On May 22, 2022, all Orthodox Christians will celebrate St. Nicholas Day. This is a great holiday for all Orthodox Christians. However, St. Nicholas Day is celebrated not only by the Orthodox. The holiday of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is also called St. Nicholas Day and the holiday of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
Church holiday May 22, 2022 - St. Nicholas Day, St. Nicholas Day. The folk calendar reminds us that, according to tradition, two days are celebrated in honor of St. Nicholas the Pleasant: the first - in winter, December 19 (this day is called the holiday of St. Nicholas the Winter) and in the spring - St. Nicholas of the Spring, May 22.
Nicholas the Wonderworker is a great saint. He is known and revered not only in Russia, but also in Western Europe. There is an opinion that Nicholas the Wonderworker is the most revered saint in Rus'. It is no coincidence that the Russian Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker every Thursday.
St. Nicholas Day in May 2022: what kind of holiday is it
The Day of Spring St. Nicholas is celebrated at the end of May, on the 22nd (May 9 according to the Julian calendar). According to the Russian Orthodox calendar, the holiday in honor of the memory of the transfer of the relics of St. Nicholas falls on the day when spring and summer traditionally meet.
Therefore, in addition to the names Nikola Summer and Nikola Spring, the day of St. Nicholas the Ugodnik on May 22 is also called Grass Day, Warm Day or Nikola with Warmth.
The veneration of Saint Nicholas in Rus' began several decades after the establishment of Orthodoxy, in the 11th century. For a long time, the role of Nikolai Ugodnik was considered one of the most important in Russian traditions. This saint was revered as the favorite of God, who was at His right hand.
Therefore, according to tradition, on St. Nicholas Day, peasants could ask the Pleasant for everything that they would ask God for.
Many churches were erected in honor of the saint. Nikola Ugodnik was asked for a prosperous marriage, they turned to him with prayers for travelers, sailors, and for deliverance from slander. To this day, the Orthodox Church glorifies St. Nicholas every Thursday along with the apostles.
Nikolai Ugodnik (Wonder Worker) was famous for his great mercy. He forgave even those people who committed a terrible sin. The main thing is that the person deeply repents of the committed act. It was not by chance that Saint Nicholas received the name of the Wonderworker.
It is believed that Nicholas the Wonderworker can save not only from diseases and damage, but also protect from any troubles.
The thing is that he became famous as a miracle worker. What miracles did he perform? Saint Nicholas gave prayers and through his prayers miraculous healings from the most terrible diseases took place.
Orthodox Christians, well acquainted with the life story of Nicholas the Wonderworker, claim that he was able to revive the dead.
As various scriptures say, Nikolai Ugodnik was able to calm the storm at sea. And the sailors who read the prayers of St. Nicholas the Pleasant were saved from a shipwreck. And even when Saint Nicholas died, prayers to him were addressed to those praying with miracles.
Here are the most striking epithets that Orthodox Christians in Russia use when speaking about St. Nicholas the Pleasant: a quick and merciful helper to the suffering, an unmercenary and a benefactor.
Nicholas the Pleasant not only forgave everyone, thereby showing his boundless mercy, but also stood up for the offended and oppressed, and rebelled against injustice.
The history of the holiday and the miracles of the Saint
Saint Nicholas was born in the second half of the 3rd century in the city of Patara, a region of Lycia in Asia Minor. His parents Theophanes and Nonna were from a noble family and very wealthy, which did not prevent them from being pious Christians, merciful to the poor and zealous towards God.
They had no children until they were very old; in constant fervent prayer, they asked the Almighty to give them a son, promising to devote him to the service of God. Their prayer was heard: the Lord gave them a son, who at holy baptism received the name Nicholas, which means in Greek “victorious people.”
Already in the first days of his infancy, Saint Nicholas showed that he was destined for special service to the Lord.
A legend has been preserved that during baptism, when the ceremony was very long, he, unsupported by anyone, stood in the font for three hours. From the very first days, Saint Nicholas began a strict ascetic life, to which he remained faithful until the grave.
All the unusual behavior of the child showed his parents that he would become a great saint of God, so they paid special attention to his upbringing and tried, first of all, to instill in their son the truths of Christianity and direct him to a righteous life.
Avoiding vain, sinful entertainment, the youth Nicholas was distinguished by exemplary chastity and avoided all unclean thoughts. He spent almost all his time reading the Holy Scriptures and performing feats of fasting and prayer. He had such love for the temple of God that he sometimes spent whole days and nights there in divine prayer and reading divine books.
The pious life of young Nicholas soon became known to all residents of the city of Patara. The bishop in this city was his uncle, also named Nikolai. Noticing that his nephew stood out among other young people for his virtues and strict ascetic life, he began to persuade his parents to give him to the service of the Lord. They readily agreed because they had made such a vow before the birth of their son. His uncle, the bishop, ordained him a presbyter.
Having accepted the priesthood, Saint Nicholas began to lead an even more strict ascetic life. Out of deep humility, he performed his spiritual exploits in private. But God’s Providence wanted the saint’s virtuous life to direct others to the path of truth.
Upon his uncle’s return from Palestine, Saint Nicholas himself gathered there. While traveling on the ship, he showed the gift of deep insight and miracles: he foretold the approaching severe storm and pacified it with the power of his prayer. Soon, here on the ship, he performed a great miracle, resurrecting a young sailor who had fallen from the mast onto the deck and died.
On the way, the ship often landed on the shore. Saint Nicholas everywhere took care to heal the ailments of local residents: he healed some of incurable diseases, expelled from others the evil spirits that tormented them, and finally gave others consolation in their sorrows.
Upon his arrival in Palestine, Saint Nicholas settled near Jerusalem in the village of Beit Jala (biblical Ephrathah), which is located on the way to Bethlehem. All the inhabitants of this blessed village are Orthodox; There are two Orthodox churches there, one of which, in the name of St. Nicholas, was built on the spot where the saint once lived in a cave, which now serves as a place of worship.
Saint Nicholas had the desire to remain forever in Palestine, to withdraw from people and secretly strive before the Heavenly Father. But the Lord wanted such a lamp of faith not to remain hidden in the desert, but to brightly illuminate the Lycian country. And so, by will from above, the pious presbyter returned to his homeland.
Wanting to get away from the bustle of the world, Saint Nicholas went not to Patara, but to the Zion monastery, founded by his uncle, the bishop, where he was received by the brethren with great joy. He thought of staying in the quiet solitude of the monastic cell for the rest of his life.
But the time came when the great Pleasant of God had to act as the supreme leader of the Lycian Church in order to enlighten people with the light of the Gospel teaching and his virtuous life.
Feast of St. Nicholas the Summer in Christianity: the meaning of the holiday
Since ancient times, it was believed that on Grass Day, spring, finally losing ground, meets summer. The sun no longer warms gently, its rays become truly burning.
After Nikolin's day it was usually a hot time. In Rus', St. Nicholas Day was highly anticipated; this holiday was of great importance for the Orthodox. Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker was close to God and was considered one of his favorites.
In some villages, people even created special prayers in honor of Nicholas. In their prayers, they directly addressed the Saint, asking him for protection and patronage.
By and large, the prayers addressed to Nikola Letny were practically no different from the prayers that were said in honor of the Lord. However, these prayers were never approved by the church canon.
How and to whom does St. Nicholas the Wonderworker help?
Nicholas's lifetime ministry was very multifaceted. He was a shepherd whose mission was blessed by Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary, giving him a precious omophorion and the Gospel. The righteous man defended the Christian faith from heresy, supported and encouraged the parishioners.
The holy ascetic helped rulers and princes, workers and the poor, not waiting to be asked for help, but rushing to the rescue first. The degree of respect for him is even indicated by the fact that there is a separate service to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, held every Thursday - on a par with the apostolic prayers.
Therefore, it is difficult to determine what St. Nicholas the Wonderworker helps with. He played a significant role in the life and religious experiences of many people who turned to him and received quick answers to their prayers.
The heavenly intercession of the righteous protects everyone - from children to the elderly. He is considered the patron saint of travelers, sailors, soldiers, unjustly convicted prisoners, those engaged in risky work (rescuers, firefighters, etc.), and protects cities and fortresses from enemies.
Saint Nicholas is invoked in all life situations. For him, there are no minor or major adversities - after all, what may seem to some like unworthy stupidity, for others is an important and significant event.
In particular, a prayer to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker for help in work contributes to the quick and successful completion of any business, career advancement, allows you to establish mutually beneficial relationships with business partners, recognize dubious transactions and refuse them in time.
Also, the image of the saint stops all conflicts and civil strife - both personal and family, as well as more global ones. He is asked to admonish his enemies and end the war.
In addition, the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is the best amulet for home and family. It enlightens children and guides them on the right path, protects them from quarrels and misunderstandings, and promotes a successful marriage. Therefore, such an image will be a great gift for newlyweds or anniversaries.
Nikola Letniy: traditions and customs of the holiday
On the night before the holiday, families baked a treat consisting of pies and porridge, and large bonfires were lit in the fields. This was done before driving the cattle to summer pastures and was a kind of ritual that protected living creatures from harm.
On St. Nicholas Day, peasants performed a ritual that protected livestock from the encroachment of wolves. They did this with a sharp knife, which they stuck into the threshold of the house or into the table.
They put a stone in the oven, which they covered with a pot, and said the words of the conspiracy: “My little cow, nurse and waterer, stay at home, don’t show your nose, and the hungry wolf bite your sides, and don’t look at my cattle.”
Our ancestors went out into the field early in the morning and washed themselves with dew. This tradition protected from adversity and illness, increasing health for the whole year.
After washing with dew, people went to their homes, stood facing the sun and asked Nikola for a rich harvest, prayed and praised the Wonderworker, who listened to everyone’s requests.
Traditionally, on St. Nicholas Day, everyone in the family did something useful. Work and prayers were considered a good sign. The ancestors believed that Nikola Letniy watches over everyone and notes diligent and hardworking people, helping them overcome difficulties.
After visiting the church, the peasants washed themselves in the bathhouse, offered prayers to the saint, and then put on clean clothes and bowed three times, making the sign of the cross, saying: “Father Nikola, turn your gaze to my family, protect them from harm. Help us with our work so we can live the winter carefree.”
Each housewife began general cleaning so that the house was clean and attracted the attention of the saint. On this day, the cattle received many delicacies, they were groomed, thorns and insects were removed, they were cleaned and the bedding was changed.
The chickens were allowed to peck porridge cooked with butter so that they would lay eggs and not get sick. To protect poultry, men drove poles decorated with strips of multi-colored fabrics into the ground.
This tradition, according to beliefs, provided protection from predators who tried to get to the settlements in order to feast on available prey.
We ended the celebration of St. Nicholas of the Summer with a family dinner. Numerous relatives gathered at the table and were treated to what God had sent.
On St. Nicholas the Wonderworker's Day, requests for help are never refused. It is believed that refusal brings seven years of troubles to the family, so everyone considered it their duty to give to the poor and needy.
This was done not so much out of fear of misfortune, but out of one’s own free will. Nikolai Ugodnik always helped those in need, and believers tried to adhere to the same behavior.
What can you ask from St. Nicholas the Wonderworker?
Nicholas the Wonderworker is one of the most beloved and revered saints in the Christian faith. His parents were wealthy people; after their death, Nikolai Ugodnik inherited all their acquired property and donated it to the church. Such an act could not go unnoticed.
Saint Nicholas of Merliki, even after his earthly death, continues to help thousands of living people who turn to him daily. Many are already ready to talk about the miracles that happened to them after turning to this saint.
What St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is famous for, what he helps with and to whom, can be learned from the miracles he performed during his life and from eyewitness accounts after his death. Some of them:
- defender on the water;
- family life assistant;
- protector of the innocent;
- savior from death.
In addition, there are several more miracles characteristic of the Pleasant.
- Defender on the water
Sailors and travelers primarily consider him their patron. History describes a case when young Nicholas the Wonderworker, having gone to study in Alexandria, prayed so earnestly to God that a sailor who had died on the journey was miraculously resurrected.
