Neophytos was born in Nicaea of Bithynia to Christian parents who were named Theodore and Florentia. During the Diocletianic Persecution he went to Nicaea and boldly denounced the pagan faith. He was killed by Roman soldiers in A.D. 303, 10 years before the Edict of Milan permanently established religious toleration for Christianity within the Roman Empire. His feast day is commemorated on January 21.