Day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker May 22. Holiday Nicholas Summer (Transfer of the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker)
Today, May 22, is the Day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. The night before, a particle of the relics of Nicholas the Wonderworker was delivered to the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow from Bari, Italy.
On May 22, 2017, St. Nicholas is venerated by the people. According to the folk calendar, there are two holidays in the year dedicated to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker - winter Nikola on December 19 and spring (summer) Nikola - May 22.
Nicholas the Wonderworker is also revered in the West, and in Russia even people far from the Church know Nicholas the Pleasant as the most revered saint by the Russian people. In addition to the special holidays dedicated to him, the Church celebrates the memory of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker every Thursday. St. Nicholas is often commemorated at divine services and on other days of the week.
Nicholas the Wonderworker: what helps
Saint Nicholas is especially revered for the miracles that occur through prayers to them. Nicholas the Wonderworker was revered as an ambulance to sailors and other travelers, merchants, unjustly convicted and children.
Many temples and monasteries are dedicated to Nikolai Ugodnik in Russia; in honor of his name, the holy Patriarch Photius baptized in 866 Kyiv prince Askold - the very first Russian Christian prince, and over the grave of Askold in Kyiv, the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Olga built the first church of St. Nicholas on Russian soil.
folk traditions
In Russia, Nicholas the Pleasant was considered the "senior" among the saints. He was called "merciful", temples were built in honor of him and children were named.
On St. Nicholas of the Winter, people arranged festive meals - they baked pies with fish, brewed mash and beer, and on St. Nicholas of the Summer, or Spring, the peasants arranged religious processions - they went to the fields with icons and banners, performed prayers at the wells - asked for rain.
When is the memory of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker celebrated?
Saint Nicholas in the Orthodox church calendar dedicated to more than one holiday. December 19, according to the new style, the day of the death of the saint is remembered, August 11 - his birth. The people called these two holidays Nikola Winter and Nikola Autumn. On May 22, believers commemorate the transfer of the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker from Mir Lycian to Bari, which took place in 1087. In Russia, this day was called Nikola Veshny (that is, spring), or Nikola Summer.
All these holidays are non-transitory, that is, their dates are fixed.
What helps Nicholas the Wonderworker
Saint Nicholas is called a miracle worker. Such saints are especially revered for the miracles that occur through prayers to them. Since ancient times, Nicholas the Wonderworker was revered as an ambulance to sailors and other travelers, merchants, unjustly convicted and children. In Western folk Christianity, his image was combined with the image of a folklore character - "Christmas grandfather" - and transformed into Santa Claus ( santa claus translated from English. - St Nicholas). Santa Claus gives gifts to children for Christmas.
Life (biography) of Nicholas the Wonderworker
Nicholas the Pleasant was born in 270 in the town of Patara, which was located in the region of Lycia in Asia Minor and was a Greek colony. The parents of the future archbishop were very wealthy people, but at the same time they believed in Christ and actively helped the poor.
As the life says, from childhood the saint devoted himself completely to faith, spent a lot of time in the temple. Having matured, he became a reader, and then a priest in the church, where his uncle, Bishop Nicholas of Patara, served as rector.
After the death of his parents, Nicholas the Wonderworker distributed all his inheritance to the poor and continued his church ministry. In the years when the attitude of the Roman emperors towards Christians became more tolerant, but persecution nevertheless continued, he ascended to the episcopal throne in Mir. Now this town is called Demre, it is located in the province of Antalya in Turkey.
People loved the new archbishop very much: he was kind, meek, fair, sympathetic - not a single request to him remained unanswered. With all this, Nicholas was remembered by his contemporaries as an implacable fighter against paganism - he destroyed idols and temples, and a defender of Christianity - he denounced heretics.
Even during his lifetime, the saint became famous for many miracles. He saved the city of Mira from a terrible famine - with his fervent prayer to Christ. He prayed and thereby helped the drowning sailors on ships, led the unjustly condemned from imprisonment in prisons.
Nicholas the Pleasant lived to a ripe old age and died around 345-351 - the exact date is unknown.
Relics of Saint Nicholas
Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker reposed in the Lord in 345-351 - the exact date is unknown. His relics were incorruptible. At first they rested in the cathedral church of the city of Lycian Myra, where he served as archbishop. They streamed myrrh, and the myrrh healed believers from various ailments.
