Saint Niphon of Athos lived in the fourteenth centyry, and was the son of a priest. From childhood he was raised under the principles of strict Christian morality. Upon taking monastic tonsure he soon was ordained to the holy priesthood. But the thirst for perfect stillness and solitary labors led the monk to the Holy Mountain. There he struggled for many years with the renowned Athonite Elder St Maximus Kavsokalyvites ("the Hut-burner," January 13). St Niphon died at age 96, glorified by gifts of wonderworking and clairvoyance. 