But not only seafarers turn to the saint for protection; land travelers also turn to him before a long journey. When leaving home in the morning, before heading out on the road, it would be a good idea to pray to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
- Family life assistant
The actions of the saint do not end with the patronage of travelers; one of the stories took place in the Lycian city of Myra and indicates that Nicholas the Wonderworker helps to get married.
A sad story is connected with a family where a father and his three daughters were poor. Their money was not enough to raise a dowry, so no one married the girls. Out of despair, the father decided to sell his daughters to a brothel.
Bishop Nicholas, as soon as the sad news reached him, decided to help on his own and secretly threw his own savings into the poor man’s house.
He did not want anyone to know about this act, because the Lord commanded not to flaunt his good deeds, but to this day the girls pray to the Saint and ask for help in starting a family. Testimonies collected around the world speak of how St. Nicholas the Wonderworker helps in the search for love and happiness in the family.
- Protector of the Innocent
Ivan Repin reflected another incident in his painting: Nicholas the Wonderworker, who suddenly appeared on the square, grabbed the hand of the executioner who was about to execute three prisoners. They decided to postpone the execution; no one wanted to contradict the respected church man.
This happened because the Lord showed the saint the true picture in advance, and later evidence was found of the prisoners’ innocence. Since then, all innocently convicted people have turned to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker for help.
Even those who know about their offense and its subsequent punishment ask for intercession before God. After all, the saint is famous for his ability to forgive those who stumbled and repented.
- Savior from death
There are many atheists among modern people. But St. Nicholas the Wonderworker helps even non-believers. Another story related to salvation after the death of a saint occurred in China. A fisherman who fell through the ice remembered the icon that Russian tourists hung at the station. He did not know the name of the saint, so he called him the Old Man of the Station.
A moment before losing consciousness, he asked him for salvation, and woke up already far from the water. Alexander Vertinsky mentions this story in his book. According to him, the Chinese later converted to Orthodoxy, and some of his friends followed his example.
- Conciliator of warring parties
During the Roman Empire, Christians were outcasts. The pagans disliked them extremely. Every day all who worshiped Christ risked coming face to face with death. Pagan gods used to be distinguished by a certain sphere of activity, within which one could ask them for help. Among some Christian believers, this also applies to Orthodox saints.
In fact, this is far from the case. You can ask for help from Nicholas the Wonderworker in any situation, whether it relates to travel, his above-mentioned deeds or not.
During times of persecution, he was not afraid of what the pagans would do to him, and helped others, healed them from a fatal illness, and even resurrected them.
With his prayer to Christ, he saved the city during these times from terrible famine. He is also credited with the destruction of several pagan churches. Already during his lifetime he won the fame of a great miracle worker.
It is also known that the Pleasant was a peace-loving person and always tried to reconcile enemies, which is why those who are at enmity still ask him for help.
- Miracle for children
Parents know that the holy saint is always attentive to prayers for children. When small children are sick, mothers always sincerely pray for their health. Nicholas the Wonderworker is very attentive to them and always helps. According to the stories of those asking, the Saint even looks after their children if the parents need to let them out of sight, but before that they asked Nicholas the Pleasant for help.
- Helper for everyone
People who have nothing to do with the church often ask what are the conditions to receive the help of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker? The most important thing that every Christian knows: Bishop Nicholas, during his time serving the church, was a deeply religious man.
After the death of the saint, his connection with God intensified, so many even ask him for intercession before the Almighty. Any prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker must be sincere, from the heart, the Lord will not leave it unattended.
The saints in this case are a kind of intermediaries, petitioners before God on behalf of those asking them. Prayers are not a spell or a ritual, the main thing is to ask from the heart. Any sincere prayer will be heard. In any case, the Almighty will not refuse.
Many people think that the saint helps Orthodox Christians in any difficult situation, but are there still those whom St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is ready to help? Don't forget that there is only one God. In any religion there are saints who became closer to him after death. Intercession and protection can be asked from anyone, everyone will hear and ask the Almighty on behalf of the one asking him. And also with those who ask themselves.
Anyone, of any nationality and any religion, can ask.
Even atheists often first of all begin to turn to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. This is explained by the fact that help comes almost instantly. This is known to those who have at least once turned to this majestic saint in prayer.
