Today, this marvelous holiday, deeply revered by our ancestors, is just beginning to return to consciousness. Orthodox Rus'. Therefore, it is natural that for the majority, even church people, August 11 is in no way associated with the memory of the great saint of God. Even for scientists, the Christmas holiday is the most mysterious of all church memories associated with the name of the saint. It is not known exactly when and where this holiday was first established. Was it celebrated in Byzantium or does it belong to the Russian memory? What "status" did he have among other commemorations of the church year? This holiday is not found in any modern Local Orthodox Church. Today, the Nativity of St. Nicholas is an exclusively Russian church tradition, which, however, has ancient historical roots (it has been known since the 12th-13th centuries). It was the absence of the holiday in the calendars of other Orthodox Churches that most likely became the reason for the abolition of its celebration in the Russian Church during the reign of Catherine II.
Nevertheless, by the Providence of God, the good tradition of celebrating the Nativity of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is returning to the Russian Orthodox Church. And we should take a closer look at the meaning of this Holiday in order to know its depth and importance.
First of all, let us pay attention to the fact that in the Orthodox Church, in addition to the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, the birthdays of only three holy people are celebrated - Holy Mother of God John the Baptist and Saint Nicholas. And if the memories of the birth of the Mother of God and the Forerunner of the Lord John are closely connected with the coming of the Savior into the world, they constitute a kind of prologue to this event, then the Nativity of St. Nicholas seems to fall out of this line and may even seem somewhat artificial.
However, if we turn to the liturgical texts of the Nativity, we will see that the celebrated event in them takes on a universal scale:
“Come, all the good saints, therefore, the kings and princes and dignitaries and all the people, husbands and wives, youth and virgins and all ages and all property, according to we sing, the all-honorable and glorious Nativity of St. Nicholas the all-blessed ...”; “Your wonderful and glorious Christmas, St. Nicholas, the Orthodox Church is celebrating brightly today ...”
This universal scale of the birth of a righteous man, even if he is so revered and dearly loved, can really cause bewilderment. Moreover, in the hymns in honor of the saint one can notice clear parallels with the glorification of the Mother of God. “Today, the prosperous Nona gives birth to the God-chosen child in the Dwelling of all the King and Builder Christ God…” is sung in one of the stichera of the holiday. This is a paraphrase from the service of the Nativity of the Virgin: “Today, barren Anna gives birth to the Mother of God, chosen from all generations in the Dwelling of all the King and Builder Christ God ....” Also in the line: “This is the day of joy, rejoice, people ...” (option: “This is the day of the Lord, rejoice, people ...”), from the obedience to St. Nicholas, hymns begin, repeated several times in the service to the Nativity of the Virgin.
We see amazing parallels when the Mother of God and the saint are called the “House of all the Tsar and Builder”. We are timidly perplexed by the comparison of the greatness of the birthday of the One Whose appearance in the world directly announced the imminent coming of the Savior, and only one of the righteous. But all this is not accidental, the Church teaches us an important lesson here.
After the Savior's coming into the world, after His death on the cross and resurrection, every human person who participates in Christ becomes the highest value of the Universe. Surprisingly, in the life of one who has received the Son of God into his heart, the glory of God Himself is imprinted. The life of one person becomes significant for the whole Universe. And only Christian faith, unity with the Savior fills human life with such a meaning.
We are often dissatisfied with our life, the circumstances or situations that enter into it, burdening us with everyday worries. Rare joyful moments that one has to experience lose their color too quickly in the variegation of everyday life. Even such an event as the birth of a child does not always please loved ones for a long time. Everyday life and the realities of life, unfortunately, often take their toll. But now, from the vaults of the temple, slightly illuminated by the quiet evening light, touching words come down to us: “Rejoice, Feofane and Nono, from them the salvation of man is born ... Feofane, rejoice, Nono, rejoice glorifying the True Saint and Deliverer Jesus, the One Lord.” Here the joy is completely different, the joy is real, enduring, heavenly, because it is filled with hope, trust in God!
« Universal joy from the righteous ascension to us, from Theophan and Nona ... ”- continues to be heard even in the most secret corner of the temple. “Come, all idlers, the honorable Nativity of St. Nicholas of God is praised ...” - call the co-servants to the priests heavenly forces everyone standing in the house of the Heavenly Father.