In 1087, part of the relics of the saint was transferred to the Italian city of Bari, to the church of St. Stephen. A year after the relics were saved, a basilica was erected there in the name of St. Nicholas. Now everyone can pray at the relics of the saint - the ark with them is still kept in this basilica. A few years later, the rest of the relics were transported to Venice, and a small particle remained in Mira.
In honor of the transfer of the relics of Nicholas the Ugodnik, a special holiday was established, which in the Russian Orthodox Church is celebrated on May 22 according to the new style.
Veneration of St. Nicholas in Russia
Many temples and monasteries are dedicated to Nikolai Ugodnik in Russia. In his name, the holy Patriarch Photius baptized in 866 the Kyiv prince Askold, the very first Russian Christian prince. Above the grave of Askold in Kyiv, Saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Olga built the first church of St. Nicholas on Russian soil.
In many Russian cities, the main cathedrals were named after the archbishop of Mir Lycian. Veliky Novgorod, Zaraysk, Kyiv, Smolensk, Pskov, Galich, Arkhangelsk, Tobolsk and many others. In the Moscow province, three Nikolsky monasteries were built - Nikolo-Greek (Old) - in Kitay-gorod, Nikolo-Perervinsky and Nikolo-Ugreshsky. In addition, one of the main towers of the Moscow Kremlin was named Nikolskaya.
Iconography of Saint Nicholas
The iconography of St. Nicholas took shape in the 10th-11th centuries. At the same time, the oldest icon, namely the fresco in the church of Santa Maria Antiqua in Rome, dates back to the 8th century.
There are two main iconographic types of St. Nicholas - full-length and half-length. One of the classic examples of a full-length icon is a fresco from the St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery in Kyiv, painted at the beginning of the 12th century. Now it is kept in the Tretyakov Gallery. In this fresco, the saint is depicted full-length, with a blessing right hand and an open Gospel in his left hand.
Icons of the belt iconographic type depict the saint with a closed Gospel on his left hand. The oldest icon of this type in the monastery of St. Catherine in Sinai dates back to the 11th century. In Russia, the earliest surviving similar image dates back to the end of the 12th century. Ivan the Terrible brought it from Novgorod the Great and placed it in the Smolensk Cathedral of the Novodevichy Convent. Now this icon can be seen in the Tretyakov Gallery.
Icon painters also created hagiographic icons of St. Nicholas, that is, depicting different scenes from the life of the saint - sometimes up to twenty different plots. The most ancient of these icons in Russia are the Novgorod one from the Lyubon churchyard (XIV century) and the Kolomna one (now kept in the Tretyakov Gallery).
TroparionSaint Nicholas the Wonderworker
voice 4
The rule of faith and the image of meekness, the abstinence of the teacher reveal the truth to your flock of things: for this sake you acquired high humility, rich in poverty. Father Hierarch Nicholas, pray to Christ God that our souls be saved.
Translation:
By the rule of faith, by the example of meekness, temperance, the teacher has shown you your life to your flock. And therefore, with humility, you acquired greatness, poverty - wealth: Father Hierarch Nicholas, pray to Christ God for the salvation of our souls.
Kontakion to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker
voice 3
In Mirech, holy, the clergyman appeared to you: Christ, reverend, having fulfilled the Gospel, lay down your soul about your people, and saved the innocent from death; for this sake you were sanctified, like a great secret place of God's grace.
Translation:
In the Worlds, you, saint, appeared as a performer of sacred rites: having fulfilled the gospel teaching of Christ, you, reverend, laid down your soul for your people and the innocent delivered from death. Therefore, he was sanctified as a great minister of the mysteries of God's grace.
First prayer to Nikolai Ugodnik
Oh, all-holy Nicholas, the most beautiful servant of the Lord, our warm intercessor, and everywhere in sorrow a quick helper!
Help me a sinner and despondent in this present life, beg the Lord God to grant me the remission of all my sins, having sinned from my youth, in all my life, deed, word, thought and all my feelings; and at the end of my soul, help me the accursed, implore the Lord God, all creatures of the Sodetel, to deliver me from air 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 forever and ever.
Second prayer to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
O all-praised, great wonderworker, Saint of Christ, Father Nicholas!
