Gregory Heers returns to Aether Hour for an in depth discussion of the life, reign, & Sainthood of St. Nikephoros Phokas, Emperor of the Romans from 963-969 AD. We discuss his origins, the state of the Roman Empire in the 10th century, his reconquests of Crete, Cyprus, & much of Anatolia/Syria. We also discuss his relationship with St. Athanasios, the founder of Mt. Athos, and how St. Nikephoros helped him establish the Great Lavra, his plans to retire there as a monk, & how he is still venerated there to this day. Finally we discuss his brutal murder by usurpers, his betrayal by his wife, his similarities to other Roman/Russian emperors, & why he is an important Saintly figure for Orthodox Christians to venerate today!👇🏻
🔮👑 Don’t miss our previous episodes with Gregory Heers about the life & prophecies of St. John III Doukas Vatatzes, Emperor of Nicaea, HERE:
