During his lifetime, Nicholas performed many good deeds. But he did it according to the Gospel saying: “When you do mercy, do not let your right hand know what your left hand is doing.” (Matt. 6:2-4). Therefore, only a small fraction of his benefits became known.
He distributed all his wealth, inherited from his parents, to the poor. It is known about a man who had three daughters. Having no money to collect a dowry for them and marry them off, the father decided to send the girls to a brothel. Having learned about this St. Nikolai secretly planted purses of gold into the house at night. This money was enough to marry off the girls and save them from shame.
Once Nikolai saved three innocently convicted husbands from execution. The mayor, who slandered them, publicly admitted this and asked for forgiveness. At the same time, three military leaders were present who were sent by Emperor Constantine. Soon they were also slandered and sentenced to death. While in prison, the men began to pray to Saint Nicholas, calling on him for intercession. The bishop appeared in a dream to the emperor and urged him to release the prisoners.
The city of Myra was on the verge of severe famine. The saint appeared in a dream to an Italian merchant who was planning to sell wheat. He asked the merchant to bring his ship to Myra, leaving 3 gold coins as collateral. In the morning, the merchant found the money in his palm and set off. The inhabitants of the town were saved from starvation.
Nicholas died at a ripe old age around 345. Immediately after his death, his body began to flow myrrh, and many were healed after application. The saint was buried in the local cathedral church. And in the 9th century in the city of Demre (formerly Myra) a church was built over the burial place of the saint. It's still open.
In 1087, Italian merchants stole most of the relics and transported them to the city of Bari. In this way they wanted to save the relics from desecration by Muslims. They are still kept in the Basilica of St. Nicholas. Ten years later, the Byzantines stole the remaining relics in Demre and transported them to the Lido. Thus, Nicholas became the patron of Venice.
In our country, they learned about St. Nicholas long before the baptism of Rus'. Askold, the first Russian prince baptized in the Orthodox faith, reigned in the 880s. At baptism he received the name Nikolai. After his death, Princess Olga built the first church of St. Nicholas in Kyiv over the grave. Since then, the saint has become the patron saint of Rus'.
Why do they order a prayer service?
Women often order a prayer service to the saint to get married and get rid of loneliness; they ask for support on a difficult journey, to get rid of life’s troubles and hunger.
Asking people note that he quickly responds to prayers. There is no specific list of cases that can be addressed. He helps in any matter.
Sincere prayer before the image of the saint helps:
- find your only soul mate;
- recover from complex diseases;
- improve your financial situation.
It doesn’t matter where the conversion will take place in a church or home environment. He always hears and will help.
Evidence of the help of St. Nicholas the Pleasant
In the city of Patara there lived a man who had three unusually beautiful daughters. But due to unfavorable circumstances, he lost all his wealth, lost his former influence, which he decided to restore at the expense of his daughters, since no one married girls without a dowry.
The saint, having learned about the terrible fate in store for the girls, one night quietly threw a bag of gold coins into the window of his eldest daughter’s room, which were enough to marry her off to a worthy man. And he did the same with two other girls, secretly giving them not just gold coins, but the happiness of being wives and mothers of pious husbands.
He carried out his actions in secret. The saint believed that by doing good to others, you yourself receive unspeakable joy and God’s grace, and this is incomparably better than vain glory.
The saint delivered from death three men who had been unjustly condemned by the mayor. He held the executioner's sword raised over the heads of the condemned. Then the mayor repented before the saint.
Remembering the glorious deeds of the miracle worker, they turn to him for help:
- to find a family;
- giving birth to healthy and raising worthy children;
- receiving God's blessing in family life;
- protection from enemies and unjust condemnation;
- protection from envy and anger;
- travel protection;
- about finding a job, help in business and affairs;
- about healing;
- about consoling those who mourn.
And the rule for turning to the saint is one: sincere prayer coming from the heart.
How to order a prayer service to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
When is the best time to serve a prayer service in church:
- for birthdays and baptisms,
- for illnesses and operations,
- if people succumbed to the fall into drunkenness, drugs, fornication.
How to write a prayer service to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker:
- you must submit a written request in advance and indicate in it a prayer service to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker;
- indicate the names of those to whom the prayer service will be read;
- write the name of the person giving with gratitude.