The wondrous feast of the Nativity reveals to us the greatness of that gift of Grace, which the Savior bestows on everyone who comes to Him with a pure heart. This is an amazing anthem of the unity of man with God, the glorification of the Son of God, who made the Redemption of the human race. Everything here reminds of the closeness of God to man. Everything is full of touching promises of true joy, glory and eternal life for those who will tirelessly grow in determination to follow Christ.
“Triumph all earthly people, rejoice spiritually, all idlers, on the glorious Nativity of the Holy Hierarch of Christ and the miracle worker Nicholas, praying unceasingly to Christ God for our soul,” we hear the call again and again to draw closer in heart to the great saint of God. In an incomprehensible way for us, absolutely new dimensions appear in this holiday human life. The birth of a baby, the same person as each of us, becomes a worldwide celebration. The joy of pious spouses overcomes centuries and millennia without diminishing in the least... But the answer to this bewilderment is not lost in the past, it fills us with the hope that everyone can know the same joy in their life. The answer is heard in every phrase, every word of worship: draw near to God - and He will grant you eternity, bring peace, make you His...
On August 11, 2018, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Nativity of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, one of the most revered saints in Russia. We tell you who Saint Nicholas is, what the believers ask him to do, and what not to do on the feast of the Nativity of Nicholas the Wonderworker.
Who is Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker?
Saint Nicholas was born in the region of Lycia in Asia Minor. From childhood, he was pious and spent a lot of time in the temple, and when he grew up, he became a priest. Subsequently, Saint Nicholas became an archbishop in Mir. He was an implacable fighter against paganism and a defender of Christianity. According to legend, even during his lifetime, the saint became famous for his miracles. He lived to a ripe old age and died a natural death.
What is another name for Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker?
The veneration of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in the Orthodox Church is widespread, therefore the saint has many “names”: St. Nicholas, Nikolai the Pleasant, Miracle Worker of the World of Lycian, Nicholas of Myra. There may also be nicknames formed from the seasons - Nikola Veshny (spring), Nikola Summer, as well as Winter and Autumn.
Holidays in honor of Nicholas the Wonderworker: dates
- December 19 - the day of the death of Nicholas the Wonderworker (in the folk calendar, this is Nicholas the Winter);
- May 22 - the day of the transfer of the relics of Nicholas the Wonderworker from the World of Lycian to Bari (Nikola Veshny or Summer);
- August 11 is the birthday of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (St. Nicholas of the Autumn).
All these dates do not change from year to year, they are constant.
What can not be done on the Nativity of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker?
The rules about what not to do on a church holiday have developed a very long time ago. They limit hard work and remind believers of the need to dedicate this day to God and loved ones.
- You can not work in the garden and in the garden;
- You can not sew and knit;
- You can not swear, swear and quarrel with loved ones.
- You can not do cleaning and washing.
These rules must be approached consciously. If the holiday falls on a working day, then you need to go to work. The main thing is to try to go to the temple or at least pray at home.
What do they pray to Nicholas the Wonderworker?
Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker is traditionally considered the patron of travelers and sailors, unjustly convicted and children. He is prayed for a happy family life. This does not mean that the saint helps only in certain situations: Orthodox saints are asked for help with completely different life difficulties.
Standing in front of the icon, people do not often think about what kind of life this or that saint had. But the faces have ordinary human features, names, and hence fates. Each of them had a birthday, their own life path filled with pain, trials and great love. The Christian righteous Nicholas the Ugodnik also had a joyful event - the birth.
The exact date has not been preserved, but the Russian Orthodox Church decided to celebrate the Nativity of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker on August 11. In addition to him, only three days are marked on the calendar when the birth of John the Baptist, Jesus and his mother Mary is honored.
These events have the highest rank of holiness, because they are directly connected with the Creator.
Saint Nicholas was an ordinary long-awaited child of a couple of deeply believing Christians Nona and Theophanis.
However, for his righteous life and highly moral behavior, this man was honored to be on a par with the son of God and the Mother of God.
This fact is not just eloquent, it confirms sincere philanthropy and instills in the souls of people faith in the possibility of everyone becoming elected in a righteous, humble earthly life.
The opinions of the chroniclers when the birthday of Nicholas the Wonderworker is celebrated , often diverge. There is no single, clearly established time when he was born. Researchers converge only in a century. Since it is known that the parents were among the pioneers of Christianity in the Roman Empire, considerable trials fell to their lot.