In the most hopeless situations, when you give up, help comes, you just have to pray to St. Nicholas. People always receive what they pray to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker for. The list of basic requests is very long, but from it several particularly frequent ones can be identified:
- miraculous healing, deliverance from disease;
- family happiness for unmarried people and preservation of existing family well-being;
- safe return from a long journey;
- relief from poverty;
- help in difficult life situations;
- intercession before God for young children.
Christianity allows for free appeals to saints, but there are also church appeals used by believers:
- Mentor;
- Holy Wonderworker;
- Father merciful;
- when addressing specifically Nicholas the Wonderworker, a special phrase is usually used: “Holy Father Nicholas, pray to God for me.”
The prayers to the patron saint are short, you can say them in your own words, the prayers end the same way: “Amen.” People who are non-believers, but asking for help or intercession, are simply asking from the heart for what is most important to them now. They may not know all the rules and laws of Christianity, but they can be sure that St. Nicholas the Wonderworker will hear them and help them.
St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Day May 22: what to do
From the very morning of May 22, you should definitely go to church and pray.
On this holiday, you should try not to refuse those asking - be sure to give alms in front of the church. At the first rays of the sun, the owner of the house must get up before everyone else and walk around his house - this ritual protects the house from adversity.
Also on this day, it was customary to make peace, and they said: “Invite a friend to Nikolshchina, invite your enemy, both will be friends.”
In the old days, on the holiday of St. Nicholas, various transactions were carried out, contracts were concluded, because they were sure that on this day no one would cheat, since St. Nicholas the Wonderworker would punish the fraudster and restore justice.
Nicholas the Wonderworker: whose patron is by date of birth
Each person has his own icon: its choice depends on the specific time period in which your birth date falls. Such an icon has greater power and can protect you from great trouble, as well as attract joy, happiness and prosperity into your life. Nikolai Ugodnik patronizes people:
- Born between November 23 and December 21. They are under the protection of Saint Barbara and Blessed Nicholas the Pleasant. Icons for protection - “The Sign” and “Tikhvin”.
- Born from July 23 to August 23. People born during this period are protected by the prophet Elijah, Saint Nicholas the Pleasant and the icon “Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God.”
Summer Nicholas 2022: what not to do on this day
On May 22, it was inappropriate to be sad, indulge in memories of past negative events, or be lazy. The only thing you should give up regarding housework is knitting and sewing.
It is undesirable to use scissors and other sharp objects (kitchen utensils and garden tools do not count).
It was believed that if a person refuses to help someone who turned to him, he and his family will experience need and fail for 7 years in a row.
Remember, helping the poor, orphans and everyone who asks is one of the rules of life that St. Nicholas always adhered to during his life.
On a warm day, it is also undesirable to deny children anything (within reason, of course). Nikolai Ugodnik is their patron, so all the children need to be given gifts.
It is not necessary to buy something expensive, let it be simple gifts, for example, souvenirs, toys or their favorite treats.
Traditionally, gifts were always placed under children’s pillows or hidden in socks, which were then hung on a rope over the stove (fireplace).
On Grass Day, it is inappropriate to indulge in riotous revelry. Dancing until you drop, heavy alcohol intoxication and loud chants are unacceptable. Also, clarification of personal relationships, much less quarrels, scandals, and fights, is not encouraged. Swearing on May 22 means inviting failure.
Nikola Summer is a holiday that is loved by many, especially children. This is a celebration dedicated to the end of spring and the beginning of the summer season. It is important to spend this holiday correctly, so that St. Nicholas fulfills all your wishes and becomes a patron and reliable protector for you and your family!
Rituals on St. Nicholas Day
Ritual for wealth and abundance
On May 22, in the old days, a ritual was performed to help you get what you need to live comfortably.
To do this, you need to open those places where you have a need. For example, if you need money, you need to leave your wallet open, new things – closet doors, a good harvest – dig a hole.
In this case, you need to say the following words:
Saint Nicholas, look everywhere and bring me what I need. I won’t take it all, I’ll give away the extra. Thank you.
Just don’t forget to fulfill your promise - to share with those in need what you receive from the Higher Powers.
