Alphery, Nicephorus (or Nikipher)

a Russian, allied by birth to the imperial family. In consequence of political troubles, he went to England, studied theology, and, in 1618, became curate of Warlen, Huntingdonshire. It is said that he was repeatedly called from his retirement to return to Russia, even with offers of the imperial throne; but he preferred his quiet duties in England. In 1643 he was deprived of his living, but it was restored to him after the Restoration, and he lived, greatly respected, to a great age. — Biographia Britannica, s.v.; Walker, Sufferings of the Clergy in the Great Rebellion, pt. 2.