According to church tradition, the baby began his life journey in the year 270, making his elderly parents happy with his arrival and, as it turned out later, not only them, but all the suffering. Thanks to him, the native small town of Patara in the region of Lycia (Asia Minor) became a famous place of pilgrimage for hundreds and thousands of years.
Several miracles accompanied the birth and the first days of the life of St. Nicholas:
- Already in the first minute, the boy showed the world a miracle, having healed his mother from an incurable disease.
- At the time of the sacrament of baptism, he surprised those present by the fact that throughout the entire procedure of the font he stood firmly on his legs without support, paying homage to the Holy Trinity.
- A newborn's mother's milk on fasting days was strictly rationed after the evening prayer.
The purpose of the lad was determined at conception. Nicholas joyfully fulfilled his parental vow and devoted himself to serving God. From an early age, the child enjoyed spending time in the church, listening to sermons and hymns, avoiding fussy games with peers, unrighteous arguments about material wealth, and studied a lot.
Nikolai Ugodnik met his youth in Alexandria, where he learned various sciences, including jurisprudence. Returning to his native Lycia, he was elevated to the rank of archimandrite.
Good to know! When they celebrate according to the church calendar.
Pious and just
Throughout his life Saint Nicholas remained a defender of truth and justice. For the disadvantaged, the poor and 
the weak became a consolation.
After the death of his parents, he continued the charity they started and completely distributed a large inheritance, remaining a strict ascetic.
Service in the Lycian World took place in a difficult period of persecution and imperial hostility. The priest had to deal with the reconciliation of the warring parties. And every time he did it with great love.
There are legends about the patronage of sailors, merchants and travelers. There is evidence of the resurrection of a sailor who fell from a high mast, who crashed to death, but through the efforts of Nicholas came to life and continued to watch.
Good to know! What helps Kikkskaya in Cyprus.
The saint lived a long, righteous life, and died at a ripe old age around the year 345. Some of his remains still lie in a temple in his homeland, where he served God.
Days of Remembrance
When is Saint Nicholas Day? Among the memorable days dedicated to the miracle worker, the day of repose, December 19, stands out in particular. This date is accepted by the entire Greek Church. IN common people she is called "winter" Nikola. In ancient Byzantium, a divine service was compiled for this day; there are many prayers and troparia.
Interesting! Strong 40 day is about a change of fate.
The rest of the days of veneration of this saint are better known in Russian Orthodoxy, since the feast of August 11 (as Christmas day) is set aside for honoring the saint here, and the transfer of relics from Turkish Demre to the city of Bari in Italy. They remember God's Pleaser every week on Thursday, glorifying his deeds with prayers and worship.
The church established a celebration in honor of the repose of St. Nicholas of Myra (wonderworker). On this day, it is customary to indulge in prayers and commemorate good deeds, as well as to engage in charity, guardianship, but not to advertise this.
December 19 became the most beloved and long-awaited for the kids. The tradition of secretly giving gifts to children on behalf of their patron saint originates from the moment of giving gold to the three daughters of a ruined rich man.
Having made such a present for the girls, St. Nicholas saved them from the shame of the dowry and compulsion to earn a living with their own beauty. Parents and relatives put sweets and gifts under their pillows, cultivating in them the virtue of obedience, love and respect for elders.
On the holiday of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, it is supposed to rejoice, have fun, smile, you can’t be sad and quarrel. It is believed that despondency and anger can lead to a harsh frosty winter. Adults are supposed to put aside homework and pay attention to children.
Note! The people associated many signs with the Nikola holiday, for the harvest, successful trade, undertakings and travel.
Spring Nicholas brings prosperity for the whole year. St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is not deprived folk love and after the repose, when the arrival of the remains of the imperishable body in the Italian city is celebrated.
A bit of history
Back in 1087, merchants from Venice and Bar went to Myra (the city of Antioch) to try 
save the shrine with the holy relics of Nicholas from the Seljuk Turks.
The guardian monks refused to give or sell the relic, so the aliens opened the tomb and took the remains of the skeleton themselves, surprised to find them in a fragrant liquid.
The informed population of the city went to the seashore, but it was too late to interfere, the ship had already sailed.
Since the act of the merchants resembled robbery, the official church did not recognize the celebration for a long time. But numerous miracles of healing the sick near the tomb of the holy elder convinced the clergy of the expediency of accepting him.
