Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, became famous as a great saint of God. You will learn everything about this revered saint from this article! Days of memory of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker:

• December 6 (19) is the day of righteous death;
• May 9 (22) - the day of arrival of the relics in the city of Bari;
• July 29 (August 11) - the Nativity of St. Nicholas;
• every weekday Thursday.

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker: life

He was born in the city of Patara, Lycian region (on the southern coast of the Asia Minor Peninsula), and was the only son of pious parents Theophanes and Nonna, who vowed to dedicate him to God. The fruit of long prayers to the Lord of childless parents, the baby Nicholas from the day of his birth showed people the light of his future glory as a great wonderworker. His mother, Nonna, was immediately healed of her illness after giving birth. The newborn baby, still in the baptismal font, stood on his feet for three hours, unsupported by anyone, thus giving honor to the Most Holy Trinity. Saint Nicholas in infancy began a life of fasting, took his mother’s milk on Wednesdays and Fridays, only once, after evening prayers parents.

From childhood, Nikolai excelled in the study of Divine Scripture; During the day he did not leave the temple, and at night he prayed and read books, creating within himself a worthy dwelling of the Holy Spirit. His uncle, Bishop Nicholas of Patara, rejoicing at the spiritual success and high piety of his nephew, made him a reader, and then elevated Nicholas to the rank of priest, making him his assistant and instructing him to speak instructions to the flock. While serving the Lord, the young man was burning in spirit, and in his experience in matters of faith he was like an old man, which aroused the surprise and deep respect of the believers.

Constantly working and vigilant, being in unceasing prayer, Presbyter Nicholas showed great mercy to his flock, coming to the aid of the suffering, and distributed all his property to the poor. Having learned about the bitter need and poverty of one previously rich resident of his city, Saint Nicholas saved him from great sin. Having three adult daughters, the desperate father planned to give them over to fornication to save them from hunger. The saint, grieving for the dying sinner, secretly threw three bags of gold out his window at night and thereby saved the family from fall and spiritual death. When giving alms, Saint Nicholas always tried to do it secretly and hide his good deeds.

Going to worship the holy places in Jerusalem, the Bishop of Patara entrusted the management of the flock to Saint Nicholas, who carried out obedience with care and love. When the bishop returned, he, in turn, asked for a blessing to travel to the Holy Land. On the way, the saint predicted an approaching storm that threatened to sink the ship, for he saw the devil himself entering the ship. At the request of desperate travelers, he pacified the sea waves with his prayer. Through his prayer, one ship's sailor, who fell from the mast and fell to his death, was restored to health.

Having reached ancient city Jerusalem, Saint Nicholas, having ascended to Golgotha, thanked the Savior of the human race and walked around all the holy places, worshiping and praying. At night on Mount Zion, the locked doors of the church opened by themselves in front of the great pilgrim who came. Having visited the shrines associated with the earthly ministry of the Son of God, Saint Nicholas decided to retire into the desert, but was stopped by a Divine voice, exhorting him to return to his homeland.

Returning to Lycia, the saint, striving for a silent life, entered the brotherhood of the monastery called Holy Zion. However, the Lord again announced a different path awaiting him: “Nicholas, this is not the field in which you must bear the fruit I expect; but turn and go into the world, and may My Name be glorified in you.” In a vision, the Lord gave him the Gospel in an expensive package, and Holy Mother of God- omophorion.

And indeed, after the death of Archbishop John, he was elected Bishop of Myra in Lycia after one of the bishops of the Council, which was deciding the issue of electing a new archbishop, was shown in a vision the chosen one of God - Saint Nicholas. Called to shepherd the Church of God in the rank of bishop, Saint Nicholas remained the same great ascetic, showing to his flock the image of meekness, gentleness and love for people.

This was especially dear to the Lycian Church during the persecution of Christians under the emperor Diocletian (284-305). Bishop Nicholas, imprisoned along with other Christians, supported them and exhorted them to firmly endure the bonds, torture and torment. The Lord preserved him unharmed. Upon the accession of Saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine, Saint Nicholas was returned to his flock, who joyfully met their mentor and intercessor.

