Venerable Nikita of the Caves

Life

As a monk, not having obeyed the abbot, he withdrew from the monastery and shut himself in a cell. For disobedience God permitted upon him a great temptation. Once when Nikita was at prayer, the devil appeared to him in the form of a bright angel and said to him: no longer pray, but read books, and I will pray for you! Nikita obeyed, ceased to pray and began to read books. He read only the Old Testament, but the New Testament he could in no way even open, for the demonic power did not allow him this. With the help of the devil he also prophesied, and only evil things—crimes, kidnappings, arsons and other evil deeds, which are known to the devil since he himself participates in them. Finally the holy fathers of the Caves perceived that Nikita had fallen into demonic delusion, and they began to pray to God for him. Nikita returned to himself, perceived the abyss in which he had been, repented bitterly for his disobedience and pride, and set himself on the right path. After long repentance and many tears, God forgave him and bestowed upon him the gift of wonderworking. He reposed in the year 1108.