The note writes the name in the genitive case, but does not indicate the degree of relationship, rank, etc. You can use the following phrases: “pregnant”, “baby”, “sick”, “youth”, “soldier”. The inscription “custom” is indicated at the top. The holy minister performs a prayer service to the Saint, which is indicated in the note. For example, perform a “prayer service to Nicholas the Wonderworker for the successful marriage of his daughter.” Give the note to the shop. It is very practical to not be present.
Text of prayer:
Miracle Worker, Defender! I give you praise, Saint Nicholas. Save me from various troubles. I address my prayers to you! Rejoice, Nicholas, great wonderworker! (3 times at the end of each ikos)!
We cry to you: Rejoice (hereinafter R.), for you drive away crying; r., because you bring joy; r., image to the lambs and shepherds; r., purifying disposition. R., who gives light to everyone and is loved by everyone; r., radiating immaculate light. R., an equal interlocutor for the Angels; r., serving as a mentor to good people. R., an example of pious faith; r., an example of meekness of spirit. R., for you deliver us from bodily passions; r., for you fill us with spiritual pleasures.
R., deliverer from sorrow; r., giver of grace. R., saving from sudden troubles; r., the giver of desired goodness. R., comforting in trouble; r., dealing with offenders. R., lifting those who have fallen; r., supporting the fallen spirit. R., for you expose every lie; r., because you put the truth into minds.
R., exuding healing; r., helping the suffering. R., a giver to the needy; r., giving abundance to the suffering. R., who knows how to anticipate our requests; r., strengthening the health of the sick and old. R., returning the lost to the true path; r., a faithful servant of the mysteries of God. R., helping to trample envy; r., who helps to find a good life.
R., who delivers the poor from hardships; r., the giver of imperishable wealth. R., protecting from rebellion and warfare; r., bonds and captivity destroying. R., who intercedes in troubles; r., protecting from great misfortunes. R., saving many from death; r., who saved many from injury. R., for you save sinners from cruel death; r., for you give eternal life to those who repent.
R., the mirror of all virtues; r., for all those who come running to you, a strong wall. R., after God and the Mother of God, all our hope; r., the health of our bodies and souls is salvation. R., for through your intercessions we are freed from eternal death; r., for thanks to you we are preparing for endless life.
O most holy and wonderful Father Nicholas, comfort to all who mourn! Accept our present offering and implore the Lord to deliver us from Gehenna with your godly intercession, so that we may sing with you: Hallelujah.
Repeat the first paragraph.
This prayer must be said for forty days to get the effect. To do this, you must follow the rules:
- The duration of reading the prayer is 40 days. If a day is missed, you must start from the beginning again.
- You should pray alone, so that no one interferes.
- Prayers are performed in front of the image of the Saint.
- You should not talk about prayers to anyone. This is an individual matter.
- Visualize what the request is about.
- If the prayer is not pronounced in accordance with the text, this is not the main thing. In this matter, the main thing is faith and sincerity.
Also read: Prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker that changes fate for marriage
Gratitude for God's help
Often, to express gratitude, a prayer service to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is ordered. It is in it that we show our gratitude to this Saint for his favor towards us, as well as his help in solving our problems.
For Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, nothing is unreal. He helps everyone who turns to him with their prayers and gives strength and hope to solve all problems. Even the most enormous problems can be solved: recovery from a serious illness, finding a good job, the birth of a long-awaited child.
The most important thing in asking this Saint is our sincere faith. What comes from the heart will definitely be heard and rewarded. After all, it is necessary to remember that everything is material. And the more you think about what you want and address it to the Saints, you will gradually move towards your intended goal. But remember also that there should always be a place for miracles in life.
Believe in this and remember that it is necessary not only to constantly ask, but also to thank the Saints!
Also watch the video where you will hear a prayer service with an akathist to St. Nicholas:
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For our readers: how to write a prayer service to Nicholas the Wonderworker? with detailed descriptions from various sources.
The saint came from a noble family. His parents led a godly and virtuous life. Nicholas the Wonderworker grew up reverent and wise beyond his years. He withdrew from everything worldly and led a strict ascetic life. He stayed awake day and night, being in constant prayer and fasting, for which he was awarded many gifts from God.
After the death of his parents, he received a large inheritance, which he used to help people.
