Nifont of Novgorod Our father among the saints Nifont of
Novgorod, also Niphon of Novgorod, was the Archbishop of
Novgorod in the first half of the twelfth century during a time
of political crisis in Novgorod. He conducted a strong program
of evangelism among the pagan tribes of the northwestern
territories around Novgorod and Pskov. He encouraged the
establishment of monasteries with experienced missionary minded
monks. He directed the construction of cathedrals in both
Novgorod and Pskov. He is commemorated on April 8. Nifont was
born in Greece and came north to the Monastery of the Kiev Caves
where he was monk. After Bishop John of Novgorod retired, Nifont
was chosen Bishop of Novgorod. He was consecrated bishop in Kiev
by Metropolitan Michael in 1130. As much of the area around
Novgorod was largely pagan, Nifont chose to concentrate his
missionary efforts, first, around Pskov, and then the area of
Ladoga, where he laid the cornerstone of the Church of St.
Clement in 1153. After Bp. Nifont’s arrival in No