Despite his great meekness of spirit and purity of heart, Saint Nicholas was a zealous and daring warrior of the Church of Christ. Fighting against the spirits of evil, the saint went around pagan temples and temples in the city of Myra itself and its environs, crushing idols and turning the temples to dust. In 325, Saint Nicholas was a participant in the First Ecumenical Council, which adopted the Nicene Creed, and took up arms with Saints Sylvester, Pope of Rome, Alexander of Alexandria, Spyridon of Trimythous and others from the 318 holy fathers of the Council against the heretic Arius.

In the heat of denunciation, Saint Nicholas, burning with zeal for the Lord, even strangled the false teacher, for which he was deprived of his holy omophorion and put into custody. However, it was revealed to several holy fathers in a vision that the Lord Himself and the Mother of God ordained the saint as a bishop, giving him the Gospel and an omophorion. The Fathers of the Council, realizing that the boldness of the saint was pleasing to God, glorified the Lord, and restored His holy saint to the rank of hierarch. Returning to his diocese, the saint brought her peace and blessing, sowing the word of Truth, cutting off at the very root wrong-thinking and vain wisdom, denouncing inveterate heretics and healing those who had fallen and deviated through ignorance. He was truly the light of the world and the salt of the earth, for his life was light and his word was dissolved with the salt of wisdom.

During his lifetime the saint performed many miracles. Of these, the saint gained the greatest fame for his deliverance from the death of three husbands, unjustly condemned by the self-interested mayor. The saint boldly approached the executioner and held his sword, which was already raised above the heads of the condemned. The mayor, convicted by Saint Nicholas of untruth, repented and asked him for forgiveness. Three military leaders sent by Emperor Constantine to Phrygia were present. They did not yet suspect that they would soon also have to seek the intercession of St. Nicholas, since they had been undeservedly slandered before the emperor and doomed.

Appearing in a dream to Saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine, Saint Nicholas called on him to release the military leaders unjustly condemned to death, who, while in prison, prayerfully called on the saint for help. He performed many other miracles, laboring in his ministry for many years. Through the prayers of the saint, the city of Myra was saved from severe famine. Appearing in a dream to an Italian merchant and leaving him three gold coins as a pledge, which he found in his hand, waking up the next morning, he asked him to sail to Myra and sell the grain there. More than once the saint saved those drowning in the sea, and brought them out of captivity and imprisonment in dungeons.

Having reached a very old age, Saint Nicholas peacefully departed to the Lord († 345-351). His venerable relics were kept incorrupt in the local cathedral church and exuded healing myrrh, from which many received healings. In 1087, his relics were transferred to the Italian city of Bari, where they rest to this day (May 22, BC, May 9, SS).

The name of the great saint of God, Saint and Wonderworker Nicholas, a quick helper and man of prayer for all who flock to him, has become glorified in all corners of the earth, in many countries and peoples. In Rus', many cathedrals, monasteries and churches are dedicated to his holy name. There is, perhaps, not a single city without St. Nicholas Church.

In the name of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, the Kiev prince Askold, the first Russian Christian prince († 882), was baptized by the holy Patriarch Photius in 866. Above the grave of Askold is a saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Olga(July 11) erected the first church of St. Nicholas in the Russian Church in Kyiv. The main cathedrals were dedicated to St. Nicholas in Izborsk, Ostrov, Mozhaisk, Zaraysk. In Novgorod the Great, one of the main churches of the city is the St. Nicholas Church (XII), which later became a cathedral.

There are famous and revered St. Nicholas churches and monasteries in Kyiv, Smolensk, Pskov, Toropets, Galich, Arkhangelsk, Veliky Ustyug, and Tobolsk. Moscow was famous for several dozen churches dedicated to the saint; three Nikolsky monasteries were located in the Moscow diocese: Nikolo-Grechesky (Old) - in Kitai-Gorod, Nikolo-Perervinsky and Nikolo-Ugreshsky. One of the main towers of the Moscow Kremlin is called Nikolskaya.