In Greece, the clergy did not accept this event due to an irreparable loss, but in Rus' it began to be revered very soon, literally a few years later. By the end of the 11th century, a holiday was established, which is celebrated every year on May 22 according to the Julian calendar.
Note! Gypsies honor Nicholas the Pleasant as the main patron and intercessor.
Useful video
Conclusion
Among the majority of Orthodox Christians, icons with images of the saint are venerated. Their popularity is so high that local parishioners organize annual religious processions with a holy image. In Ryazan, the holiday is dedicated to the intercessor who healed the inhabitants of cholera in the 19th century.
The Russian authorities erect monuments to the holy Wonderworker, especially in coastal port cities, so that after the end of the voyage, sailors can bow to the holy image with gratitude.
In contact with
Russian Orthodox Church celebrates on August 11 the day of the Nativity of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra.
It is worth noting that in the Orthodox Church, in addition to the Nativity of the Lord Jesus Christ, the birthdays of only three holy people are celebrated - the Most Holy Theotokos, John the Baptist and St. Nicholas.
The birthday of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is the most mysterious of all church remembrances associated with the saint's name, Pravoslavie.ru writes. It is not known exactly when and where this holiday was first established. Was it celebrated in Byzantium or does it belong to the Russian memory? This holiday is not found in any modern Local Orthodox Church.
Today, the Nativity of St. Nicholas is an exclusively Russian church tradition, which, however, has ancient historical roots (it has been known since the 12th-13th centuries). It was the absence of the holiday in the calendars of other Orthodox Churches that most likely became the reason for the abolition of its celebration in the Russian Church during the reign of Catherine II.
It is worth noting that Nicholas the Wonderworker is one of the most revered saints in the Orthodox world. He became famous as the great Pleasure of God. Believers not only of the Orthodox, but also of the Catholic and other churches pray to him.
The history of the holiday - who is St. Nicholas
Nicholas the Wonderworker was born back in 258 in the city of Patara, not far from Lycia, on the southern coast of the Asia Minor peninsula. His parents Feofan and Nonna were poor people, but very religious. They constantly prayed to God to give them a child. God heard their prayers and gave them a son, in return asking him to devote his life to serving him.
Baby Nicholas began to show his miraculous abilities even at birth. He performed the first miracle by healing his mother during childbirth from a serious illness. And during the baptism in the font, the newborn stood on its own for three hours, thereby honoring the Most Holy Trinity.
The life of Nicholas proceeded in simple and ascetic everyday life. As a child, he began to study the Divine Scriptures and spent whole days in the temple, and at night he prayed and read books.
Already from infancy, St. Nicholas began a fasting life, taking mother's milk on Wednesdays and Fridays, only once, after the evening prayers of his parents. Having become a little older, he succeeded in studying the Divine Scriptures, spent whole days in the temple, and at night he prayed and read books. Being constantly in labor and prayer, Nicholas showed great mercy to those around him, came to the aid of the afflicted and distributed all his possessions to the poor. He himself led a simple and very ascetic life and became famous as a great saint of God.
Even during his lifetime, Saint Nicholas performed many miracles - more than once he saved those drowning in the sea, led them out of captivity and imprisonment in dungeons, healed people from ailments and even resurrected them, fought for the truth and demanded that those in power restore justice, taught with his life love and compassion . He lived a worthy life and, having reached a ripe old age, died peacefully.
Therefore, it is not surprising that this saint was revered at all times and among many peoples. However, the exact time of the establishment of the celebration of the Nativity of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is unknown. Most likely, this holiday was originally local in the Asia Minor Lycian Worlds, where the Saint served as an Archbishop, and in the homeland of his parents - in Patara. Then, at the time crusades, this holiday could spread throughout the Nicaean Empire and from there penetrate into Rus', where this saint was honored from ancient times.
In addition, since the 9th century, Nicholas the Wonderworker was revered in Rus' as heavenly patron sovereign power - it was believed that he especially patronizes Orthodox tsars. It is also known that in the 13th century the tradition of celebrating his Nativity in the Russian Orthodox Church already existed, and in Veliky Novgorod there was even a monastery dedicated to the Nativity of St. Nicholas. There is still evidence that one of the surviving church services dedicated to this holiday was composed at the time of Patriarchate Nikon in 1657. However, during the reign of Catherine the Great, the church-wide celebration of the Nativity of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Russia was abolished.
And now, several centuries later, the celebration was resumed, and in honor of the feast of the Nativity of St. Nicholas, a troparion and kontakion, known from ancient times in the liturgical life of the Russian Orthodox Church, were composed.