Signs for the summer holiday of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker on May 22
According to popular beliefs, both Nikolas - both winter (December 19) and spring - set the weather. They say that :
- Spring Nikola - with warmth, winter Nikola - with frost,
- If only Nikola would come, it would be warm.
- If the morning was humid and foggy, then you should wash yourself with dew: this promised a person health and a rich harvest for the earth.
- It is believed that by this day the oats should already be sown. They said: “Nikolsky’s oats are neither the farmer’s nor the horse’s,” that is, they were sown late and would be of no use.
- On St. Nicholas Day, the grooms drove the horses out into the field and served a prayer service. Then we rode horseback. so that the evil spirit does not have time to ride first, because if it starts to ride, according to its “black” nature, at night, it will drive the horse to death. If they noticed that the horse was shaking on this day, they immediately exclaimed: “Shoo, evil spirits!”
- They drove the horses out of St. Nicholas at night. Single guys gathered, they and their horses were escorted to the field by the whole village, and in the evening the girls came to the meadows - and fun began with songs and round dances.
- Previously, St. Nicholas of the Spring was celebrated as the boy’s entry into adulthood, and there was no supervision from elders on this day.
- Nikola spring with warmth.
- You can't swim until spring Nikola.
- Don’t boast about sowing on St. George’s Day, but rather boast about grass on Nikolin’s Day.
Signs for Nikola
According to popular beliefs, if a girl was matched on May 22, she would become a faithful and hardworking wife. Other signs for Nikola Letny:
- rain - to a rich harvest;
- if frogs croak, there will be a lot of oats this year;
- good weather indicates warm future days;
- dandelions are closed - it’s getting colder;
- if the birds fly high, then the weather will be good, and if it is low, then you should expect rain.
Our ancestors also paid attention to the Moon. If she was huge and beautiful, then this is a good sign. So, soon you will be happy.
Prayer to Saint Nicholas
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.
If you believe in miracles and you really, really need help or even a real miracle, pray to St. Nicholas - sincerely and strongly, with your soul, and he will definitely help you, if what you have planned is pleasing to God.
What date is Nikola Summer in 2021?
St. Nicholas of Summer (also St. Nicholas of Spring) is an Orthodox holiday in honor of the day of remembrance of the transfer of the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker to the Italian city of Bari at the end of the 11th century . Summer St. Nicholas is one of the permanent church holidays and is celebrated annually by the Orthodox Church on May 22 according to the new style .
In the Orthodox tradition, Nicholas the Wonderworker is considered one of the most revered saints, the patron saint of sailors, merchants and children, as well as the protector of the innocently convicted.
Saint Nicholas was born in the Greek colony of Lycia (now Turkey) around 270 into a family of wealthy Christian parents. From early childhood, Nikolai was religious: he studied the Scriptures, read divine books, and attended liturgies. The saint's uncle was a bishop, and he ordained Nicholas to the priesthood and instructed him to preach lessons to the flock. The parishioners fell in love with the new presbyter for his mercy, attentiveness to the grief of others and incredible generosity. Thus, having inherited the fortune of his parents after their death, Saint Nicholas distributed it to the poor. Being modest and meek, the saint strove to give alms in secret and hid his good deeds.
Tomb of St. Nicholas in Bari
Saint Nicholas made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, visiting the most important places in the life of the Savior. Soon after returning to Lycia, Nicholas was elected Bishop of Myra in Lycia. Having accepted the rank of bishop, the saint remained the same great ascetic, showing to his flock the image of meekness, gentleness and love for people. But despite his humility and purity, the saint was a zealous and daring warrior of the Church of Christ: he waged an irreconcilable struggle against paganism and heresy.
During his life, Saint Nicholas performed many miracles, for which he was called the Wonderworker: he denounced injustice, saved the poor, healed the sick, and even resurrected the dead.
Having reached a very old age, Nicholas the Wonderworker peacefully departed to the Lord around 342-351. The relics of the saint were kept incorrupt in the local cathedral church and exuded healing myrrh, from which many received healings.
