Troparion to Nicholas the Wonderworker

Nicholas the Wonderworker - beloved saint

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker has always been loved and revered in Russian Orthodoxy. In no other country have so many “St. Nicholas” churches and monasteries been erected as on the canonical territory of the Russian Orthodox Church. In almost every Orthodox family, along with the icons of the Savior and the Mother of God, there is an image of St. Nicholas the Pleasant. Prayers and troparion to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker are often heard both in home prayer and in church.

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker (mosaic on the facade of an Orthodox church)

Troparion for the transfer of the Velikoretsk Icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker from Vyatka to Moscow

Troparion, tone 3

Like precious wealth, the venerable icon of your image, Saint Nicholas, came to us from the Great River Vyatka to this reigning city of Moscow, and performed many miracles at your coming, healed the sick and surprised all people. For this reason, by the command of the autocrat tsar, this honorable icon of yours was written off for the enlightenment and prayer of all the people of the royal city, even today we see and worship it, praying to you, the secret place of Christ: pray, holy one, for all of us, to grant us peace and great mercy.

The life and ministry of St. Nicholas

Saint Nicholas was born around the year 270 in the territory of modern Turkey in the city of Patara. His parents were believing Christians and raised their son in the spirit of true faith. From early childhood, Saint Nicholas strove to know God and diligently studied the Holy Scriptures. After the death of his parents, he distributed all his inheritance to those in need and devoted his life to serving God and people. Over time, he became a bishop in the city of Mira (near modern Antalya).

According to legend, Nicholas showed care and love for the people around him and already performed numerous miracles during his lifetime. Through his prayer, the Lord raised people from the dead, healed the seriously ill, and saved them from hopeless situations. Therefore, the saint could be called a Wonderworker long before canonization (official recognition as a saint).

Nicholas the Wonderworker, despite the prolonged persecution of Christians (303-311), did not retreat from the true faith. He made his invaluable contribution to the fight against paganism and the heresy of Arius. Arius denied the coexistence of God the Father and God the Son. In 325, Nicholas participated in the Ecumenical Council. Here he defended the doctrinal dogma of the consubstantiality of God the Father and God the Son (Jesus Christ).

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker ended his earthly life in 345.

Transfer of the relics of St. Nicholas

On this day, the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates the transfer of the relics of the saint to the city of Bari. This event occurred for the following reason. As is known from his life, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, having lived a holy and righteous life, replete with his good deeds of mercy and miracles, reposed in the Lord on December 6/19 (presumably) 340. His holy and myrrh-streaming relics were for a long time in the Asia Minor city of Myra in Lycia, where during his lifetime he served his blessed hierarchical ministry.

But in the 11th century A.D. The Byzantine province of Asia Minor was attacked by the Turks. Which occupied one city after another, devastating them and partially exterminating them, partially taking the local inhabitants into captivity. In particular, the same happened with the Lycian Worlds. This was allowed by God for the sins of people. Therefore, the saint, according to this action of Divine Providence, also did not prevent the conquest of his native city. But the Lord was not pleased that the relics of such a great lamp of the Church should remain in oblivion in a desolate city.

In the Italian city of Bari there lived at that time a pious presbyter. It should be noted here that, although this city was in Italy, and it was then (1087) owned by the Normans, shortly before this (before 1071) it was under the rule of the Byzantine emperor. Therefore, at this time, many churches and monasteries of this city were still under the jurisdiction of the Patriarch of Constantinople. So this pious presbyter was obviously not a Catholic, but an Orthodox.

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

And the saint himself appeared to this priest in a dream and said:

“Go and tell the citizens and the entire church council to go to the city of Myra, take me from there and put me here, for I cannot stay there in a desolate place. This is the will of the Lord."

Joyfully obeying such a gracious command of the Lord and St. Nicholas the Pleasant, pious men from the city of Bari went, as if on trade business, but in fact for the sake of the relics of the saint to the city of Myra in Lycia. Here, ahead of the Venetians, they reverently transferred the holy relics and myrrh from them to their ship, and on May 9/22, 1087, Sunday, they arrived in Bari. Where they were solemnly welcomed by the residents.

Moreover, the very next day, Monday, Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker healed 47 sick people; on Tuesday – 22; on Wednesday - 29. Moreover, the flow of healings, myrrh streaming and other miracles from the holy relics did not stop and does not stop to this day. What the saint himself, having then appeared to a certain monk worthy of this, said:

“So, by the will of God, I came to you in this country on Sunday at the ninth hour, and behold, 111 people were healed by me.”

