Our father among the [[saint]]s '''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 [[monk]]s. He directed the construction of [[cathedral]]s in both Novgorod and Pskov. He is commemorated on [[April 8]].