Baring-Gould’s sources: The Roman and Greek Churches commemorate this Saint on the same day. Authorities:—The ancient Acts by an anonymous author, and another life, by John, B. of Sardis.

There dwelt in Antioch, a priest called Sapricius, and a layman, named Nicephorus, who had been linked together for many years by the strictest friendship. But the enemy of mankind, sowing between them the seeds of discord, their friendship was succeeded by the most implacable hatred, and they no longer accosted each other when they met in the streets. Thus it continued for a considerable time. At length, Nicephorus, entering into himself, and reflecting on the grievousness of the sin of hatred, resolved on seeking a reconciliation. He accordingly deputed some friends to go to Sapricius to beg his pardon, promising him all reasonable satisfaction for the injury done him. But the priest refused his forgiveness. Nicephorus sent other friends to him on the same errand, but though they pressed and entreated him to be reconciled, Sapricius remained inflexible. Nicephorus sent a third time, but to no purpose; Sapricius having shut his ears not to men only, but to Christ Himself, who commands us to forgive, as we ourselves hope to be forgiven. Nicephorus, finding him deaf to the remonstrances of their common friends, went in person to his house, and casting himself at his feet, owned his fault, and begged pardon for Christ's sake; but this also was in vain.

Persecution suddenly began to rage under Valerian [Roman emperor 253–260, who persecuted bishops and clergy] and Gallienus, about a.d. 258. Sapricius was apprehended and brought before the governor, who asked him his name. "It is Sapricius," answered he. The governor: "Of what profession are you?" Sapricius: "I am a Christian." The Governor: "Are you of the clergy?" Sapricius: "I have the honour to be a priest. We Christians acknowledge one Lord and Master Jesus Christ, who is God; the only and true God, who created heaven and earth. As for the gods of the heathen they are but devils." The president, exasperated at his answers, gave orders for him to be put into an engine, like a screw press. The excessive pain of this torture did not shake Sapricius's constancy, and he said to the judges, "My body is in your power, but my soul you cannot touch; only my Saviour Jesus Christ is master of that." The governor seeing him so resolute, pronounced this sentence: "Sapricius, priest of the Christians, who is ridiculously persuaded that he shall rise again, shall be delivered over to the executioner of public justice to have his head severed from his body, because he has disregarded the edict of the emperors."

Sapricius seemed to receive the sentence with great cheerfulness, and was in haste to arrive at the place of execution, in hopes of his crown. On his way to martyrdom, Nicephorus ran out to meet him, and, casting himself at his feet, said, "Martyr of Jesus Christ, forgive me my offence." But Sapricius made him no answer. Nicephorus waited for him in another street, through which he was to pass, and, as soon as he saw him coming up, broke through the crowd, and falling again at his feet, conjured him to pardon the fault he had committed against him, through frailty, rather than design. This he begged by the glorious confession he had made of the divinity of Jesus Christ. Sapricius's heart was more and more hardened, and now he would not so much as look on him. The soldiers laughed at Nicephorus, saying, "A greater fool than thee was never seen, in being so solicitous for a man's pardon who is upon the point of execution." On their arrival at the place of execution, Nicephorus redoubled his humble entreaties and supplications, but all in vain; for Sapricius continued as obstinate as ever, in refusing to forgive. The executioners said to Sapricius, "Kneel down that we may cut off your head." And now, for the first time, there was a sign of wavering in the Confessor. He grew pale and trembled, and asked, "Upon what account?" They answered, "Because you will not sacrifice to the gods, or obey the Emperor's orders, for the love of that man that is called Christ." The unfortunate Sapricius cried out, "Stop, my friends; do not put me to death: I will do what you desire: I am ready to sacrifice." Nicephorus, dismayed at his apostasy, cried aloud to him, "Brother, what are you doing? renounce not Jesus Christ, our good Master. Forfeit not a crown you have already gained by tortures and sufferings." But the holy Spirit of Fortitude had been withdrawn from him, who would not show forgiveness to his brother, and he tremblingly renounced his Lord and Master. Then Nicephorus, with tears of bitter anguish for the fall of Sapricius said to the executioners, "I am a Christian, and believe in Jesus Christ, whom this wretch has renounced; behold me here ready to die in his stead." All present were astonished at such an unexpected declaration. The officers of justice, uncertain how to proceed, despatched a messenger to the governor for further orders. The governor, on hearing the account of the confession of Nicephorus, dictated the following sentence: "If this man persist in refusing to sacrifice to the immortal gods, let him die by the sword:" which was accordingly put in execution. Thus Nicephorus received the three immortal crowns of faith, humility, and charity, triumphs of which Sapricius had made himself unworthy.