How to Pray for a Successful Marriage
According to church canons, every person must have a pair. If a woman cannot find a man, she can order a prayer service to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker for marriage. You don’t need any rituals to ask for help. It is enough to stand in front of the image of the Saint in church or at home, light a church candle and ask for support in your thoughts. A girl can read a prayer herself, but more often her mothers ask for this.
Text of the prayer:
“Oh, all-validated, great wonderworker, Saint of Christ, Father Nicholas! I pray to you, be the hope of all Christians, a protector of the faithful, a feeder for the hungry, joy for those who cry, a doctor for the sick, a steward of those floating on the sea, a feeder for the poor and orphans and a quick helper and patron for everyone, 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 God worshiped in the Trinity forever and ever. Amen."
Prayers to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
Prayer is an appeal to God and the saints. To facilitate conversion, texts of prayers to St. Nicholas have been compiled.
When turning to the miracle worker, they pray for the following:
- marriage;
- children;
- traveling;
- assistance in finding a job and other matters;
- protection from various troubles, envy, evil, enemies.
After reading a prayer for marriage, there is every chance of meeting a good man.
When sending a child, for example, to a camp, in order to make you feel calmer, turn to the miracle worker with a prayer for the children. If you are afraid about how your loved ones will get to the right place by car or plane, after reading the prayer for travelers to St. Nicholas, your soul will immediately become calmer.
When you start looking for vacancies, read a prayer to Nikolai Ugodnik for work. And, of course, don’t forget to go to church to thank the saint when you get a job.
In addition, prayer will help in any endeavor, in career growth, to avoid possible risks (for firefighters, for example), it can influence a salary increase, the friendly attitude of colleagues and simply brings good luck in work.
If you need help in any matter, pray to Nicholas the Wonderworker for help in business. This prayer can still help protect yourself from the anger and envy of people.
Prayer for Healing
The worst thing is physical or mental pain. They say that the Lord sends trials. This means that illness is a test and we must turn to God through the saints for support. An effective prayer service to Nicholas the Wonderworker for health.
Text of the prayer:
“Oh, all-holy Nicholas! Intercessor and speedy helper of all the sorrowful and sick! Beg our Lord to forgive His servant (your name) for the sins that he committed out of ignorance or thoughtlessness. Ask Him to deliver your body and soul from the machinations of the devil, worldly diseases, from ordeals and eternal torment. Amen!"
Holy Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon
Holy great martyr and healer Panteleimon, merciful imitator of God!
Look with mercy and hear us, sinners, praying earnestly before your holy icon. Ask us from the Lord God, Who stands with the Angels in heaven, for the forgiveness of our sins and transgressions: heal the mental and physical illnesses of the servants of God, now remembered, those present here and all Orthodox Christians who flow to your intercession: for here we are, through our sins We are fiercely possessed by many ailments and are not imams of help and consolation: we resort to you, for you have given the grace to pray for us and heal every ailment and every illness; Grant therefore to all of us, through your holy prayers, health and well-being of souls and bodies, advancement of faith and piety, and everything necessary for temporary life and salvation, for, having been granted great and rich mercies by you, let us glorify you and the Giver of all good things, wondrous in the saints, God ours, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Order a prayer service
Why is congregational prayer necessary?
“How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live together!” – the psalmist king David said a long, long time ago. Loneliness is bitter and sometimes unbearable. After all, even joy is not joy when we have no one to share it with. What can we say then about grief, misfortune, suffering. Communication between those who understand each other and sympathize with each other is one of the greatest values. Even if they just talk kindly, listen to each other with genuine sympathy - this is a lot. But it is even more valuable when people connected by common pain unite in prayer.
The life of a believer is unthinkable without prayer. The more sincere the faith, the greater the need for a person to be alone with God from time to time. But if communication with the Lord occurs only “in private,” spiritual life becomes one-sided. Jesus Christ wants to see in us a faith that will not only unite us with Him, but also with each other. “...that they may all be one, just as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, so that they also may be one in Us,” (John 17:21) - the Lord prayed to His Father before going to Calvary. you and me.
In any endeavor, joint effort increases the result of the action. The same is true in relation to the matter of prayer. When several people pray together for the same thing, the power of prayer increases many times over.
The strongest, most effective and grace-filled common prayer is, of course, the Divine Liturgy. When the possibility of performing it is difficult and it is not possible to receive communion from the common Chalice, we can gather for a prayer service.