What is a troparion

A troparion is a short prayer chant that gives an idea of a holiday or saint, the characteristics of his spiritual achievement. The troparion ends with the glorification of the saint and a call to help and pray before the Heavenly King for the souls of believers.

The Troparion was first introduced into the Liturgy around the 4th century as a short refrain at certain points in the service. Later, the troparion began to be part of the canons and akathists. The Troparion is sung at church services: at the end of Vespers, Compline, Matins, Hours and Liturgy.

Troparion to Nicholas the Wonderworker is the main prayer to the saint. It briefly and succinctly tells about the actions and qualities of St. Nicholas, which became obvious manifestations of his holiness. Also, the troparion to St. Nicholas the Pleasant includes a call to prayerfully remember us before God for the salvation of the soul.

At the very beginning of the troparion the merits of the saint are listed, and at the end there is a request for intercession.

Troparion to Nicholas the Wonderworker

The rule of faith and the image of meekness and abstinence as a teacher show you to your flock as the truth of things: for this reason you have acquired high humility, rich in poverty. Father Hierarch Nicholas, pray to Christ God to save our souls.

Translation: The immutable Truth was revealed to your flock by the rule of faith and the image of meekness and self-control. Therefore, through humility you have acquired high things, and through poverty you have acquired riches. Father, Saint Nicholas, pray to Christ God for the salvation of our souls.

Troparion to Nicholas the Wonderworker on the day of the arrival of the relics of the saint in the city of Bari:

The day of the bright triumph has arrived, the city of Barsky rejoices, and with it the entire universe rejoices with songs and spiritual stumps: today is the sacred celebration of the presentation of the honest and multi-healing relics of the saint and wonderworker Nicholas, like the unsetting sun, rising with radiant rays, dispelling the darkness of temptations and troubles from those crying out truly: save us, as our intercessor, the great Nicholas.

Translation: The day of bright celebration has come, the city of Bari rejoices, and with it the whole world sings with hymns and spiritual songs: for today is the sacred celebration of the transfer of the revered and multi-healing relics of St. Nicholas, which, like the never-setting sun, shone with radiant rays, driving away the darkness of temptations and troubles from to all who cry with faith: Save us, as one who intercedes (before God) for us, great Nicholas!

Archbishop of Myra

First prayer, for help in poverty and need

O our good shepherd and God-wise mentor, Saint Nicholas of Christ! Hear us sinners, praying to you and calling on your quick intercession for help: see us weak, caught everywhere, deprived of every good and darkened in mind from cowardice: strive, servant of God, do not leave us in sinful captivity to be, so that we may not joyfully be our enemy and we will not die in our evil deeds: pray for us, unworthy of our Creator and Master, to whom you stand with your disembodied faces: make our God merciful to us in this life and in the future, so that he does not reward us according to our deeds and the impurity of our hearts , but in His goodness He will reward us: we trust in your intercession, we boast of your intercession, we call upon your intercession for help, and falling to your most holy image, we ask for help: deliver us, servant of Christ, from the evils that come upon us, and tame the waves of passions and the troubles that rise upon 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 mire of our passions: pray to St. Nicholas of Christ, Christ our God, may He grant us a peaceful life and remission of sins, and salvation for our souls and great mercy, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

Second prayer, for help in poverty and need

Oh, all-holy Nicholas, exceedingly saintly servant of the Lord, our warm intercessor and quick helper everywhere in sorrow! Help me, a sinner and sad person in this life, beg the Lord God to grant me forgiveness of all my sins, which I have sinned greatly from my youth throughout my life, in deed, word, thought and all my feelings; and at the end of my soul, help me, the accursed one; beg the Lord God, Creator of all creation, to deliver me from airy ordeals and eternal torment; May I always glorify the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and your merciful intercession, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer three

