site.btaLaypeople Welcome Icon, Relics of Saint Nikephoros in Vratsa
Dozens of laypeople gathered in Vratsa on Monday to welcome the icon and relics of Saint Nikephoros the Leper.
The icon and relics were solemnly welcomed by Metropolitan Gregory of Vratsa. “This is a great blessing from God for all of us and for our diocese. We are glad that in several towns of the diocese, the relics will remain for a day so that believers can worship and receive the blessing of this great saint of God,” Gregory said. He recalled that Saint Nikephoros is a modern saint who presented himself before God in 1964.
The relics will be displayed for veneration in the Saint Nicholas Church, where Metropolitan Gregory of Vratsa will serve a prayer service for health. He thanked Angel Bonchev, who organized the relics to be brought to Vratsa.
The veneration of the miraculous icon and relics will continue in several more towns of the diocese. On June 24, they will be exhibited in Mezdra, on June 25 in Byala Slatina, on June 26 in Knezha, on June 27 in Kozloduy, and on June 28 in the village of Galiche.
Saint Nikephoros is known for his quick and powerful help to those suffering. He is believed to help people with cancer, mental disorders, heart and eye diseases, mental suffering, as well as family problems. The saint was born in 1890 on the island of Crete. At the age of 13, he fell ill with leprosy. To avoid isolation on the island of Spinalonga, he ran away and entered a leper hospital on the island of Chios, where he met the future saint Father Antim. He spent 42 years in the hospital and died on January 4, 1964. He has since been revered as a miracle worker.
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