The list of saints revered by the Orthodox Church is quite extensive. Moreover, it is replenished with new names to this day. But some canonized individuals occupy a special place in the Saints, and first among equals is St. Nicholas.
This saint is revered by all Christian denominations, but his admiration is especially pronounced in Orthodoxy. A powerful icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker can be found in any Orthodox church. The faces of the saint are necessarily included in home iconostases, and occupy the most honorable place there in close proximity to the face of Christ, the Mother of God and the image of the Holy Trinity.
Nicholas of Myra was deservedly nicknamed the Wonderworker during his lifetime. It is believed that even after death he continues to walk around the world and work miracles. Many of his icons are also recognized as miraculous and saving from misfortunes and illnesses.
Life path of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
Despite the fact that Saint Nicholas lived more than one and a half thousand years ago, quite a lot of information about his deeds has been preserved. However, as always happens, over time many of them turned into legends, and it is simply impossible to isolate the core of historical truth from them. Therefore, let us take on faith what is written in Orthodox literature, in particular in “The Life of St. Nicholas.”
Saint Nicholas is also revered in Islam. Of course, there are no icons of the Wonderworker in mosques and Muslim homes (images of people are prohibited in Islam), but many turn to him with requests for intercession.
Nicholas, who later became the Wonderworker, was born around 270 AD. in Patara. His parents were childless for a long time, but they sincerely prayed to God and hoped for his mercy. And the Lord gave them a son in their declining years.
From the first days of his life, Nikolai demonstrated piety and readiness to serve God. As the legend says, during baptism he (being a baby!) stood on his legs, and drank his mother’s milk only twice a week, thus maintaining fast.
From a young age, Nikolai strived for service with all his soul. His uncle and namesake, being the bishop of Patara, could not help but notice the zeal of the youth. Young Nicholas first became a reader at the temple, and then was elevated to the rank of clergy and became the bishop of Myra (hence the nickname of Myra).
Baptism of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
The territory of ancient Lycia is now located in Turkey, where the majority of residents profess Islam. Nevertheless, Nicholas is also revered by local residents, and thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to Myra (now Demre), where he lived and preached.
Nicholas led an ascetic and godly life. He gave all the inheritance he received from his wealthy parents to those in need, without beautiful gestures, almost in secret. He preferred simple clothing and food, did not disdain physical labor and constantly helped those in need.
His many years of imprisonment in prison, where he ended up during the time of Emperor Diocletian, a famous hater and persecutor of Christians, did not turn him away from the true faith. Returning from captivity, the pious bishop began to preach even more diligently.
The Saints mention many miracles that Nicholas performed. This is the resurrection of a sailor who crashed on the deck, the pacification of a storm, and so on. In addition, he performed simple human miracles: he helped the poor, acted as a defender of the slandered, and saved innocently convicted people from execution.
Nicholas the Wonderworker is considered the patron saint of sailors.
According to historical sources, Nicholas lived a long life for those times - about 80 years. And he dedicated all of it to serving God and helping others. After his death, his remains, immediately myrrhized, were buried in Lycia, from where they were subsequently taken to Italian Bari. Some of the relics are in Venice.
Nicholas the Wonderworker is identified with the European Santa Claus and our Father Frost. He secretly placed money under the doorstep of a poor widower who was raising three daughters. Thanks to this selfless help, the father was able to collect a dowry for his daughters, they got married safely and avoided the fate of harlots.
When is the day of memory of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker celebrated?
As already mentioned, there are several such days in the Orthodox church tradition. On August 11, believers remember the birth of the saint, and on December 19 (new style, old December 6) - his death. There is also a memorable date for the transfer of the relics of the wonderworker from Myra Lycia to Bari on May 22.
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These three holidays also had popular names - respectively, Nikola Autumn, Nikola Winter and Nikola Veshny (Summer). In addition, Nicholas in Rus' was called the Ugodnik (the same as the Wonderworker).
history of the holiday
Nicholas the Pleasant is a Saint who occupies a special place in the Christian religion. Temples, churches and cathedrals in many cities and countries are named in his honor.
