Monastic Beginnings and Consecration
Niphon entered the Kiev Caves Monastery, where, according to the synaxarion, he struggled in asceticism through fasting, vigil, and prayer. He was chosen as Bishop of Novgorod to succeed Bishop John, who had retired to a monastery after twenty-five years of episcopal service.
He was consecrated bishop in Kiev by Metropolitan Michael and other hierarchs; Russian historical sources place the consecration in 1130. As bishop he sought to strengthen his flock in the Orthodox faith and to keep them from becoming separated from the Church.
Pastor and Peacemaker in Novgorod
Niphon was active in the building and maintenance of Novgorod's churches. He raised a new stone church in the center of the city, dedicating it to the Most Holy Theotokos, and repaired the roof of the church of Holy Wisdom (Hagia Sophia), adorning its interior with icons.
When war broke out between Novgorod and Kiev, Niphon acted as a peacemaker. By meeting with the leaders of both sides, he was able to pacify them and avert the conflict.
The Dispute over Metropolitan Clement
After the death of Metropolitan Michael, Grand Prince Izyaslav II Mstislavich of Kiev sought to have Clement (Smolyatich) installed as Metropolitan of Kiev without the approval of the Patriarch of Constantinople. Niphon, together with Manuel, Bishop of Smolensk, objected, holding that the metropolitans of Rus' could be consecrated only with the sanction of the Patriarch of Constantinople, from whom the Russian Church had received the Orthodox faith.
Clement's consecration proceeded despite the objection. Niphon refused thereafter to serve with Clement or to commemorate him during the services, and Clement in turn had him held under house arrest at the Kiev Caves Monastery. According to the tradition, the Patriarch of Constantinople praised Niphon by letter for his defense of the Church's order; Niphon returned to Novgorod after the defeat of Izyaslav.
Repose
Niphon again took up residence at the Kiev Caves Monastery, where he fell ill. Thirteen days before his death, the synaxarion relates, he told the brethren of a dream in which Saint Theodosius of the Caves appeared to him and announced his imminent departure from this life.
Niphon reposed in peace at the Kiev Caves Monastery on April 8, 1156. His relics are venerated among the fathers of the Kiev Near Caves.
