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.