The saint lived back in the 3rd century. He was born in Lycia, which at that time was part of Greece (now part of Turkey). The boy was born into a wealthy, prosperous family, but from childhood he dreamed of following the example of his uncle and becoming a bishop. When he reached the required age, he completed his ordination and became an assistant to the flock.
When Nikolai's parents died, he became a rich heir, but decided to continue his chosen path. He distributed property to the poor and continued to provide assistance to those in need. He provided not only material, but also moral support. Nikolai had a kind and generous character, he always knew how to feel those around him and experience compassion. For his devotion, God gave him a special gift: he had the ability to heal seriously ill people and lend a helping hand. Some sources say that he had the gift of reviving the dead, which is why he received the title of Wonderworker.
After his death, the body of the Wonderworker was enclosed in a stone shrine, and his relics did not smolder for a long time. An unusual fragrance emanated from them, which had healing properties. In the 11th century, attacks by Turkish troops on Lycia intensified, so the relics of Nicholas were in danger. The Ottomans destroyed everything related to the Christian religion.
Roman merchants stole the relics of St. Nicholas the Pleasant to transport them to their homeland. They beat the guards of the temple where the remains of the Wonderworker lay and got inside. The raka was too heavy, so they were unable to carry it. They decided to carry away the relics in a cloak. Upon return, the relics were transported to the city of Bari (Italy). There they lie to this day.
In folk tradition
The popular name for the holiday on May 22 is Nikola Letniy. This holiday is celebrated by Orthodox Slavs in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and is especially noticeable among Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians. Summer Nicholas Day was considered a great holiday among our ancestors, since Nicholas the Wonderworker was revered as the intercessor and patron of the common people.
Saint Nicholas is considered an intercessor and comforter of ordinary people, an assistant in business. Nicholas the Pleasant is the patron of travelers and seafarers - while making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Saint Nicholas, thanks to his heartfelt prayer, calmed the raging sea. Other people also receive help from him, to whom he gives hope and helps in troubles. The saint never divided people into Christians and pagans, he always helped everyone who turned to him for help, a pagan, confessed everyone, and helped them take the true path.
The meaning of the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Orthodoxy
The significance of the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Orthodoxy is difficult to overestimate. The number of churches and icons dedicated to the Wonderworker is second only to the Mother of God. The name Nikolai was once the most popular in Russia. This was also the name given to many boys from imperial families who later became autocrats.
The face of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is found in every Orthodox church, and the number of churches consecrated in his honor exceeds 5 thousand. Several years ago, part of the relics of Nicholas were temporarily brought from Bari to Russia. In just over a month, over 2.5 million Russians came to bow to them.
Silver icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
What do they ask St. Nicholas the Wonderworker for?
Saint Nicholas is one of the most revered Orthodox saints. Thousands of people turn to him every day and many of them leave testimonies of how Nicholas the Wonderworker helped in solving their most difficult and difficult problems.
They pray to Nicholas the Wonderworker:
- travelers by land and sea about a safe journey and salvation on the road;
- girls turn to the saint for protection in starting a family;
prisoners and unjustly convicted people ask for justice and speedy release; non-believers and weak believers about strengthening their faith. Is it possible to pray to Saint Nicholas and count on his help if your request is for something else? Certainly! With deep faith, remembering the power of the prayer of St. Nicholas, you can ask him for any help, ask any question and your voice will be heard.
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How does the icon of St. Nicholas help?
The icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker helps everyone who prays for protection and patronage. It is believed that most of all the saint patronizes travelers, warriors, merchants, bankers, students and, of course, children. The icon protects those innocently slandered and condemned from unfair trials, and helps those who have stumbled to take the right path.
Nikolai Ugodnik helps those who have quarreled to reconcile, the sick to recover from illnesses and addictions, the lonely to find family happiness, give birth and raise healthy children. In general, if you come to church and don’t know which saint to ask for protection, go to Nicholas - you can’t go wrong.
