Our Holy Father Niphon
Commemorated June 14
Saint Niphon of Athos lived in the fourteenth centyry, and was the son of a priest. From childhood he was raised under the principles of strict Christian morality. Upon taking monastic tonsure he soon was ordained to the holy priesthood. But the thirst for perfect stillness and solitary labors led the monk to the Holy Mountain. There he struggled for many years with the renowned Athonite Elder St Maximus Kavsokalyvites ("the Hut-burner," January 13). St Niphon died at age 96, glorified by gifts of wonderworking and clairvoyance.
Troparion
In thee, O father, was manifestly preserved what is in the image of God, for having taken up thy cross, thou didst follow Christ, and by thine own example hast taught that the flesh is to be despised as transient, but that particular care should be bestowed on the soul, as a thing immortal; wherefore, together with the angels, rejoiceth also thine, O holy Niphon, spirit.
Kontakion
Having divinely armed thyself with the purity of thy soul and unceasing prayers firmly grasping as a spear, thou, our father Niphon, hast pierced the armies of the demon; supplicate unceasingly for us all.
Source: Crkveni Kalendar