Most often, churches to the saint were erected in trading areas by Russian merchants, sailors and explorers, who revered the wonderworker Nicholas as the patron saint of all travelers on land and sea. Sometimes they were popularly called “Nikola the Wet”. Many rural churches in Rus' are dedicated to the wonderworker Nicholas, the merciful representative before the Lord of all people in their labors, sacredly revered by the peasants. And Saint Nicholas does not abandon the Russian land with his intercession. Ancient Kyiv preserves the memory of the miracle of the saint’s rescue of a drowned baby. The great wonderworker, having heard the mournful prayers of the parents who had lost their only heir, took the baby out of the water at night, revived him and placed him in the choir of the Church of St. Sophia in front of his miraculous image. Here the rescued baby was found in the morning by happy parents, who glorified St. Nicholas the Wonderworker with the multitude of people.

Many miraculous icons of St. Nicholas appeared in Russia and came from other countries. This is an ancient Byzantine half-length image of the saint (XII), brought to Moscow from Novgorod, and a huge icon painted in the 13th century by a Novgorod master.

Two images of the miracle worker are especially common in the Russian Church: St. Nicholas of Zaraisk - full-length, with a blessing right hand and the Gospel (this image was brought to Ryazan in 1225 by the Byzantine princess Eupraxia, who became the wife of the Ryazan prince Theodore and died in 1237 with her husband and baby - son during the invasion of Batu), and St. Nicholas of Mozhaisk - also full-length, with a sword in his right hand and a city in his left - in memory miraculous salvation, through the prayers of the saint, the city of Mozhaisk from the attack of the enemy. It's impossible to list everything blessed icons Saint Nicholas. Every Russian city, every temple is blessed with such an icon through the prayers of the saint.

Icons, frescoes and mosaics with the image of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

Sacred Tradition, of which church art is a part, has accurately preserved for centuries the portrait features of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. His appearance on icons he was always distinguished by a pronounced individuality, so even a person not experienced in the field of iconography can easily recognize the image of this saint.

Local veneration of Archbishop Mir Lycian Nicholas began soon after his death, and veneration throughout the entire Christian world took shape throughout the 4th - 7th centuries. However, due to iconoclastic persecutions, the iconography of the saint developed quite late, only in the 10th - 11th centuries. The oldest image of the saint in monumental painting is in the Roman church of Santa Maria Antiqua.

St. Nikolai with his life. 1st half of the 13th century Monastery of St. Catherine, Sinai

Icon from the Holy Spiritual Monastery. Middle 13th century Novgorod. Russian Museum, St. Petersburg.

Nikola. 1st half of the 14th century Rostov. Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow

Icon placed in 1327 by the Serbian Tsar Stefan III (Uros) in the Basilica of St. Nicholas. Bari, Italy

Painting on the Nikolskaya Tower of the Moscow Kremlin. Late 15th – early 16th centuries.

Nikola Zaraisky with the hallmarks of his life. 1st half of the 16th century Vologda. Vologda Regional Museum of Local Lore

Nikola Mozhaisky. Veil. 2nd half of the 16th century Russian Museum, St. Petersburg.

Nikola Dvorishchsky with St. Savva and Varvara. Con. XVII century. Moscow. State historical Museum, Moscow

Days of remembrance of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker - May 22, December 19 in 2019

Have you read the article Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker: life, icons, miracles. Pay attention to other materials on the website “Orthodoxy and the World”:

This great saint is one of the most revered among Orthodox Christians. Even during his earthly stay among the living, he received from the Lord an amazing gift to perform all kinds of miracles. Therefore, he very quickly became an object of worship for all true believers.

His holy relics are placed in the Cathedral of the Italian city of Bari. Christians come here from all over the world to venerate them. There are many legends about miraculous cases of complete recovery of sick people upon contact with them.