Ancient legends claim that Nicholas performed various pious deeds during his lifetime: he healed people from ailments and even resurrected them, fought for the truth and demanded that those in power restore justice, and also taught love and compassion. The saint lived a long life and died at a ripe old age.
There is no set date for the saint's death. It is known that this happened in the period 345-351. And after death, his body remained incorruptible, which confirmed his holiness. The relics of the saint were first placed in the cathedral church of the city of Myra, where he served as archbishop. Later, in 1087, the relics of Nicholas were transferred to the city of Bari (Italy), where they are kept in the basilica of the saint.
How to celebrate the Christmas of St. Nicholas
On August 11, people visit temples where a sacred service is held, glorifying the Birth of the Miracle Worker. Christians pray in front of the icons of St. Nicholas, put candles for health. If for some reason believers cannot go to church on this day, they can pray to the saint at home.
On this special day, many believers donate money, things and food to orphanages, schools, boarding schools and low-income families. Good deeds help to get closer to the Lord and honor the memory of the saint.
On the Nativity of Nicholas the Wonderworker, one should not forget about the family. On such a significant day, it is necessary to be close to relatives and friends in order to honor the memory together and celebrate the birth of the saint.
What to pray to St. Nicholas on August 11
An Orthodox saint helps people in various matters: meet love, successfully pass exams, find a job, increase income. Prayers offered to the saint have miraculous power.
On August 11, Orthodox believers pray for the fulfillment of desires and the achievement of goals. Those who suffer from illnesses can ask the saint for healing.
On the day of the Nativity of the Miracle Worker, it is imperative to offer words of gratitude for all the good that he has done for everyone. Thank him for all the deeds and miracles that he has done, repent and ask for forgiveness for sins. On this special day, the saint will help everyone who sincerely repents of their misdeeds and wants to change their lives for the better.
Nativity of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker: what not to do
- We have collected the main prohibitions for the Christmas of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
- It is impossible to carry out work in the garden and garden, since the feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is of great importance in the four holidays of the church calendar.
- You can not sew, knit and embroider.
- You can not swear and quarrel with loved ones.
- You can not clean the house, do laundry.
- Spend the holiday in harmony with yourself, engage in spiritual development.
Most detailed description: prayer of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker on August 11 - for our readers and subscribers.
When is the Nativity of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker celebrated: biography and life of St. Nicholas
When is the Christmas of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in 2017? The birthday of St. Nicholas the Pleasant - the second name of the Wonderworker, which St. Nicholas the Wonderworker received during his lifetime - is celebrated in 2017 on August 11. Date of birth according to the old style, according to Orthodox calendar, falls on July 29th.
August 11, when the Saint was born, is celebrated from year to year by the entire Orthodox world. The date of August 11, the celebration of the Nativity of St. Nicholas Archbishop of the World of Lycia, remains unchanged, the holiday is not passing, is celebrated from year to year on the same date: August 11, 2017, August 11, 2018, August 11, 2019 and August 11, 2020 and subsequent years .
The Nativity of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of the World of Lycia, is a very important memorable date. On the Nativity of the Saint, in all churches at divine services they remember the life of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, about the life of the Saint on earth. Orthodox Christians have honored the memory of the Saint since ancient times, but with the accession to the throne of Catherine the Great, the church Orthodox holiday was cancelled.
It will be interesting: PRAYER TO NICHOLAS THE WONDERWORKER - 2 texts: a prayer that changes fate and for help.
Since 2004, the celebration of the Nativity of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker has resumed in Russia and far beyond its borders. Christians love and honor the memory of the Great Saint, who helped everyone who turned to him for help during his lifetime. People believe in his strong protection, they know that even after death, Nikolai Ugodnik will help if you ask him in front of the icon in a church or at home.
Razgadamus considers it educational. Listen and read the akathist to Nicholas the Wonderworker - this is a song prayer for the life of Nicholas the Pleasant. Reading the akathist fully reveals earthly life beloved by many nations of the Holy. Nicholas the Wonderworker, or he is also called Nicholas the Pleasant, St. Nicholas, Nicholas of Myra, is revered in Christianity as the Wonderworker. The icon is depicted with a miter on his head, indicating his bishopric.