We pray to you, wake up the hope of all Christians, faithful protectors, hungry feeders, crying joy, sick doctors, floating rulers on the sea, feeders of the poor and orphans and an early helper and patron to everyone, let us live a peaceful life here and let us be able to see the glory of God's chosen ones in heaven , and with them to unceasingly sing of the one in the Trinity, the worshiped God forever and ever. Amen.
Third Prayer to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker
O all-praised and all-pious bishop, the great Wonderworker, the Hierarch of Christ, Father Nicholas, a man of God and a faithful servant, a husband of desires, a chosen vessel, a strong pillar of the church, a bright lamp, a star shining and illuminating the whole universe: you are a righteous man, like a date that has flourished, planted in the courts of your Lord, living in the Worlds, thou hast been fragrant with the world, and exuding the ever-flowing grace of God.
By your procession, Holy Father, the sea is illuminated, when your miraculous relics go to the city of Barsky, from east to west, praise the name of the Lord.
O graceful and wonderful Wonderworker, quick helper, warm intercessor, kind shepherd, saving the verbal flock from all sorts of troubles, we glorify you and magnify you, as the hope of all Christians, the source of miracles, the protector of the faithful, the wise teacher, the hungry feeder, weeping joy, naked clothing , the sick doctor, the steward floating on the sea, the captives of the liberator, the widows and orphans of the feeder and intercessor, the guardian of chastity, the meek punisher of babies, the old fortifications, the fasting mentor, the laboring ecstasy, the poor and the wretched abundant wealth.
Hear us praying to you and fleeing under your roof, manifest your intercession for us to the Most High, and proceed with your God-pleasing prayers, all that is useful for the salvation of our souls and bodies: save this holy monastery (or this temple), every city and all, and every Christian country, and people living from every anger with your help:
Vema bo, vemy, how much can the prayer of the righteous hurrying for good: to you, the righteous, according to the blessed Virgin Mary, the intercessor to the All-Merciful God of the imam, and to your good father, warm intercession and intercession humbly flow: you keep us as cheerful 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, because we are unworthy to see the heights of heaven, from many of our iniquities, are bound by the bonds of sin, and let us not save the will of our Creator, nor keep his commands.
In the same way, we bow our knees, contrite and humble of our hearts to our Creator, and we ask for your paternal intercession to Him:
Help us, the Pleasant of God, let us not perish with our iniquities, deliver us from all evil, and from all things opposing, direct our mind and strengthen our heart in the right faith, in it with your intercession and intercession, neither wounds, nor banning, nor pestilence, by no wrath will he let me live in this age, and save me from standing, and vouchsafe the right hand with all the saints. Amen.
Fourth Prayer to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker
O our good shepherd and God-wise mentor, St. Nicholas of Christ! Hear us sinners, praying to you and calling for your help, your speedy intercession; see us weak, caught from everywhere, deprived of every good and darkened by the mind from cowardice; rush, servant of God, do not leave us in the sinful captivity of being, let us not be our enemy in joy and die in our evil deeds.
Pray for us, our unworthy Creator and Lord, and you stand before him with incorporeal faces: be merciful to us, create our God in this life and in the future, let him not reward us according to our deeds and according to the impurity of our hearts, but according to your goodness, reward us .
We hope for your intercession, we boast of your intercession, we call on your intercession for help, and we fall down to your most holy image, we ask for help: deliver us, saint of Christ, from the evils that are upon us, and tame the waves of passions and troubles that rise against us, but for the sake of Your holy prayers will not attack us and we will not be mired in the abyss of sin and in the mud of our passions. Moth, to St. Nicholas of Christ, Christ our God, give us a peaceful life and the remission of sins, but salvation and great mercy to our souls, now and ever and forever and ever.
Prayer 5 to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker
O great intercessor, the bishop of God, blessed Nicholas, who shines miracles like a sunflower, who calls upon you as a quick hearer, you always anticipate and save, and deliver, and take away all kinds of troubles, from God given to you miracles and gifts of grace!
Hear me unworthy, calling you with faith and bringing prayer to you singing; I offer you an intercessor for supplication to Christ.
O notorious in miracles, high saint! as if you have boldness, soon stand before the Lord, and reverence your hands in prayer to Him, stretch out for me a sinner, and from Him give bounties of goodness, and accept me as your intercession, and deliver me from all troubles and evils, from the invasion of enemies visible and invisible freeing, and destroying all those slanders and malice, and reflecting those who fight me in my whole life; ask for forgiveness by my sin, and present me to Christ and save the Kingdom of Heaven for the multitude of that philanthropy, he deserves all glory, honor and worship, with his Father without beginning, and with the Most Holy and Good and Life-giving Spirit, now and forever and forever centuries.