Image of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

The life of the saint was distinguished by amazing kindness, righteousness, and courage.

He was born around the third century AD to a very ordinary parents, but over the years, thanks to his amazing religiosity, he became a clergyman.

Gradually he was noticed and even promoted to Bishop of Myra, located in modern Turkey.

He lived in very difficult times. Then it was necessary to have considerable courage so as not to lose one’s dignity. It was especially difficult for those who chose for themselves the path of faith in Jesus Christ. Such people were often threatened with martyrdom.

He was actively involved in healing, helping different people, who found themselves in difficult life circumstances and even knew how to resurrect from the dead. God sent him enormous powers that could overcome any misfortune and help those in need.

Nicholas the Wonderworker became especially famous for his sacrifice a large sum money to unknown girls to get married. As a result, they were freed from prostitution.

He was an ardent supporter of early Christianity. At the first Ecumenical Council, he presented special evidence of the truth of faith in Jesus Christ.

He was given a lot from above, which brought him to the forefront among the revered church leaders. Moreover, his glory does not fade even today. Nicholas the Wonderworker died when he was an elderly man. Many people mourned for him. Among them were travelers, widows and orphans, the poor and the oppressed. He helped everyone during his lifetime.

Therefore, the Saint is revered almost throughout the Christian world and especially in Russia. His icon has a very powerful impact to the whole atmosphere in the house.

Adults and children, men and women pray to her. Usually she is the first person to turn to in case of any serious difficulties. Moreover, help comes very quickly, reliably and for a long time.

Therefore, one should not be surprised that almost every person has an icon of St. Nicholas. She is miraculous and always protects people during their tearful prayers. Many believers have it as a talisman against illness, sorrow and misfortune.

People turn to the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker every time difficult case, knowing that the Saint will not refuse a truly believer’s request. In case of any misfortune or problems in business, he will always become an intercessor to the one praying. His image is placed in many churches.

The most famous of them are the following:

• Yelekhovsky Cathedral.
• Kolpino Church Holy Trinity"Kulich and Easter".
• Moscow Cathedral of Christ the Savior.
• Presnensky Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist.
• Church of the Transfiguration in Sands.

Therefore, it is not surprising that one of the most common Russian names among men is Nikolai. Parents called the boys this, hoping that his kindness, wisdom, modesty and righteousness would be passed on to them.

When is it necessary to pray to St. Nicholas the Pleasant?

Even after death, people very often turned to the Saint for help with:

• the impending threat of divorce;
• the troubles that small children got into;
• poverty;
• the emergence of a hopeless situation;
• difficulties in long journeys;
• suspicion of causing damage.

There are a lot of things that St. Nicholas the Wonderworker actively helps with. He provides strong intercession when a person comes into power evil spirits or with obsession.

The saint is the patron saint of young girls experiencing significant difficulties with marriage, helps widows with children find financial means of subsistence, and helps poor people gain prosperity.

He helps sailors, merchants, innocent convicts, discouraged or military personnel captured by the enemy.

Nicholas the Wonderworker provides assistance when a long-term enmity has arisen that both sides cannot overcome. He patronizes soldiers performing their duty on the fields of difficult battles. The saint promotes the rapid onset of peace and the preservation of the lives of the warriors fighting for it.

Nicholas the Wonderworker, in his extraordinary kindness, provides significant support even to those who find themselves in prison. He is especially attentive to that person who has sincerely repented or wants to take the righteous path.

He helps him find a job, earn an honest living, and find a family. For those who are still on trial, the Saint helps them avoid punishment if they are completely innocent or mitigate the punishment if they are involved in criminal activity. But only on condition of repentance and correction of the sinner.

It is also worth mentioning what people most often pray to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker for.

He is capable of:

It is also advisable to turn to the Mother of God in order to convey to the Lord your needs in all their completeness.

