Nicephoros
Peter Damascene
9 February
Nicephoros
In third century Antioch, Syria, Nicephoros was a layman and Saprikios was a presbyter, and they were friends. However, once after a disagreement, they refused to speak to each other. With humility, Nicephoros later tried to accept the blame, but the Saprikios was unmoved.
Saprikios was later arrested during a persecution and sentenced to die. Nicephoros waited along the path to the execution and begged for Saprikios' forgiveness, but Saprikios' heart was hardened. Finally Nicephoros told the executioner that he would take the Saprikios' place, and Nicephoros was beheaded.
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Almighty and everlasting God, who didst enkindle the flame of thy love in the heart of thy holy martyr Nicephoros: Grant to us, thy humble servants, a like faith and power of love, that we who rejoice in him triumph may profit by his example; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Peter Damascene
This particular Peter, as there were two, was an ascetic. It was said that he collected wisdom, like a bee does honey. He never owned a book, however, and was forced to borrow everything that he read.
As a bishop of Damascus, he spoke out so forcefully that the Arabs cut off his tongue and sent him to exile in Arabia. Through a miracle, he was still able to preach the gospel, and he converted many there.
He did write a book on the spiritual life. He wrote of the general and particular gifts of God, the general being the four elements, as well as His works revealed in the gospel. The particular gifts sent to each man, though they seem dramatically opposed, are all sent for salvation: wealth for mercy, poverty for patience, health for helping, and feebleness for humility. His life ended in martyrdom.
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Almighty God, who didst give thy servant Peter Damascene boldness to confess the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ before the rulers of this world, and courage to die for this faith: Grant that we may always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to suffer gladly for the sake of the same our Lord Jesus Christ; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Glory be to God for ever and ever. Amen.