Nikiforos worked in the hospital garden and spent long hours in prayer at night. He eventually moved to Aigaleo in Athens, where he continued to inspire others with his spiritual wisdom.
Saint Nikiforos passed away on January 4, 1964, and his relics were found to be miraculously preserved and fragrant. His life continues to be a source of inspiration and comfort to many.
Source: Church of Cyprus