Saint Nicetas was marked out at as a bright star in the Church’s firmament when at his baptism the Holy Spirit appeared over him in the form of a dove. Being tonsured a monk in his teenage years, he quickly mastered the Church’s royal path of avoiding the extremes suggested by vainglory or over indulgence. Some time later, he was blessed to settle in a cave where he could secretly wage war against the passions. His way of life eventually drew faithful men to him who asked for his guidance in the ascetic life. He provided them with a most excellent example, specifically making use of night vigils and the evangelic virtue of poverty. When visitors came to bring him food, he always ate a small amount erring on the side of love and resuming his fasts later. All of these efforts allowed him to see clearly the snares of the evil one, and he instructed his disciples on how to avoid being deceived by the enemy’s machinations. When such instruction failed, he redeemed the faithful by casting out demons through prayer, fasting, and by anointing the afflicted with oil.