The most common appeals to the Saint

The main prayers to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker are the following:

The most powerful prayer to Nicholas

“Oh, all-holy Nicholas, exceedingly saintly 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".

Prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker for protection

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 strengthener, the fasting mentor, the toiling rapture, the poor and needy 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 kept 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.

Turning to the Saint for help with various life difficulties

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.

A request to Nicholas the Wonderworker for help with marriage, prosperity or salvation

“Oh, all-holy Nicholas, exceedingly pleasing servant of the Lord! During your life, you have never refused anyone’s requests, but do not refuse the servant of God (the name of the girl who wants to get married). Send down your mercy and ask the Lord for my speedy marriage. I surrender to the will of the Lord and trust in His mercy. Amen".

Prayer for Healing

“O all-holy Nicholas, exceedingly saintly servant of the Lord, our warm intercessor, and everywhere in sorrow a quick helper, help me, a sinner and saddened one, in this life, beg the Lord God to grant me forgiveness of all my sins, which I have sinned greatly from my youth, in everything my life, 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 yours
merciful intercession, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen"

Seeking help with long-term treatment for the most serious illnesses

O 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!

You can ask the Saint for intercession every day, but the most effective prayer becomes the twenty-second of May, during the veneration of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, the nineteenth of December, on the day of his death and the eleventh of August, the date of his appearance in the world.

On days like this, as well as on other days, one should turn to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker with prayers for help in various life situations, with a request for intercession or with words of gratitude.

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Saint Nicholas - the most revered Russian saint Orthodox Church. Nicholas the Wonderworker can help in the most difficult everyday situations if you know how to correctly turn to him in prayer.

No saint of the Orthodox Church is revered as much as St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. His life amazes with the abundance of facts about miraculous healings and helping people in hopeless situations. Most often they pray to the saint for maintaining peace in the family, obedience of children and help on long journeys.

Memorable dates of St. Nicholas

People have long revered and loved Nicholas the Wonderworker: many churches and chapels were built in his honor, they pray to him for deliverance from troubles, for protection from evil forces and harmony in the family.

Since 2004, Orthodox Christians have celebrated the birth of the saint: the memorable date is celebrated with a liturgy and prayer service on August 11. The saint's death day is also commemorated - December 19th. This day is popularly called St. Nicholas the Winter, and on this day most people listen to folk signs about the difficult day of commemoration of the deceased saint.

What do they pray to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker for?

According to the Holy Scriptures, even in infancy, Nicholas the Wonderworker behaved differently from other children: on Wednesdays and Fridays he took his mother’s milk once a day, did not get sick and did not cry like other babies. Growing up, Nikolai showed everything great love and zeal for studying the Law of God, and when the time came, he chose the path of the priest for himself.

The saint went through a difficult path from a novice to the rector of the Lycian Church. He survived the persecution of Christians, continuing to secretly help people through means, intercessions and good deeds. Researchers cannot say in what year Nikolai left this world: only the day of his death is known - December 19. After his death, the saint's relics are kept in Italy, and millions of pilgrims annually claim miracles that happen to them after venerating the saint.

It is customary to pray to Nicholas the Wonderworker:

• about travelers or missing persons;
• about terminally ill patients;
• about sick children;
• about those in prison;
• about peace and harmony in the family;
• about resolving monetary debts.

Prayers to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker should be read sincerely and with all your heart, wanting to save yourself and save your loved ones from a difficult or dangerous situation. Orthodox believe that the saint will not leave them in trouble, and they find confirmation of their faith. We wish you peace in your soul and inner balance. Be happy and don't forget to press the buttons and

12.12.2016 07:02

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He has enormous fame in the Christian world. He committed a large number of miracles during his life, as well as after his own death. Despite being born in Lycia, the name venerable elder widespread in Russia.

Nicholas the Wonderworker. Icon from the Holy Spiritual Monastery. Middle 13th century Novgorod. Russian Museum

Iconography

The icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is a guarantor of people’s protection from terrible disasters and diseases. It helps in finding your other half, heals from ailments and restores peace to the soul.