Oh, all-good Father Nicholas, shepherd and teacher of all who flow by faith to your intercession, and who call on you with warm prayer, quickly strive and deliver the flock of Christ from the wolves that destroy it, that is, from the invasion of the evil Latins who are rising against us. Protect and preserve our country, and every country existing in Orthodoxy, with your holy prayers from worldly rebellion, the sword, the invasion of foreigners, from internecine and bloody warfare. And just as you had mercy on three men imprisoned, and you delivered them from the king’s wrath and the beating of the sword, so have mercy and delivered the Orthodox people of Great, Little and White Rus' from the destructive heresy of the Latin. For through your intercession and help, and through His mercy and grace, may Christ God look with His merciful eye on people who exist in ignorance, even though they have not known their right hand, especially young people, by whom the Latin seductions are spoken to turn away from the Orthodox faith, may he enlighten the minds of His people, may they not be tempted and fall away from the faith of their fathers, may their conscience, lulled by vain wisdom and ignorance, awaken and turn their will to the preservation of the holy Orthodox faith, may they remember the faith and humility of our fathers, may their life be for the Orthodox faith who have laid down and accepted the warm prayers of His holy saints, who have shone in our land, keeping us from the delusion and heresy of the Latin, so that, having preserved us in holy Orthodoxy, He will grant us at His terrible Judgment to stand on the right hand with all the saints. Amen.

Prayer four

O all-praised, great wonderworker, saint of Christ, Father Nicholas! We pray to you, awaken the hope of all Christians, protector of the faithful, feeder of the hungry, joy of the weeping, doctor of the sick, steward of those floating on the sea, feeder of the poor and orphans, and quick helper and patron of all, may we live a peaceful life here and may we be worthy to see the glory of God’s elect in heaven , and with them unceasingly sing the praises of the one worshiped God in the Trinity forever and ever. Amen.

Fifth prayer

O all-praised and all-pious bishop, great Wonderworker, Saint of Christ, Father Nicholas, man of God and faithful servant, man of desires, chosen vessel, strong pillar of the church, bright lamp, shining star and illuminating the whole universe: you are a righteous man, like a blossoming date planted in the courts of your Lord, living in Myra, you were fragrant with the world, and the myrrh flowed with the ever-flowing grace of God. By your procession, holy father, the sea was illuminated, when your many-wonderful relics marched into the city of Barsky, from east to west praise the name of the Lord. O most graceful and wondrous Wonderworker, 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, those who hunger for a feeder, those who cry are glad, the naked are clothed , the sick physician, the sea-floating steward, the liberator of captives, the nourisher and protector of widows and orphans, the guardian of chastity, the meek chastiser of infants, the old fortification, the fasting mentor, the toiling rapture, the poor and wretched abundant wealth. 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 all, and every Christian country, and people living from all bitterness with your help:

We know, we know, how the prayer of the righteous can do much to hasten for good: for you, the righteous, according to the most blessed Virgin Mary, imams, intercessor to the All-Merciful God, and to yours, most kind father, warm intercession and intercession we humbly flow: you keep us as you are vigorous and kind 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, since we are unworthy to see the heights of heaven, from many of our iniquities are bound by the bonds of sin, and we have not done the will of our Creator nor have we preserved his commandments. In the same way, we bow our contrite and humble hearts to our Creator, and we ask for your fatherly intercession to Him:

Help us, O Pleasant 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 in the right faith, in it through your intercession and intercession, neither with wounds, nor rebuke, nor pestilence, he will give me no wrath to live in this age, and he will deliver me from this place, and he will make me worthy to join all the saints. Amen.

Prayer six

O great intercessor, the bishop of God, the Most Blessed Nicholas, who shone miracles under the sun, appearing as a quick hearer to those who call upon you, who always precede them and save them, and deliver them, and take them away from all sorts of troubles, from these God-given miracles and gifts of grace! Hear me, unworthy, calling you with faith and bringing you prayer songs; I offer you an intercessor to plead with Christ. Oh, renowned for miracles, saint of heights! as if you have the boldness, soon stand before the Lady, and reverently stretch out your hands in prayer to Him for me, a sinner, and grant me the bounty of goodness from Him, and accept me into your intercession, and deliver me from all troubles and evils, from the invasion of enemies visible and invisible freeing, and destroying all those slander and malice, and reflecting those who fight me throughout my life; for my sins, ask for forgiveness, and present me saved to Christ and be worthy to receive the Kingdom of Heaven for the abundance of that love for mankind, to which belongs all glory, honor and worship, with his beginningless Father, and with the Most Holy and Good and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever and unto ages centuries.

What needs do people turn to Nikolai Ugodnik for?

Sailors and travelers pray to Nicholas the Wonderworker. The saint is considered their patron and intercessor. After the resurrection of a dead sailor, believers turn to Nikolai Ugodnik with a request for a safe voyage or journey.

The saint is also considered a patron and helper in organizing family life. Young people pray to him for the successful creation of a family.