How to behave correctly and what to do on the holiday of St. Nicholas of Summer?
In order for happiness to smile throughout the year, May 22 must be spent in prayer and caring for family, home, and livestock. It is desirable that all household members, young and old, be busy with useful things.
In the morning and evening, it is advisable to pray to Nicholas the Vereshny and the Lord. You can ask God and the Saint for everything you need. If your prayers are sincere and you truly deserve what you ask for, you will definitely be rewarded.
On this day you need to start sowing some crops. As a rule, buckwheat and potatoes were planted. It was believed that after St. Nicholas Day there was no point in planting them. Firstly, there will be no decent harvest, and secondly, the crops will not have time to harvest.
In the morning, after going to church and praying, it is advisable to go to the bathhouse, take a good bath and change into clean or even new underwear. Outerwear should also be washed and ironed. While bathing, you can read a prayer.
From the very morning, housewives began general cleaning of the house, garden area, and non-residential outbuildings where livestock were kept. The animals were intensively fed with various delicacies. Artiodactyls and ruminants were grazed, and other pets were walked.
Unmarried girls and unmarried boys changed into beautiful outfits after the bath. The guys wore shirts embroidered with gold, wide light-colored linen trousers, and tied with satin belts. The girls dressed up in long sundresses, and tied multi-colored scarves on their heads or wore wreaths with ribbons.
After work in the field and entertainment, all family members had to gather at the table to enjoy a festive dinner. There are no special recommendations regarding the dishes placed on the table. We ate everything that God sent. Usually it was unpretentious food: milk, pancakes, chicken eggs, cheese, porridge, boiled potatoes, lard and all kinds of dishes prepared from the listed products.
When is the feast of the icon of St. Nicholas
There are two well-known holidays of the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker: summer (spring) and winter. The Day of the Spring Nicholas Icon is celebrated on May 22 according to the new style. It is dedicated to the transfer of the relics of the saint to Bari.
The Day of the Icon of St. Nicholas the Winter is celebrated on December 19, on the eve of the New Year and Christmas. This holiday is dedicated to the blessed dormition of the saint.
Recently, another holiday dedicated to St. Nicholas has been revived in Russia. This is his Christmas, which falls on August 11th according to the modern calendar.
What not to do on St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
Before St. Nicholas Day, they try to pay off all debts - otherwise there will be no financial success for the whole year.
Also, on May 22nd it is not customary to celebrate St. Nicholas the Wonderworker:
- take piercing and cutting objects in your hands (knife, scissors, etc.) - an exception is made for kitchen utensils and garden tools;
- cutting your hair - see previous prohibition;
- refuse to help anyone, no matter who it is - otherwise the whole family will endure poverty and troubles for 7 years.
There is a nuance here: they especially try not to deny anything to Nikola’s children, because the saint is their patron. It’s clear that you need to know the limits here. However, on this day, for example, they were allowed to stay up late, celebrating with everyone (especially since debauchery, revelry and drunkenness are prohibited on this day, as on any church holiday - so children can also attend such a holiday ).
Miracles associated with the icon of St. Nicholas the Pleasant
People believe that Nicholas still walks the earth and works miracles. Each miracle of the icon is evidence of the patronage of the saint, who to this day cares for those living on earth.
There are many publications on the Internet dedicated to the modern miracles of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. It helps to avoid accidents, find a job, recover from illnesses, arrange your personal life, achieve a fair trial - to list all the miracles of the Pleasant, more than one similar article is needed.
How to pray in front of an icon, where to place it?
The image of St. Nicholas the Pleasant in full height and in bright colors is best hung on the eastern wall of the house. It should not be adjacent to household appliances, secular paintings and books.
For a home iconostasis, it is better to choose a half-length image of the Wonderworker and place it to the left of the image of the Savior.
Silver pendant "St. Nicholas"
Texts of prayers
You need to pray with concentration and sincerity. Joint prayers are welcome, but those turning to the image should not interfere with each other and distract each other with conversations from addressing the saint.