Temples of St. Nicholas the Pleasant
In Rus', the first church in the name of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was built in Kyiv by Princess Olga in 882, even before the adoption of Christianity. In many Russian cities, the main cathedrals and monasteries were named after St. Nicholas: in Veliky Novgorod, Zaraysk, Kyiv, Smolensk, Pskov, Galich, Arkhangelsk, Tobolsk and many other cities. Three Nikolsky monasteries were built in the Moscow province: Nikolo-Grechesky (Old) in Kitai-Gorod, Nikolo-Perervinsky and Nikolo-Ugreshsky. In addition, one of the main towers of the capital's Kremlin is named Nikolskaya.
Currently, there are about 50 churches named in honor of St. Nicholas in Moscow alone.
The most famous churches of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in the world are: the basilica at the place of the saint’s ministry in Myra Lycia (now Demre, Turkey), as well as the Basilica of St. Nicholas in Bari (Italy), where the relics of the saint are kept.
Photo source: wikipedia.org
The announcement features a fragment of the painting The Rescue of Sailors by St. Nicholas. (Gentile da Fabriano, c. 1425)
Nicholas the Wonderworker: prayer to change to read fate for 40 days
Even after his death, the Saint shows his great power in helping and solving the worldly problems of ordinary people. Pilgrims come from all over the world to the place where the remains of the saint are located.
Every Orthodox Christian knows that even from heaven he sees and hears their prayers, and fulfills even the most cherished desires of believers:
- Those who are not happy ask to change the fate destined for them;
- Anyone who has lost a loved one turns to the Saint for the pacification of the soul of the deceased and for his own peace of mind;
- Those who need support in business or work ask for patronage;
- Every sick and suffering person seeks healing of his body and soul, turning his prayers to the saint of God.
During his worldly existence, the saint could pacify even a raging sea, which is why all sailors and travelers consider him their protector.
Nicholas helped sick and poor people, and now he responds to all the requests of those in need. A prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker that changes fate and reviews from those who believe in its power indicate that anything is possible, even changing your own life line.
Thus, turning to the Heavenly powers will help improve matters, heal from illnesses and get rid of the constant failures that haunt a person. The most important thing is to treat such a prayer correctly, because one petition will not produce results.
Chosen Wonderworker and great servant of Christ, Father Nicholas! Exuding precious myrrh to the whole world, and an inexhaustible sea of miracles, you build up spiritual fortresses, and I praise you, my beloved, blessed Saint Nicholas: but you, as having boldness in the Lord, free me from all troubles, and I call you: Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker, Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker, rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker!
An angel in the image of an earthly being by the nature of the Creator of all creation; Having foreseen the fruitful kindness of your soul, blessed Nicholas, teach everyone to cry out to you:
Rejoice, born in the robes of angels, as pure in the flesh; Rejoice, baptized with water and fire, as though holy in the flesh.
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, thou land of heavenly destruction; Rejoice, myrrh of Christ's fragrance. Rejoice, for you will drive away sobbing; Rejoice for you bring joy.
Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker, rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker, Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker!
Rejoice, image of lambs and shepherds; Rejoice, holy purifier of morals. Rejoice, container 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 sweetness! Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker, rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker, Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker!
Prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker, how to read it correctly
As in other types of service to the Almighty, there are recommendations that must be followed in order for you to be heard by Heaven.
Even if something doesn’t work out and goes wrong, you shouldn’t give up on your plans, you just need to put in a little more effort to concentrate more for prayer.
- One should lead a lifestyle that is decent for a Christian, avoid overeating, drinking alcohol, and smoking. Of course, this is not fasting, but some kind of strictness towards one’s own actions is required.
- The miraculous prayer must be read daily for forty days. If you have forgotten, you need to start all over again.
- It is better to learn the text of the petition by heart, but if you can’t do it, you can read it from sight.
- The address to the Saint is pronounced three times, out loud, then in a low voice and mentally. It is the third time that has the greatest power - this has always been the case in any religion.
- You must ask in front of the saint. To do this, place the consecrated icon in front of you, pointing the image to the east. And you should not remove it for 40 days.
If possible, light a lamp in front of the icon every time. To do this, you must take permission from the priest.
And remember, you can’t cook food, watch TV and swear in the room where you pray. Try to keep the room clean and your thoughts clean.