The life of St. Nicholas passed in prayer and helping people. The miracle worker became famous as the patron of travelers, the defender of the condemned, as a Saint, able to heal the sick, restore peace in the family; they know Nikolai Ugodnik as an assistant from lack of money.
Biography of Nicholas the Wonderworker
According to his life story, Saint Nicholas was born in 258 in Italy, in the Roman province of Lycia. From childhood, Nikolai showed compassion for the people around him, honored God's commandments, and studied spiritual literature. It is believed that he was very devout, led a secluded life, devoted his whole life to Christianity and helping others.
After the death of his parents, Nikolai became the heir to the family fortune, which he distributed to the poor without hesitation. Leading an ascetic and simple way of life, Nicholas spent the daytime in the temple, prayed at night and read spiritual books. Showing mercy and compassion to the needy, helping the destitute, the sick, Nicholas became famous as the Great Pleasure of God.
After physical death, the body of the Saint began to stream myrrh, thus arousing great interest among pilgrims. At the beginning of the 9th century, the church of St. Nicholas was built over the grave, the relics of the saint were in it until 1087, until they were stolen by the Italians and transferred to the Italian city of Bari.
What to do and how to celebrate the Christmas of St. Nicholas
In 2017, August 11 is the Nativity of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. August 11 in all Orthodox churches celebratory services are held, according to church canons, believing Christians honor the memory of Nicholas, read prayers in the church, or, if they are not able to visit the temple, they pray at home before the Holy Face.
On this special birthday, the Nativity of St. Nicholas, you can donate to charity in order not only to please the Pleasant, but to do a good deed and help those in need. Gifts for orphans, congratulations on the holiday, hope given to the elderly, sick people, sympathy, feasible material support will be the best gift in need of outside care.
Find out: HOW TO BE BAPTIZED CORRECTLY - church canons for Catholics and Orthodox.
Helping strangers on this festive significant day, we must not forget our neighbors and family. On August 11, on the Nativity of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Nikolai, Alexander, Alexei, Anatoly, Benjamin, Konstantin, Kuzma, Mikhail, Roman, Seraphim celebrate their name days. Birthdays, especially those with the names Nicholas, should definitely be congratulated with a postcard or a memorable gift symbolizing the life of St. Nicholas.
What helps St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
On August 11, parishioners who believe in God can ask Nicholas the Pleasant for the fulfillment of their most cherished desire, and the Miracle Worker will certainly hear and help. Prayers to Nicholas the Wonderworker are able to help all those who suffer, through the prayer of the Saint, the Saint heals the sick, helps from lack of money, in search of work, young girls and women successfully marry, students pass exams, people left homeless find their own home.
After many cases of miraculous rescue of sailors during a storm, Nicholas became famous as the protector of all sailors. In Russia, the Saint enjoys boundless popular love; in the West, Saint Nicholas or Saint Nick (Nicholas) acts as Santa Claus, bringing gifts and joy to children on the night of December 19 before Catholic Christmas.
Do not forget on the birthday of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker - your beloved assistant in all matters - to thank for all the miracles that he performed in order to help you and your loved ones, read a prayer in his honor, express in your own words love, devotion and faith in the Saint.
Christmas in Orthodoxy is celebrated several times: the Nativity of Christ, the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Nativity of John the Baptist and the Nativity of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. This important fact suggests that August 11, 2017 is a very important church event in the life of all believing Orthodox Christians.
I didn’t even know that in principle there is such a holiday as a Christmas saint! although I pray to him regularly. thanks for enlightening me.
In fact, the Nativity of St. Nicholas is one of the most important holidays in Orthodoxy (I don’t know about Christianity in general, I won’t lie). It is very amazing that many "believers" have not heard of him.
thank you very much for the life of Nicholas the Wonderworker, I wanted to read on Wikipedia about his birth and life, but I saw it on my beloved Razgadamus :)
It turns out that on August 11 every year the Nativity of St. Nicholas is celebrated on this particular date and no other?
To make it clear, read the biography from beginning to end. August 11, new style July 29, old. what style do you live by?
sarcasm is on the rise as far as I can see. keep it simple, Orthodox comrades. Nicholas the Wonderworker bequeathed to you clearly not such treatment of your neighbor.
Nikolai Ugodnik lived like an ordinary person and how much good he did to people during his lifetime. in our time, can a true miracle worker be born?
marina, interesting question by the way. Have there been such saints since the birth of Nicholas the Wonderworker? I don’t remember something, but I’m not quite in the subject, maybe I don’t know something.
