Nikita (martyr)
Nikita , russ. Никита, ukrain. Микита from Greek. Νικήτας Niketas , († 372) is a mainly in Russia honored Christian martyrs . His feast day is September 15th.
Nikita, a Gothic soldier, lived in the Danube region on the edge of the Byzantine Empire and was probably given the Greek name when he was baptized . With Wulfila he campaigned for the Christianization of the Goths and fought against the pagan king Athanaric . He had him executed at the stake in 372 .
The legend tells that the devil tried to persuade in the form of angels Nikita to sacrifice to the pagan gods to save his life, but that Nikita him through prayer and with the help of Archangel Michael suggested to flight.
In Russia, Ukraine and Serbia , several churches and monasteries bear the name Nikitas.
Web links
- Dates and legend ( Memento from April 16, 2009 in the Internet Archive )
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Nikita |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Nicetas |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | Christian martyr |
| DATE OF BIRTH | 4th century |
| DATE OF DEATH | 372 |