More prayers to Saint Nicholas:

The portrait features of St. Nicholas have been accurately preserved for many centuries. His appearance always stood out for his independent and memorable personality. This is proven by the fact that even a person who rarely prays easily recognizes the face of the venerable elder.

Local veneration of Nicholas of Lycia began immediately after the death of the Saint, and global fame throughout the Christian world came to his relics and icons in the period from the 4th to the 7th centuries. However, due to Christian persecution, the iconography of St. Nicholas was formed only in the 10th century. The very first image (wall painting) of the monk is located in the Church of Antiqua (Rome). Frescoes and mosaics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker were displayed in the cathedrals of Constantinople, Kyiv and Staraya Ladoga.

The image of the saint was in the decoration of Byzantine churches and Ancient Rus'. Here it was placed both individually and in a church composition.

• The right hand of the Pleasant makes a blessing movement, and in his left hand he holds Holy Gospel.
• The saint's vestments include a chasuble, a phelonion (sleeveless outer monastic robe) and an omophorion (amice).
• In the structure of most shrines, the viewer observes images of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ, placed in oval medallions. The Most Pure Mother and the Son of God return the omophorion (amice) and the Holy Gospel to the venerable elder - objects of bishop's honor.
• Since the 15th century, an icon in honor of “Nicholas of Mozhaisk” has been displayed in Russian churches. It creatively replicates the wooden statue that patronized Mozhaisk.
• The saint was often depicted as a militant defender with a sword in his right hand. Such iconography was borrowed by Russian masters from Romanesque art.
• The image of a holy warrior, averting threats from his homeland, gained great popularity in Rus', which waged continuous wars between the 15th and 16th centuries. The sword symbolized God's Word, cutting through all kinds of sins.
• “Nicholas of Zaraisky” is a famous image where the monk is depicted with outstretched arms. His right hand performs a blessing, and his left hand holds the Gospel. This style of icon is extremely common in Christian art and is called “oranta”.

Most other images of the Wonderworker do not differ fundamentally from those listed above: they fit correctly into traditional iconography. Such images are glorified by miracles and are named after the place where they were found.

Interesting! The most ancient icon Pleasant, famous christian church, is considered to be an image of Nicholas with the Messiah and many saints in the margins. The canvas differs in that the reverend elder does not make a blessing gesture right hand. The monks call this movement a "gesture of speech" as pointing to the Holy Scriptures.

Worship of believers to the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior

What does the holy face help with?

The holy elder is often called the “quick to hear” because he quite quickly answers every person who reads the prayer service. If the request remains unanswered, you need to reconsider your way of thinking and acting. A person must change his own attitude towards the environment, learn to help, despite selfish impulses.

The answer comes only to those who read prayers from a pure heart and with full faith.

The venerable elder was extremely loved by ordinary people from the people; he always responded to calls for help. That is why his holy relics and images attract so many believers.

• The icon of St. Nicholas the Pleasant helps to resist injustice on the part of superiors or the government.
• Prayers before images of the venerable elder protect the innocently convicted. The ever-memorable elder always stood up for the Supreme Truth, averting untruth from the victims of fate.
• The shrines of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker are considered as heavenly patrons orphans, children and widows who have lost their support. The monk devoted his entire life to destitute, grieving and unhappy people; his first desire was to do good to his neighbor.
• The saint protects travelers and makes the road much safer. To protect yourself from accidents, you need to pray to the Holy Spirit, and then personally ask Nicholas for safety.

The holy face is present in many homes of believers, as well as in vehicles. Ordinary people they turn to saints with personal problems, because they do not want to distract the Almighty Lord over trifles. This is not entirely true, because God knows everything and is able to solve any problem. Remembering the holy images, it is necessary to mentally approach the True Father, who will dispel the darkness of ignorance.