I mean, what are “such” saints? such as Nicholas the Wonderworker, in my opinion, was neither before nor after. it's not entirely clear what you mean.
Tell me, who knows the signs for the Christmas of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker? Although the saint was a simple man, it was not without reason that the Almighty allowed him to work miracles.
signs have nothing to do with church holidays. These are pagan traditions. what are you talking about?
most of Christian holidays grew out of paganism, as it were. I don't mean the Christmas saint, of course, but in general.
On the birthday of Nikolai Ugodnik, my son was born, whose wife and I named Nikolai. On August 11, Christmas is celebrated twice in our family, one - Nicholas the Wonderworker, the other son. Here is such a story.
On Friday, August 11, you will have to be late for work in order to get to church for a festive service timed to coincide with the Nativity of St. Nicholas. Saturday was more successful as a day off of the week, but nothing can be done, for the sake of such a memorable date we will take time off from work :)
Natalya On August 11, you will have to try hard to get inside the church, St. Nicholas is one of the most revered God's Pleasers whose birth every self-respecting person must honor Orthodox Christian. Can you imagine how many people will gather inside the temples?! Last year we stood on the street - there was no place.
Happy Holidays to all who celebrate the birth of the Great Saint!
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Prayer of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker August 11
On August 11, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Nativity of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Bishop of the World of Lycia. Nicholas the Wonderworker, also known in Russia as Nikolai Ugodnik, is one of the most revered saints by Christians.Saint Nicholas was born in 258 in the city of Patara, not far from Lycia, on the southern coast of the Asia Minor peninsula. His parents Theophan and Nonna were pious and righteous Christians, but for a long time they were childless, about which they grieved and constantly prayed to God to send them a child.
The Lord heard their prayers and sent them a son, and they vowed to dedicate their only child to the service of God. At birth, he was given the name Nicholas, which means conqueror of nations. And he, with the blessing of God, truly appeared as the conqueror of malice, for the good of the whole world.
Saint Nicholas performed the first miracle at his very birth, healing his mother from a serious illness. Then, while still in the font during baptism, the newborn stood on his feet for three hours, supported by no one, thereby giving honor to the Most Holy Trinity. On fasting days, the child spontaneously took mother's milk only once, in the evenings.
Since childhood, he was different from those children who played all day with loud cries in the streets. When Nicholas learned to read, he almost immediately began to study the Holy Scriptures and other spiritual books.
After some time, Nikolai Ugodnik ended up in the city of Myra, the capital of Lycia, where no one knew him. He lived like a beggar, but he attended services day in and day out. At the same time, an archbishop died in Myra, and the bishops tried in vain to elect a new one in council.
Through the prayers, one of the elders had a vision that the first one to enter the temple by the midnight clerk should become the archbishop. It turned out to be the humble and meek Saint Nicholas.
The new archbishop became a real protector of the poor and destitute. With great love, he cared for his flock. Under the emperor Diocletian, the persecutor of Christians, Saint Nicholas was imprisoned, but even there he preached and cared for the prisoners.
Despite the great meekness of spirit and purity of heart, Saint Nicholas was a zealous and courageous soldier of the Church of Christ.
Struggling with the spirits of malice, the saint went around the pagan temples and temples in the city of Myra and its environs, crushing idols and turning temples into dust.
In 325, already under Emperor Constantine, Archbishop Mir of Lycia, among others, was invited to the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea. There St. Nicholas not only denounced the heretical teachings of Arius, but even slapped him on the cheek for blasphemy.
Those present considered this to be excessive jealousy, and the saint was defrocked and sent to the prison tower. However, soon the miracle worker was returned to the cathedral, making sure he was right.
Having reached a ripe old age, Saint Nicholas died peacefully around the year 351.
His honest relics were kept incorrupt in the local cathedral church and exuded a healing myrrh, from which many received healing.
In 1087, his relics were transferred to the Italian city of Bari, where they rest to this day.
Saint Nicholas became famous for many miracles - he saved Lycia from starvation during the outbreak of a rebellion in Phrygia, helped the three imperial governors to pacify the crowd and resolve the conflict peacefully.
With prayer, he stopped the sea element. This happened during the water journey of the miracle worker to the Holy Land. The saint predicted that a hurricane would strike and the ship would sink, but his prayers changed the treacherous intentions of nature.
