Nikephoros 12 was a deacon and priest; in 787 he represented the see of Gargara (Asia) at the Second Council of Nikaia (the Seventh Ecumenical Council) and was probably present at all eight sessions, from 24 September to 23 November 787: Mansi XII 995-XIII 486. In the list of those present at the first session he is styled Νικηφόρου διακόνου καὶ τοποτηρητοῦ Γαργάρων: Mansi XII 995. In the list of those present at the seventh session he is styled Νικηφόρου πρεσβυτέρου καὶ ἐκ προσώπου Γαργάρων: Mansi XIII 368. Elsewhere he is styled Νικηφόρος διάκονος καὶ τοποτηρητὴς Γαργάρων, Mansi XII 1099; πρεσβύτερος καὶ ἐκ προσώπου Γαργάρων, XIII 141; and τοποτηρητὴς Γαργάρων, XIII 388. At the second session he supported the traditional veneration of icons as described in statements from pope Hadrian I (Hadrianos 1) and condemned iconoclasts: Mansi XII 1099. At the fourth session he subscribed the statements read out from the Fathers in support of the veneration of icons: Mansi XIII 141. At the seventh session he subscribed the statement of the faith adopted by the Council: Mansi XIII 388.

(Publishable link for this person: )