Prayer for Intercession
Oh, all-validated and all-honorable bishop, great miracle worker, saint of Christ, Father Nicholas, man of God and faithful servant, man of desires, chosen vessel, strong pillar of the church, bright lamp, star shining and illuminating the whole universe: you are a righteous man, like a blossoming phoenix , planted in the courts of your Lord, living in Mireh, you were fragrant with the world and the ever-flowing myrrh exuded the grace of God. By your procession, holy father, the sea was sanctified, when your many-wonderful relics marched to the city of Barsky, from east to west to praise the name of the Lord. Oh, wonderful and wondrous miracle worker, quick helper, warm intercessor, kind shepherd, saving the verbal flock from all troubles! We glorify and magnify you, as the hope of all Christians, the source of miracles, the protector of the faithful, the wise teacher, the hungry feeder, the weeping joy, the naked, the sick doctor, the sea-floating steward, the liberator of captives, the widows and orphans, the nourisher and protector, the guardian of chastity, infants a meek chastiser, the old strengthened, fasting a mentor, the toilers restful, the poor and wretched abundantly rich. Hear us praying to you and running under your roof, show your intercession for us to the Most High and intercede with your God-pleasing prayers everything useful for the salvation of our souls and bodies: preserve this holy monastery (or this temple), every city and the whole, and every country Christian, and people living from all bitterness with your help, we know, we know how much the prayer of the righteous can do, hastening for good: for you, the righteous, according to the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, intercessor to the All-Merciful God of the Imams, and to yours, most kind father, warm intercession and we humbly flow to intercession. You protect us, like a cheerful and warm shepherd, from all enemies, destruction, cowardice, hail, famine, flood, fire, sword, invasion of foreigners, and in all our troubles and sorrows, give us a helping hand, and open the doors of God’s mercy: tenderly We are unworthy to behold the heights of heaven, from the multitude of our iniquities, bound by sinful bonds, and neither the will of our Creator nor the will of our creator, nor the preservation of His commandments. At the same time, we bow our contrite and humble hearts to our Creator, and we ask for your fatherly intercession to Him: help us, servant of God, so that we do not perish with our iniquities, deliver us from all evil and from all things that are resistant, guide our minds and strengthen our hearts ours in the right faith, in which through your intercession and intercession, we will not be belittled by wounds, nor rebuke, nor by pestilence, nor by any wrath from our Creator, but let us live a peaceful life here and may we be worthy to see good on the land of the living, glorifying the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, One in the Trinity, glorified and worshiped God, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer for help on the road
O Saint Nicholas of Christ! Hear us, sinful servants of God (names), praying to you, and pray for us, unworthy, our Creator and Master, make our God merciful to us in this life and in the future, so that he does not reward us according to our deeds, but according to his own He will reward us with goodness. Deliver us, saints of Christ, from the evils that come upon us, and tame the waves, passions and troubles that rise against us, so that for the sake of your holy prayers the attack will not overwhelm us and we will not wallow in the abyss of sin and in the mud of our passions. Pray to Saint Nicholas, Christ our God, that he may grant us a peaceful life and remission of sins, and salvation and great mercy for our souls, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.
Prayer for Healing
O all-holy Nicholas, exceedingly saintly saint of the Lord, our warm intercessor, and everywhere in sorrow a quick helper, help me, sinful and sad, in this life, beg the Lord God to grant me the remission of all my sins, which I have sinned greatly from my youth, throughout my life. in my deed, word, thought and all my feelings; and at the end of my soul, help me the accursed, beg the Lord God of all creation, the Creator, to deliver me from airy ordeals and eternal torment, so that I always glorify the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and your merciful intercession, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.
The words of canonical prayers have passed through millennia and acquired great power. But it is unlikely that Saint Nicholas the Pleasant will refuse to help a person who sincerely prays in front of his icon with simple words coming from the heart!
26.08.21