People turn to Saint Nicholas for various everyday needs: for material assistance, for health, for help in legal matters. And if what is asked pleases God, Nicholas the Wonderworker always comes to the aid of those in need and those asking for help.

Miracles through prayers to St. Nicholas

There are many known cases of the salvation of travelers by Nicholas the Wonderworker. A young girl E. went on a geological expedition to the Solovetsky Islands in the fall. At night, her boat was carried away by the wind and washed up on an unfamiliar land. The girl began to fervently pray to St. Nicholas for salvation. In order not to freeze, she decided to walk along the shore in search of people.

Suddenly a gray-haired old man meets her and asks where she is going. The girl told him about her grief. The elder replied that she should climb the hill, from where she could see where to go. The old man disappeared, and the geologist climbed the mountain and saw a fisherman’s house. Then she realized that Saint Nicholas himself, to whom she had prayed, appeared to her and saved her from certain death.

Oleg Kovalkov told a miraculous case of his friend’s healing from cancer. She was diagnosed with cancer, which progressed very quickly. An urgent operation was required, which did not provide any guarantees. Then Oleg shared with his friend the world (blessed fragrant oil), brought from Bari from the relics of St. Nicholas. He recommended that the woman smear the sore spot with myrrh.

She, in turn, decided to drink myrrh little by little. “Once I decided, then so be it,” thought Oleg. A month passed, in preparation for the operation the patient took tests, and was amazed. The tumor shrank significantly, and the growth of cancer cells began to decline. Doctors could not find a rational explanation for this. Only the patient and Oleg knew the one through whose prayers this healing took place.

Prayers to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

Prayer to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

Oh, our good shepherd and God-wise mentor, Saint Nicholas of Christ! Hear us sinners (names), praying to you and calling for your quick intercession for help: see us weak, caught from everywhere, deprived of every good and darkened in mind from cowardice. Try, O saint of God, not to leave us in sinful captivity, so that we may not joyfully be our enemies and not die in our evil deeds. Pray for us, unworthy of our Creator and Master, to Him you stand with the disembodied faces: be merciful to us by our God in this life and in the future, so that He will not repay us according to our deeds and uncleanness. our hearts, but according to his goodness he will reward us .
We trust in your intercession, we boast of your intercession, we call upon your intercession for help, and we come to your most holy image and ask for help: deliver us, O saint of Christ, from the evils that come upon us , so that for the sake of your holy prayers the attack will not come upon us and we will not be polluted in the abyss of sin and in the mud of our passions. Pray to Saint Nicholas of Christ, Christ our God, that He will grant us a peaceful life and forgiveness of sins, and salvation and great mercy for our souls, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.

Kontakion to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

In Mireh, the holy, the priest appeared: For Christ, O Reverend, having fulfilled the Gospel, you laid down your soul for your people, and saved the innocent from death; For this reason you have been sanctified, as the great hidden place of God’s grace.

Akathist to the saint and prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker

Troparion and Kontakion to St. Nicholas Prayers to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Text of the akathist to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker The Greatness of St. Nicholas

Troparion and Kontakion to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, God's Saint

Troparion, tone 4

The rule of faith and the image of meekness, self-control, the teacher, show you to your flock as things are true; For this reason, you have gained high humility, rich in poverty, Father Hierarch Nicholas, pray to Christ God to save our souls.

Kontakion, tone 3

In Mireh, the holy one, you appeared as a priest: For Christ, O Reverend, having fulfilled the Gospel, you laid down your soul for your people, and you saved the innocent from death; For this reason you have been sanctified, as the great hidden place of God’s grace.

PRAYER TO GOD'S PLEASER NICHOLAS THE WONDERWORKER

First prayer for St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

(prayers for help and intercession) Oh, all-holy Nicholas, the most excellent servant of the Lord, our warm intercessor, and everywhere in sorrow a quick helper! Help me, a sinner and sad person in this present life, beg the Lord God to grant me forgiveness of all my sins, which I have sinned greatly from my youth, in all my life, in deed, word, thought and all my feelings; and at the end of my soul, help me the accursed, beg the Lord God, the Creator of all creation, to deliver me from airy ordeals and eternal torment: may I always glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and your merciful intercession, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Second prayer to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