Advice! The Orthodox tradition knows many prayers addressed to St. Nicholas the Pleasant. The believer must choose it according to the result he wants to receive. The prayer method of conversion has been known since ancient times and is rightly considered a guarantee of protection from troubles.

By reading the sacred words in front of the image, a person clears the mind of the taint of an ignorant vision of the world.

Icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

Miracles of Nikolai Ugodnik

Extraordinary events took place in many parts of the world and our country.

• In the 11th century, a baby drowned in the Dnieper. The parents sincerely and mournfully prayed to the Pleasant for his return. Soon the child was found alive, healthy and wet under the shrine of the reverend elder. It was then that the icon was recognized as miraculous and began to be called “Nicholas the Wet”. Only a copy of this shrine survived until 1920, and during the 1941 war it disappeared forever from the church world.
• The chronicles state: the Novgorod ruler Mstislav, suffering from a serious illness, saw the Venerable Wonderworker in a dream. He ordered the prince to transfer his own image to Novgorod from Kyiv. The ambassadors were caught in an unforgiving storm on Lake Ilmen and moored on the island of Lipno to wait out the bad weather. Here they stayed for four days and saw the icon of St. Nicholas the Pleasant arriving on the waves, for which they were heading to Kyiv. Prince Mstislav was healed and placed the shrine in St. Nicholas Cathedral. A monastery was soon built on the island of Lipno in honor of the discovery of the icon.
• When Mozhaisk came under enemy attack, the Mirlikian Ugodnik rushed to defend the city. He hovered in the air above the main temple, holding a heavenly blade in his right hand, and in his left hand was a miniature model of the church being protected. The enemies who saw this miracle were filled with horror and retreated. Residents of Mozhaisk, in gratitude for saving the city, created a carved image of the saint. Today this sculpture is kept in the Tretyakov Gallery.
• In 1225, the image of the Pleasant, which was called “Nikola of Mozhaisk,” was transferred to the Ryazan land from Korsun. Here the shrine performed incredible miracles, healing people and defending the city from enemies.

Reverence

In Russian Orthodox tradition St. Nicholas is remembered three times a year. For each celebration there is an individual hymnography.

• December 19 marks the day of the death of the reverend elder.
• On May 22 the arrival of the remains in Bari is celebrated. Elsewhere in Christendom this event was rejected for ulterior reasons. In Rus', this date was established through the efforts of Metropolitan John II.
• On August 11, the church celebrates the birth of St. Nicholas the Pleasant. In Byzantium they compiled a specific service for this celebration. The repose of the saint is the only memory of Greek origin.

In Russia the name St. Nicholas The Wonderworker is extremely significant, and the number of his icons is equal to that of the Most Pure Virgin. In May 2017, the Orthodox Church agreed with representatives of Catholicism to transfer a small part of the relics to the Church of the Savior.

Churches in honor of St. Nicholas the Pleasant:

• Church of St. Nicholas in Zelenograd

Nicholas the Wonderworker is one of the most beloved and revered in Christian faith saints He was born in the province of Lycia and gave his life to serve Christ. Bishop Nicholas of Patarsky, uncle of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, first made his nephew a reader, then elevated him to the rank of priest. Since then now famous Nikolai The saint became the bishop's assistant and prepared teachings for the flock.

Actions during life

His parents were wealthy people, after their death Nikolai Ugodnik inherited all the property they had acquired and donated 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 to God so earnestly that he died on the journey the sailor 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 you get married. Sad story connected with a family where the 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. Evidence collected around the world tells how St. Nicholas the Wonderworker helps in finding 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 person. This happened because the Lord showed the saint the true picture in advance, and later evidence was found of the prisoners’ innocence. Since then everything innocently convicted turn 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

Among modern people a lot of atheists. But 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 St. Nicholas the Wonderworker for help in any situation, whether it relates to travel, his above-mentioned acts 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 parents need to let them out of sight, but before that they asked Nikolai Ugodnik 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 her without attention.

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 can ask of any nationality and any religion. 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:

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 speak 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.