How to ask St. Nicholas the Wonderworker for help? How to pray to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
Saint Nicholas was born in Asia Minor in the 3rd century in the Greek colony of Patara in the Roman province of Lycia at a time when the region was Hellenistic in its culture and appearance. Nicholas was very religious from early childhood and devoted his life entirely to Christianity. It is believed that he was born to wealthy Christian parents in Patara, Lycia, where he also received his primary education.
Being the patron saint of sailors, Saint Nicholas is believed to have been a sailor or fisherman himself. It is also possible that one of his family's occupations was managing a fishing fleet. When his parents died, Saint Nicholas inherited their fortune, but he gave it to charity.
The initial period of Saint Nicholas' activity as a clergyman dates back to the reign of the Roman emperors Diocletian (reigned 284-305) and Maximian (reigned 286-305). In 303, Diocletian issued an edict legalizing the systematic persecution of Christians throughout the empire. After the abdication of both emperors on May 1, 305, changes occurred in the policy of their successors towards Christians. In the western part of the empire, Constantius Chlorus (r. 305–306) brought an end to systematic persecution upon his accession to the throne. In the eastern part, Galerius (r. 305–311) continued the persecution until 311, when he issued an edict of toleration on his deathbed. The persecutions of 303-311 are considered the longest in the history of the empire.
After the death of Galerius, his co-ruler Licinius (r. 307–324) was generally tolerant of Christians. As a result, Christian communities began to develop. Obviously, the bishopric of St. Nicholas in Myra dates back to this period. Saint Nicholas was loved and respected at home, not least because of his charitable activities.
The destruction of several pagan temples is also attributed to him - among them one of the temples of Artemis (also known as Diana).
Saint Nicholas is also known as the defender of the slandered, often saving them from the fate of those innocently condemned. He is also known for his prayers for sailors and other travelers. The veneration of St. Nicholas as a saint began relatively early. Justinian I, Emperor of Byzantium (Eastern Roman Empire) (reigned 527–565) built a temple in honor of St. Nicholas in Constantinople, the capital of the empire at the time.
Acts and miracles
Sailor Rescue
Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of seafarers, often turned to by sailors who are in danger of drowning or shipwreck. According to legend, as a young man, Nikolai went to study in Alexandria, and on one of his sea voyages from Myra to Alexandria he saved the life of a sailor who fell from a piece of ship's equipment in a storm. In a more colorful version of this legend, Nicholas rescued a sailor on his way from Alexandria back to Myra and took him with him to church upon arrival. At that moment, the former bishop had just died, and the church fathers were instructed in a dream to choose a “man of victory” (Nicaea in Greek) as the next bishop. While the saint was praying, the wild-tongued sailor blabbed to everyone how he had been miraculously saved by a man named Nikei-Laos, after which the church fathers had no choice but to appoint Nicholas as their new bishop.
Another legend tells how a terrible famine struck an island, and a malicious butcher lured three small children into his house in order to kill and cut them into pieces and put their remains in a barrel to pickle them and sell them as ham. Saint Nicholas, who was in those places to take care of the starving, not only foresaw the monstrous crime of the butcher, but even managed to resurrect three boys from a barrel.
According to another legend, Nicholas threw two bags of gold out the window and some coins into the chimney of one impoverished nobleman, wanting to help him woo his daughter in this way. The next morning, the girl woke up and noticed gold coins behind the fireplace, and her overjoyed father did not know who to thank for them. Thus, according to legend, the tradition of exchanging Christmas gifts was born.
Relics of St. Nicholas
Tomb of St. Nicholas in Bari Initially, St. Nicholas was buried in a church in the city of Demre. In May 1087, Italian merchants transported the relics of the saint to Italy and are currently in the crypt of the Basilica of St. Nicholas in the city of Bari (Italy).
Professor Luigi Martino, an anatomist from the University of Bari, in 1953, with the permission of the Vatican, during the opening of the tomb of St. Nicholas in Bari, carried out an examination and anatomical and anthropological studies of the relics stored in the tomb. X-rays of the Head and numerous craniometric measurements were taken, which in our time served as the basis for the British anthropologist Caroline Wilkinson and her colleagues from the University of Manchester to attempt to recreate the real appearance of St. Nicholas. As a result of studying the remains, it was established that the face depicted on the icons fully corresponds to the appearance of the person buried in the tomb.