(prayers to Nicholas the Wonderworker for intercession) O great intercessor, the bishop of God, the Most Blessed Nicholas, who shone miracles under the sun, and appear to those who call upon you as a quick hearer, whom you always anticipate and save, and deliver, and take away from all sorts of troubles, from God-given miracles and gifts of grace! Hear me, unworthy, calling you with faith and bringing you prayer songs; I offer you an intercessor to plead with Christ. Oh, renowned for miracles, saint of heights! as if you have the boldness, soon stand before the Lady, and reverently stretch out your hands in prayer to Him for me, a sinner, and grant me the bounty of goodness from Him, and accept me into your intercession, and deliver me from all troubles and evils, from the invasion of enemies visible and invisible freeing, and destroying all those slander and malice, and reflecting those who fight me throughout my life; for my sins, ask for forgiveness, and present me saved to Christ and be worthy to receive the Kingdom of Heaven for the abundance of that love for mankind, to which belongs all glory, honor and worship, with his beginningless Father, and with the Most Holy and Good and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever and unto ages centuries.

Third prayer to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

(Nicholas the Wonderworker - his help in prayers in illnesses and illnesses) O all-praised and all-pious bishop, great Wonderworker, Holy Hierarch of Christ, Father Nicholas, man of God and faithful servant, husband of desires, chosen vessel, strong pillar of the church, bright lamp, shining star and illuminating the entire universe! You are a righteous man, like a blossoming date, planted in the courts of your Lord, living in the Worlds, you are fragrant with the world, and the myrrh flows with the grace of God. By your procession, holy father, the sea was illuminated, when your many-wonderful relics marched into the city of Barsky, from east to west praise the name of the Lord. O most graceful and wondrous Wonderworker, 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, those who hunger for a feeder, those who cry are glad, the naked are clothed , the sick physician, the sea-floating steward, the liberator of captives, the nourisher and protector of widows and orphans, the guardian of chastity, the meek chastiser of infants, the old fortification, the fasting mentor, the toiling rapture, the poor and wretched abundant wealth. 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 all, and every Christian country, and people who live from all bitterness with your help. We know, we know, how the prayer of the righteous can do much to hasten for good: for you, the righteous, according to the most blessed Virgin Mary, imams, intercessor to the All-Merciful God, and to yours, most kind father, warm intercession and intercession we humbly flow: you keep us as you are vigorous and kind 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, since we are unworthy to see the heights of heaven, from many of our iniquities are bound by the bonds of sin, and we have not done the will of our Creator nor have we preserved his commandments. By the same token, we bow our contrite and humble hearts to our Creator, and we ask for your fatherly intercession to Him. Help us, O Pleasant 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 in the right faith, in it through your intercession and intercession, neither with wounds, nor rebuke, nor pestilence, he will give me no wrath to live in this age, and he will deliver me from this place, and he will make me worthy to join all the saints. Amen.

Fourth prayer for St. Nicholas

(text of a short prayer to the Wonderworker for help and intercession) O all-praised, great wonderworker, Saint of Christ, Father Nicholas! We pray to you, awaken the hope of all Christians, protector of the faithful, feeder of the hungry, joy of the weeping, doctor of the sick, steward of those floating on the sea, feeder of the poor and orphans, and quick helper and patron of all, may we live a peaceful life here and may we be worthy to see the glory of God’s elect in heaven , and with them unceasingly sing the praises of the one worshiped God in the Trinity forever and ever. Amen.

Fifth prayer to the saint

(the prayer for the Wonderworker is read in despondency and circumstances) Oh, all-holy Nicholas, the most saintly servant of the Lord, our warm intercessor and quick helper everywhere in sorrow! Help me, a sinner and sad person in this life, beg the Lord God to grant me forgiveness of all my sins, which I have sinned greatly from my youth throughout my life, in deed, word, thought and all my feelings; and at the end of my soul, help me, the accursed one; beg the Lord God, Creator of all creation, to deliver me from airy ordeals and eternal torment; May I always glorify the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and your merciful intercession, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer six to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

(Saint Nicholas and the text of the prayer to him for help and intercession) O our good shepherd and God-wise mentor, Saint Nicholas of Christ! Hear us sinners, praying to you and calling for your quick intercession for help: see us weak, caught from everywhere, deprived of every good and darkened in mind from cowardice. Try, O servant of God, not to leave us in the sinful captivity of being, so that we may not joyfully be our enemy and not die in our evil deeds. Pray for us, unworthy of our Creator and Master, to whom you stand with disembodied faces. Make our God merciful to us in this life and in the future, so that He will not reward us according to our deeds and the impurity of our hearts, but according to His goodness He will reward us. We trust in your intercession, we boast of your intercession, we call on your intercession for help, and falling to your most holy image, we ask for help: deliver us, servant of Christ, from the evils that come upon us, and tame the waves of passions and troubles that rise up against us, and for the sake of Your holy prayers 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 of Christ, Christ our God, that he may grant us a peaceful life and remission of sins, salvation and great mercy for our souls, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Akathist to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker

Correct reading of the akathist

Kontakion 1

Chosen Miracle-worker and a great servant of Christ, exuding to the whole world a valuable myrrh and an inexhaustible sea of miracles, I praise you with love, Saint Nicholas: you, as you have boldness towards the Lord, free me from all troubles, let me call you: Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker .

Ikos 1

Reveal to you the Creator of all creation in the form of an angel, an earthly being; Having foreseen the fruitful kindness of your soul, blessed Nicholas, teach everyone to cry out to you: Rejoice, purified from the womb of motherhood; Rejoice, even you who are completely sanctified. Rejoice, you who surprised your parents with your birth; Rejoice, you who revealed the strength of your soul at Christmas. Rejoice, garden of the land of promise; Rejoice, flower of the Divine planting. Rejoice, virtuous vine of Christ's grapes; Rejoice, miraculous tree of Jesus' paradise. Rejoice, the end of the paradisiacal vegetation; Rejoice, myrrh of Christ's fragrance. Rejoice, for you will drive away sobbing; Rejoice, for you bring joy. Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker.

Kontakion 2

Seeing your outpouring of peace, God-wise, we are enlightened in souls and bodies, you are a wondrous myrrh-bearer of life, Nicholas, understanding: miracles are like waters pouring out with the grace of God, you faithfully cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Instructing an unintelligible mind about the Holy Trinity, you were in Nicaea with the holy fathers, a champion of the confession of the Orthodox faith: for you confessed equal to the Father, co-essential and co-throne with the Father, but you denounced the madman Aria. For this sake, for the sake of faithfulness, I have learned to sing to you: Rejoice, great pillar of piety; Rejoice, faithful refuge of the city. Rejoice, solid strengthening of Orthodoxy; Rejoice, the honorable One of the Most Holy Trinity was also praised. Rejoice, Thou who preached the Son with equal honor to the Father; Rejoice, you drove away Aria, who was enraged from the Council of Saints. Rejoice, father, glorious beauty of the fathers; Rejoice, wise kindness to all the God-wise. Rejoice, you who utter fiery words; Rejoice, teach your flock well. Rejoice, for through you faith is confirmed; Rejoice, for through you the heresy is being overthrown. Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker.

Kontakion 3

By the power given to you from above, you took away every tear from the face of the fiercely suffering, God-bearing Father Nicholas: for you appeared to the hungry as a nourisher, to those in the abyss of the seas as a great ruler, to those who were sick, healing and every helper appeared to everyone, crying out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Having truly, Father Nicholas, a song will be sung to you from heaven, and not from earth: how can any man from man be able to preach your holy greatness? But we, conquered by your love, cry out to you: Rejoice, image of lambs and shepherds; Rejoice, holy purifier of morals. Rejoice, repository of great virtues; Rejoice, holy and pure dwelling. Rejoice, all-bright and all-loving lamp; Rejoice, golden and immaculate light. Rejoice, worthy interlocutor of Angels; Rejoice, good teacher of men. Rejoice, rule of pious faith; Rejoice, image of spiritual meekness. Rejoice, for through you we are delivered from bodily passions; Rejoice, for through you we are filled with spiritual sweets. Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker.

Kontakion 4

A storm of bewilderment confuses my mind, how worthy it is to sing your miracles, blessed Nicholas; No one can erase me, even if I had many tongues and wanted to speak; but we marvel at God, who is glorified in you, and dare to sing: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Hearing, God-wise Nicholas, those near and far, the greatness of your miracles, as if through the air with light grace-filled wings you were accustomed to anticipate those in troubles, quickly delivering from them all who cry out to you like this: Rejoice, deliverance from sorrow; Rejoice, bestower of grace. Rejoice, banisher of unforeseen evils; Rejoice, wishing good things to the planter. Rejoice, speedy consoler of those in trouble; Rejoice, terrible punisher of those who offend. Rejoice, abyss of miracles, poured out by God; Rejoice, the law of Christ is the tablet written by God. Rejoice, strong erection of those who fall; Rejoice, rightful affirmation. Rejoice, for through you all flattery is laid bare; Rejoice, for through you all truth comes true. Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker.

