Nicanor the Deacon

1. The Seventy Apostles:
   • Saint Nicanor is traditionally listed as one of the Seventy Apostles chosen by the Apostle Paul and the other Apostles to help spread the Christian faith in the early days of the Church. This group of Seventy were not among the Twelve Apostles but were still chosen to serve in important roles within the Christian community.
   • The Seventy Apostles are mentioned in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 10:1-24), though Nicanor’s name appears specifically in Acts 6:5, where he is named as one of the first seven deacons.
2. Role as a Deacon:
   • Saint Nicanor was selected as one of the first seven deacons of the Church in Jerusalem, appointed to assist the Apostles in their ministry. These seven deacons were chosen to take care of the distribution of food and resources, particularly to the widows and the poor, in order to allow the Apostles to focus on prayer and the preaching of the Gospel (Acts 6:1-6).
   • The first seven deacons are often considered the foundation of the Christian diaconate, an essential ministry within the Church.
3. Martyrdom:
   • According to tradition, Saint Nicanor later became a martyr for his faith, though the specifics of his death are unclear in historical texts.
   • He is honored for his service to the early Christian community and his unwavering commitment to Christ, even unto death.
4. Feast Day:
   • Saint Nicanor’s feast day is celebrated on July 28 in the Eastern Orthodox Church and in the Roman Catholic Church (in some liturgical calendars). On this day, his service and martyrdom are remembered, particularly his role in the early Church and his dedication to Christ.
5. Legacy:
   • Though not much is known about the details of his life, Saint Nicanor is honored for his faith and his service as one of the early Christian deacons. He is considered a model of selfless service, and his name is included among those early leaders who helped shape the Church in its formative years.

In summary, Saint Nicanor is remembered as one of the Seventy Apostles and as a deacon in the early Christian Church. His legacy is that of faithful service to the Christian community, and his martyrdom signifies his deep commitment to the faith. His feast day on July 28th serves as an opportunity to remember the sacrifices made by the early deacons and martyrs in the history of Christianity.