About a third of the holy relics of St. Nicholas are kept in Venice (Lido Island); they were brought there ten years later than the removal of the main part of the relics by the Bargrads (Barians).
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Note to Nikolai Ugodnik: how to write and deliver a letter
Dear admirers of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker!
Our site provides you with a unique opportunity - to send a letter-note to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker through our editor of the “Saints” section - Natalia, who every Saturday goes to the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery (the place where the relics of St. Nicholas are located).
Natalia attaches all your notes to the relics of St. Nicholas the Pleasant and then places them in a nearby basket intended for letters from St. Nicholas.
This service is provided for a voluntary donation, which goes entirely to supporting the work of our website, thanks to which you have the opportunity to transmit notes from St. Nicholas the Pleasant and other saints, and read prayers online!
For all our donors, Natalia lights a large candle at the relics of St. Nicholas the Pleasant every Sunday!
Write a note >>
What is a note letter?
A letter-note is, as a rule, a small note with your request (or requests), presented in absolutely free form.
We don’t read the letters, we simply print them out and editor Natalia takes them to the relics of St. Nicholas, so write in your own words what is on your heart.
Write a note >>
In what life situations does Saint Nicholas help?
This question can be answered by thousands of recorded miracles, which indicate that St. Nicholas the Wonderworker miraculously helps solve absolutely any problem!
Most miracles occur in the healing of bodily ailments, and if you or your loved ones are sick in any way, ask St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, and he will help!
If you have difficulties in your family life, also ask St. Nicholas the Wonderworker!
If you have problems at work, contact him quickly!
And one more little tip: on Saturday afternoon, when Natalia takes your letters to the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, read the Akathist to him, and for such a serious approach you will receive what you ask for even faster!
Write a note >>
How can you send a letter-note to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker yourself?
If you have the appropriate opportunity to visit the monastery, then it is better to come to the temple in person and lay your letter yourself at the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
The address and directions to the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery in the Moscow region can be found on its official Internet resource - https://ugresha.org
Write a note >>
Notes to the monastery are sent solely on your voluntary donations. Which go towards paying for the road to the monastery, buying a large candle for each note, the rest is donated to maintaining the monastery.
Chasovnya.msk.ru - virtual chapel of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
Sorokoust is a forty-day commemoration of health (or repose) during the Liturgy with the removal of a particle from the prosphora for the person for whom prayers are asked, i.e. the priest takes the particles out of the prosphora and at the end of the Liturgy lowers these particles into the Holy Chalice, in which the Body and Blood of Christ are located, with the prayer: “Wash away, O Lord, the sins of those remembered here by Thy Honest Blood, by the prayers of Thy saints.” By performing this sacred rite, the grace of the Holy Spirit is given to the souls of people commemorated according to the notes. Sorokousts are ordered not only for repose, but also for health, especially for seriously ill people.
+ What is annual, semi-annual commemoration? Commemoration (prayer) for people for six months or a year. It can be “with a particle” (when every day for the entire duration of the proskomedia a particle is taken out of the prosphora) or “without a particle” (in this case, the names are recorded in the funeral synodik and the clergy of the temple or monastery pray for these during the specified period at each service people).
Repose notes.
The physical death of a person does not mean complete peace for the deceased. His soul may suffer, not find peace, it may be tormented by unrepentant sins and remorse. Therefore, we, the living, pray for the departed, asking God to give them peace and relief. + a simple note about repose. The priest mentions the names from the notes during prayer during the service. + Sorokoust is a forty-day commemoration of the repose of the soul during the Liturgy (for those who haven’t read it, I remind you first that Sorokoust also happens about health).
+ What is a Post Note. A note on the Days of Great Lent (for Lent) is a time of special prayer and a time of special remembrance of the departed. A special form of prayer for the deceased is the Postal Note. Priests read such notes throughout Lent until Wednesday of Holy Week.
+ what is a memorial service note? It is customary to celebrate memorial services on the third, ninth and fortieth day after death, on the birthdays of the deceased, name days, death, etc. If you have ordered a memorial service, it is advisable for you to be present during their service and pray fervently with the priest.
All read notes are burned in a special place.