Kontakion 5

The God-bearing star appeared, instructing those floating on the sea, whose death was soon approaching sometimes, if only you had not appeared to those calling you for help, Wonderworker Saint Nicholas; You are already unashamed of the flying demons and forbade those who want to load ships, you drove them away, but you taught the faithful to cry out to the God who saves you: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Seeing the young women, prepared for a bad marriage for the sake of poverty, your great mercy for the poor, blessed Father Nicholas, when you gave the bundles of three hidden gold to their elder father at night, saving him and his daughters from the fall of sin. For this reason, hear from everyone: Rejoice, great treasure of mercy; Rejoice, friend of industry for people. Rejoice, food and joy for those who come running to you; Rejoice, uneaten bread of the hungry. Rejoice, wealth given by God to the poor living on earth; Rejoice, speedy exaltation of the poor. Rejoice, quick hearing of the poor; Rejoice, pleasant care for those who mourn. Rejoice, three virgins, immaculate bride; Rejoice, zealous guardian of purity. Rejoice, unreliable hope; Rejoice, joy of the whole world. Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker.

Kontakion 6

The whole world preaches to you, blessed Nicholas, a quick intercessor in troubles, as many times in one hour traveling on earth and sailing on the sea, anticipating, helping, preserving all from the evil ones, crying out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

Thou didst shine as an animal light, bringing deliverance to the commanders, who accepted unrighteous death for those who had, to you, good shepherd Nicholas, who called, when soon after appearing in the princess’s dream, you frightened him, and you commanded to release these unharmed ones. For this reason, we are happy with them and we cry out to you in gratitude: Rejoice, help those who earnestly call upon you; Rejoice, deliverer from unrighteous murder. Rejoice, keep away from flattering slander; Rejoice, destroy the unrighteous councils. Rejoice, tear apart lies like a spider; Rejoice, gloriously exalting the truth. Rejoice, release from bonds of the innocent; Rejoice, and revival of the dead. Rejoice, demonstrater of truth; Rejoice, darker of untruth. Rejoice, for through your disobedience you delivered from the sword; Rejoice, for I have enjoyed the light of you. Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker.

Kontakion 7

Although the blasphemous heretical stench was driven away, the truly fragrant, mysterious myrrh appeared to Nicholas: you saved the people of Myra and you filled the whole world with your blessed peace. And drive away from us the godless, sinful stench, so that we may cry out pleasingly to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

We mean the new Noah, the mentor of the ark of salvation, Holy Father Nicholas, who disperses the storm of all fierce ones with his direction, but brings Divine silence to those crying out like this: Rejoice, a quiet refuge for those overwhelmed; Rejoice, drowning famous repository. Rejoice, good pilot of those floating in the midst of the depths; Rejoice, calmer of the sea. Rejoice, transport of those who are in whirlwinds; Rejoice, warming of those who are in the filth. Rejoice, radiance that disperses the sorrowful darkness; Rejoice, luminary, illuminating all the ends of the earth. Rejoice, you deliver sinful people from the abyss; Rejoice, cast Satan into the abyss of hell. Rejoice, for through you we boldly invoke the abyss of God’s mercy; Rejoice, for by you having been delivered from the flood of wrath, we find peace with God. Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker.

Kontakion 8

A strange miracle is flowing to you, Blessed Nicholas, your sacred church: in it even small prayers bring, healing of great ailments is acceptable, if only according to God we place our hope in you, truly crying out: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

You are truly a helper to everyone, God-bearing Nicholas, and you have gathered together all those who come running to you, as a liberator, a nourisher and a quick doctor to all earthly people, raising up the praise of everyone to cry out to you: Rejoice, source of all healings; Rejoice, dear helper to the suffering. Rejoice, dawn, shining in the night of sinful wanderers; Rejoice, dew that does not flow in the heat of the work of beings. Rejoice, give well-being to those who need it; Rejoice, prepare abundance for those who ask. Rejoice, thou who hast preceded the petition many times; Rejoice, renew the strength of old gray hairs. Rejoice, many who have gone astray from the path of the true accuser; Rejoice, faithful servant of the mysteries of God. Rejoice, for through you we trample on envy; Rejoice, for through you we correct a good life. Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker.

