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February 21, 2026
WHEN HIS FRIEND DENIED CHRIST, HE PUT HIS OWN HEAD ON THE BLOCK: Tomorrow We Commemorate Saint Martyr Nikifor
These saints were not brothers by blood, but they were brothers in spirit.

TL;DR
- The Serbian Orthodox Church celebrates Saint Martyr Nikifor on February 22nd.
- Nikifor and Saprikije, initially close friends, developed a strong mutual hatred.
- During a Christian persecution, Saprikije was condemned to death.
- Saprikije renounced Christ and declared he would worship idols.
- Nikifor pleaded with Saprikije not to deny Christ.
- When Saprikije remained steadfast in his denial, Nikifor declared himself a Christian and offered to take Saprikije's place.
- Nikifor was beheaded in 260 AD during the reign of Emperor Gallienus.
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