New Monastic Martyr Νikόdēmos of Albania

The New Monastic Martyr Νikόdēmos came from Elbasan, a town of Epirus (Albania) and was raised by devout parents. When he reached a suitable age, he married a Christian woman and they had several children. Since he associated with Turks, he was influenced by them and became a Moslem. He even forced his children to follow his example, except for one son, who was abducted by certain Christians and sent to Mount Athos. There he was tonsured as a monk.

Searching for the young man in order to convert him to Islam, the wretched father learned that he was on the Holy Mountain. He traveled to Athos in great anger, vowing to cause serious trouble for the monasteries if he found his son there. God, Who desires that all may be saved, effected his salvation in a marvelous way. Instead of finding his son and converting him, he himself came to his senses and repented. Forsaking both Islam and the world, he became a monk at the Skete of Saint Anne, in the Kalyva (isolated cell) of the Ascension, with the new name of Νikόdēmos.

His repentance was such that he kept a strict fast for three years, weeping and begging God to forgive his terrible sin of apostasy. One day he heard some of the Fathers saying that whoever denies Christ must go back to the same place and confess Him before men. From that moment, he burned with a desire for martyrdom. Therefore, he prepared himself through asceticism, fasting, and prayer.

Hearing of Saint Akakios (April 12) of the Skete of Kausokalyvia [Καυσοκαλύβια], Νikόdēmos visited him in order to receive his blessing and his instructions. As soon as Νikόdēmos beheld the Saint, he fell down at his feet and wept for a long time. Saint Akakios took him by the hand and addressed him by name, although he did not know him. Raising him up, he comforted him. Then he withdrew for a short distance and began to pray. Those who were present saw a light from Heaven, shining like a star, which illumined the Saint's face. Then he turned to Νikόdēmos and whispered something to him, and then the radiance disappeared.

Overcome with contrition and by divine grace, Νikόdēmos cried out with a loud voice. Then he went into the cave and wept for a considerable time. Later, he returned to Saint Akakios and asked for his blessing to go forth to martyrdom. Blessing him and placing a staff in his hand, the Saint said, "Take this staff and go before the pasha. By the power of God, you will complete your martyrdom well."

Νikόdēmos took the staff, and was ready to leave at once to achieve his goal. However, weakened by fasting, he was not capable of walking all the way back to Elbasan. Therefore, he asked Saint Akakios if he might break his fast in order to strengthen himself for the journey.

The Saint replied, "Now, more than ever, you must fast, Brother, for soon you will be struggling for Christ. Walk as much as you can, and the Lord Who said 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God' (Matthew 4:4), shall strengthen you to walk with ease."

The Martyr answered, "O Father, by your prayers, may our Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me, and enable me to confess the good confession (I Timothy 6:12). I fear the demons, however."

Saint Akakios chided him, "Fear God, Brother, and not the demons who have no authority of their own over us. Therefore, place all your hope in Christ, not only to vanquish the demons, but also to help you in bearing witness to Him."

Hearing this, Νikόdēmos wept tears of joy. Falling down to the ground and kissing the Saint's feet, he received his blessing and went on his way. While he was still on the Holy Mountain, the Lord appeared to Νikόdēmos and encouraged him. He revealed all the trials that he would face, and even the site of his execution.

Strengthened by Christ, Νikόdēmos arrived at Elbasan. There he was recognized by the Turks, arrested, and brought before the pasha, who tried to make him return to Islam. Νikόdēmos rejected the religion of the Turks and courageously confessed Christ. Then they took him to a high precipice and pushed him off. Miraculously, he floated down gently and landed on his feet.

Returning to the palace, he appeared before the pasha, who was terrified to see him alive. He almost released Νikόdēmos, but fearing the mob of Turks, he turned the Martyr over to them. They tortured him for three days and nights before leading him to the place of execution. Along the way, they made him kneel several times, as if they intended to behead him.

When they reached the place which the Lord had revealed to him, Christ's Martyr showed no sign of fear. He bent his neck and was beheaded with a sword, and his soul went to Heaven with the crown of martyrdom on July 11, 1722.

After the Saint's martyrdom, Christians buried him in the church of the Theotokos, where his incorrupt and fragrant relics are still preserved, working miracles for those who run to him with faith. A piece of his relics is also kept in the Skete of Saint Anne, where there is a manuscript with his Church Service. A new Service was composed by the monk John Danielidis and others.