Shrines related to the Saint

It is known that Nicholas the Wonderworker lived very long life. But him exact date death was not indicated anywhere; the chronicles contain data about the middle of the 4th century. The day of death is recorded as December 6 (19), and the Nativity of St. Nicholas is July 29 (August 11). Memorial Day of the Saint - May 9 (22). On this day many come from different corners land to touch his relics. A basilica was built in Bari, one column of which was retrieved from the bottom of the sea by Nicholas of Merliki himself. It was surrounded by bars, but everyone who was nearby tries to stick their hand through the bars to touch that very piece from the life of everyone’s beloved saint.

In any church there must be an icon with the face of this saint. In the church of the city of Myra, where Bishop Nicholas served, his incorruptible relics remain, which began to stream myrrh. Miro helped believers to be healed of various diseases. The Italian basilica also contains part of the relics of Nicholas. It was the relics that served as the reason for the construction of the basilica in honor of Nicholas. A small part of the relics still remains in Myra, but the rest was transported to Venice.

Such an act with the division of relics according to different countries explained by the fact that in 792 there was an attack on the shrines in Myra. A storm arose at sea and the enemy ships sank. When attacked by Italians tomb with myrrh-streaming relics was devastated by the enemy, but small fragments remained in it, making up about a fifth of the skeleton.

Saint Nicholas remains the most revered saint among Orthodox Christians. Every child initially knew his name, because until the beginning of the 20th century, babies were named in his honor. East Slavic traditions bring the cult of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker closer to the Mother of God and Christ. His image among the Eastern and Western Slavs is associated with a guide to another world. Many believe that prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker is the main condition for saving the soul after earthly life.

Honoring

The feast of the transfer of relics that same year began to be celebrated only in Bari. At the beginning of the 11th century, the holiday was established in Rus'. Honoring Nicholas the Wonderworker takes place every Thursday, in churches it is accompanied by chants. In 2009, part of the relics was transferred to the Russian Orthodox Church. An agreement was concluded between the patriarchs that more relics would be transported to Russia, only a small part of them would remain in Bari.

The icon of the saint has its own meaning for each parishioner and acts differently, but it has always been a symbol of the protection of the people. A kind of talisman that helps people, whether they are believers or not. They prefer to worship the original icon, but you can purchase a copy at any church shop. When spoken special prayer the effect of the icon intensifies.

Feast of St. Nicholas the Pleasant celebrated at 3 different days, for this reason, people choose their icon of the Saint based on what time of year is closer to them. “St. Nicholas of the Winter” is depicted on icons wearing a bishop’s miter, in this it differs from the icon of “St. Nicholas of the Spring,” where he is depicted with his head uncovered. But they have the same meaning and the same miraculous effect, so it doesn’t matter what time of year anyone chooses.

Identification with Santa

For many, Nicholas the Pleasant is identified with God. This applies not only to Christians, but also to other religions. Even Santa Claus, who seems so far from Christianity, is the image of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker dressed in a fairy tale. Every child in European countries and America believes in this good wizard in a red suit. But at the same time, every child knows that he comes once a year only for Christmas, and if the child behaved badly over the past year, Santa Claus will give him a coal instead of a gift. This misconception has nothing to do with Nicholas the Wonderworker. He always comes to the aid of those who ask him for it. The child does not always realize how and why he did what he did, therefore punishment in the form of a coal under the tree is unacceptable.

Identifying with it fairy-tale character has been going on since the time when the story happened with the father of three girls. Someone mentioned that Bishop Nicholas threw it down the chimney bag of gold coins. As you know, Santa Claus also uses the chimney to get into the house. Children who know about St. Nicholas the Wonderworker know that it is not Santa who comes to them on December 19, but the beloved saint, who leaves gifts.

No matter who asks for help, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker will always provide it. Words spoken from the heart will be heard and conveyed to the Lord. You can ask for anything; the peace-loving saint will not leave any request unattended.