The miracle worker saved from certain death three men who, through the fault of fate, were among the innocently condemned. Nicholas simply held the murder weapon, which the executioner brought over the heads of the unfortunate, and the accuser, realizing who was in front of him, repented of his plan.
history of the holiday
The exact time of establishing the celebration of the Nativity of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is unknown. Most likely, initially this holiday was local in the Asia Minor Lycian Worlds, where the saint served as an archbishop, and in the homeland of his parents.
Then, at the time of the Crusades, the holiday could spread throughout the Nicene Empire and from there come to Rus', where the saint was deeply revered from ancient times.
Presumably, this church celebration also existed among the ancient people - the Greeks, who lived in those distant times on the territory of the Rus, but so far this information has not been confirmed.
Since the ninth century, Nikolai Ugodnik has been revered in Rus' as the heavenly patron of sovereign power - it was believed that he especially patronizes Orthodox tsars.
The holiday of the birth of the saint was revived in 2004 with the blessing of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus' Alexy II, and therefore is not yet very widely known in Russia.
World Wonderworker: August 11 - Nativity of St. Nicholas, Archbishop of the World of Lycia
FROM THE LIFE OF ST. NICHOLAS THE WONDERWORKER
“St. Nicholas was born in Asia Minor in the 3rd century into a wealthy family. From early childhood, he devoted his life entirely to Christianity. When his parents died, the saint inherited their fortune, but gave it to charity. »
honoring a saint
The veneration of St. Nicholas spread very quickly throughout the Christian world, both in the East and in the West. Numerous churches were dedicated to him, they turned to him in prayers, hoping for healing and help.
From folk legends that have appeared over the centuries, we learn that St. Nicholas helped the poor and unfortunate, imperceptibly at night tossing gold coins into the shoes left at the door, and putting pies in the windows.
Around 960, the first piece of music about St. Nicholas was written in the West, where a new version of the translation of the life of the saint was proposed: instead of the word "innocentes" (innocent), in relation to the three inhabitants of Mir, unjustly sentenced to death, "pueri" (children) was used .
Due to the fact that this medieval piece of music about the holy bishop was an incredible success, the tradition of venerating St. Nicholas as the patron saint of children was born. However, even before that, sailors, prisoners, bakers and merchants had chosen him as their heavenly intercessor.
What are they praying for
Nicholas the Wonderworker is prayed to in a variety of life trials, and, as people testify, he soon responds to the prayers of believers.
They pray to Nicholas the Wonderworker for travelers (remembering how Saint Nicholas, by the power of prayer, calmed the storm that broke out at sea, which almost sank the ship on which the Wonderworker Nicholas was).
Pray to Saint Nicholas happy marriage daughters (remembering how Saint Nicholas secretly donated dowry money to the daughters of a ruined man so that they could get married).
They pray to the saint for deliverance from hunger. Even during his lifetime, Nicholas the Wonderworker became famous as the appeaser of the warring, the defender of the innocently condemned and the deliverer from a vain death.
There is no strictly obligatory list of cases in which to pray to each saint. Therefore, Saint Nicholas, like other saints, can be prayed for help in all difficult situations.
On August 11, you can ask St. Nicholas for the most secret, if, of course, you believe in God. And do not hesitate - your request will be heard by the miracle worker.
Prayers
Your miraculous and glorious Christmas, St. Nicholas, the Orthodox Church celebrates brightly today, for by standing your foot / reveal the Lord and proclaim to be a lamp and a teacher to the laity, enriching and enlightening miracles the whole world. We cry to you: pray to Christ God that our souls be saved.
Today, ascend to us, like the sun, your triumph, Father Nicholas, for in your Nativity, with your wondrous standing of your feet, the angels rejoiced you, and you surprised people, but you frightened the opposite ones, the same now and Christ Church adorned like a bride, and with a high voice cries merrily: be clear my kindness is beautiful, come faithfully, rejoice and raise your salvation and spiritual incorruptibility, in troubles of a quick helper, in sorrows of a visitor, in the seas overwhelmed by a quiet haven, hungry feeder, blind leader, poor wealth , the elders rod, the young punisher and the purity of the teacher, and all those who flow with faith receive healing for souls and bodies.
Born in Mirech, Saint Nicholas, from a noble root, like a fruitful branch, you have vegetated, having been filled with Divine gifts, like the sun dawning on the whole world, you have enlightened miracles, for this we glorify you, as a disciple and mystery of God's grace.