Kontakion 9

Alleviate all illnesses, our great intercessor Nicholas, dissolving grace-filled healing, delighting our souls, and cheering the hearts of all who zealously flow to your help, crying out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

We see the wise branches of the wicked put to shame by you, God-wise Father Nicholas: Aria for the blasphemer, dividing the Divinity, and Sabellia, confusing the Holy Trinity, has changed, but you have strengthened us in Orthodoxy. For this reason, we cry out to you: Rejoice, shield, protect piety; Rejoice, sword, cut off evil. Rejoice, teacher of Divine commandments; Rejoice, destroyer of ungodly teachings. Rejoice, ladder established by God, by which we ascend to heaven; Rejoice, protection created by God, with which many are covered. Rejoice, thou who hast made wise the foolish with thy words; Rejoice, having inspired the morals of the lazy. Rejoice, unquenchable brightness of God’s commandments; Rejoice, bright ray of the Lord’s justifications. Rejoice, for through your teaching the heretical heads are crushed; Rejoice, for through your faithfulness the faithful are worthy of glory. Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker.

Kontakion 10

Although you have truly saved your soul, your flesh and your spirit, Our Father Nicholas, by being silent before and struggling with thoughts and deeds, you have applied the thought of God, and through the thought of God you have acquired a perfect mind, through which you boldly conversed with God and the Angels, always crying out: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

Thou art a wall to those who praise, O blessed one, thy miracles and to all who resort to thy intercession; Likewise, free us, the poor in virtue, from poverty, adversity, ailments and various needs, who cry out to you with love like this: Rejoice, take us away from eternal misery; Rejoice, give us imperishable wealth. Rejoice, undying cruelty to those who hunger for truth; Rejoice, inexhaustible drink for those thirsty for life. Rejoice, keep from rebellion and warfare; Rejoice, freest from bonds and captivity. Rejoice, glorious intercessor in troubles; Rejoice, great protector in adversity. Rejoice, thou who has deceived many from destruction; Rejoice, you who preserved countless people unharmed. Rejoice, for through you sinners escape cruel death; Rejoice, for through you those who repent receive eternal life. Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker.

Kontakion 11

You brought the singing of the Most Holy Trinity to the Most Holy Trinity more than others, most blessed Nicholas, in mind, in word and in deed: for by many trials you have clarified the orthodox commandments, by faith, hope and love, instructing us in the Trinity to chant to the One God: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

We see you as a luminous ray in the darkness of life, unquenchable, chosen by God, Father Nicholas: with immaterial angelic lights you talk about the uncreated Trinity Light, but you enlighten the faithful souls, crying out to you like this: Rejoice, illumination of the Trisolar Light; Rejoice, day of the never-setting Sun. Rejoice, O luminary, kindled by the Divine flame; Rejoice, for you have extinguished the demonic flame of wickedness. Rejoice, bright preaching of orthodoxy; Rejoice, transparent light of the Gospel. Rejoice, lightning, consuming heresies; Rejoice, thunder, terrifying tempter. Rejoice, true teacher of reason; Rejoice, mysterious exponent of the mind. Rejoice, for through you I have trampled upon the worship of creation; Rejoice, for through you we have learned to worship the Creator in the Trinity. Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker.

Kontakion 12

The grace given to you from God, knowledgeable, rejoicing in your memory, we celebrate according to duty, glorious Father Nicholas, and we wholeheartedly flow to your wonderful intercession; But your glorious deeds, like the sand of the sea and the multitude of the stars, cannot be exhausted, but once you are overcome by bewilderment, we cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing your miracles, we praise you, O all-praised Nicholas: for in you God, glorified in the Trinity, is wondrously glorified. But even if we bring you many psalms and songs composed from the heart, O holy miracle-worker, we do nothing equal to the granting of your miracles, and in admiration we cry out to you like this: Rejoice, O King of kings and servant of the Lord of lords; Rejoice, cohabitants of His heavenly servants. Rejoice, help to faithful people; Rejoice, kind of Christian exaltation. Rejoice, victory of the same name; Rejoice, proud crowned one. Rejoice, mirror of all virtues; Rejoice, everyone who flows to you has been taken away by the strong. Rejoice, all our hope is in God and the Mother of God; Rejoice, health to our bodies and salvation to our souls. Rejoice, for through you we are freed from eternal death; Rejoice, for through you we have been granted endless life. Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker.

Kontakion 13

O most holy and wonderful Father Nicholas, consolation of all who mourn, accept our present offering and implore the Lord to deliver us from Gehenna through your God-pleasing intercession, so that we may sing with you: Alleluia.

(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)

Ikos 1

Kontakion 1

Icon of the Mother of God Burning Bush: history, prayers, akathist