Orthodox Church commemorates Saint Niketas and Saint Vissarion

September 15 marks the feast day of several significant figures in the Orthodox tradition, most notably Saint Niketas the Goth and Saint Vissarion, Archbishop of Larissa.

Saint Niketas the Goth was a martyr of Goth origin who lived during the era of Constantine the Great. Having been taught the Christian faith from childhood by Bishop Theophilus, Niketas refused to renounce his beliefs when confronted by the ruler Athanaric. Following his confession of faith, he was subjected to brutal physical torture and ultimately executed by fire.

Saint Vissarion, the Archbishop of Larissa, was born in Porta Panagia, Trikala, around 1490, shortly after the fall of Constantinople. He was raised in a devout environment during a period of significant historical difficulty.