Sixth Prayer to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker
Oh, the all-good Father Nicholas, the shepherd and teacher of all who by faith flow to your intercession, and who call you with warm prayer, soon rush, and deliver Christ's flock from the wolves that destroy it, that is, from the invasion of the wicked Latins rising up against us.
Protect and save our country, and every country that exists in Orthodoxy, with your holy prayers from worldly rebellion, the sword, the invasion of foreigners, from internecine and bloody warfare.
And as if you had mercy on three men sitting in prison, and delivered them from the tsar’s wrath and the cutting of the sword, so have mercy and deliver the Great, Small and White Russia Orthodox people from the pernicious heresy of the Latins.
As if by your intercession and help, by His own mercy and grace, Christ God, may He look with His merciful eye on people in the ignorance of existence, even though they don’t know their right hand, even more so young, with which Latin seductions are spoken in a hedgehog to turn away from the Orthodox faith, may the mind of His people enlighten, may they not be tempted and fall away from the faith of the fathers, conscience, lulled by vain wisdom and ignorance, may it awaken, turn the will to the preservation of the holy Orthodox faith, may it remember the faith and humility of our fathers, your life for the Orthodox faith who have put, accepting the prayers of the warmth of His holy saints, who have shone forth in our land, keeping us from delusion and heresy of the Latins, and having preserved us in holy Orthodoxy, vouchsafe us at His terrible Judgment of the right hand of standing with all the saints. Amen.
What can you eat on the day of memory of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
December 19, according to the new style, falls on the Christmas, or Filippov, as it is also called, post. On this day, you can eat fish, but you can not eat meat, eggs and other animal products.
Miracles of Saint Nicholas
Nicholas the Wonderworker is considered the patron, intercessor and prayer book for sailors and, in general, for everyone who travels. For example, as the life of the saint says, in his youth, traveling from Myra to Alexandria, he resurrected a sailor who, during a fierce storm, fell off the mast of the ship and, falling on the deck, crashed to death.
Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh. Word, uttered at the vigil on the feast of St. Nicholas, December 18, 1973, in the church named after him in Kuznetsy (Moscow)
Today we celebrate the day of the death of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. What a strange combination of words: celebration of death... Usually, when someone is overtaken by death, we yearn and weep for it; and when the saint dies, we rejoice about it. How is this possible?
This is possible only because when a sinner dies, those who remain have a heavy feeling in their hearts that the time has come for parting, even if only temporarily. No matter how strong our faith is, no matter how hope inspires us, no matter how sure we are that the God of love will never finally separate from each other those who love each other with even imperfect, earthly love - still remains sadness and longing that for many years we will not see the face, the expression of the eyes shining on us with kindness, we will not touch the dear person with a reverent hand, we will not hear his voice, bringing his caress and love to our hearts ...
But our attitude to the saint is not exactly like that. Even those who were contemporary with the saints, already during their lifetime, managed to realize that, living in the fullness of heavenly life, the saint did not separate from the earth during his life, and that when he rests in his body, he will still remain in this mystery of the Church, which unites the living and the dead. into one body, into one spirit, into one eternal, Divine mystery that conquered all lives.
As they died, the saints could say, as Paul said: I fought a good feat, I kept the faith; now an eternal reward is being prepared for me, now I myself become a sacrifice...
And this consciousness is not the head, but the consciousness of the heart, a living feeling of the heart that the saint cannot leave us (just as the Risen Christ, who has become invisible to us, does not leave us, just as God, invisible to us, is not absent), this consciousness allows us to rejoice on the day when, as the ancient Christians said, a person born into eternal life. He did not die - but was born, entered into eternity, into the whole expanse, into the fullness of life. He is in anticipation of a new victory of life, which we all look forward to: the resurrection of the dead on the last day, when all the barriers of separation will fall, and when we will rejoice not only about the victory of eternity, but that God has restored the temporal to life - but in glory, new shining glory.
One of the ancient fathers of the Church, Saint Irenaeus of Lyon, says: the glory of God is a man who has become Man... Saints are such a glory to God; looking at them, we are amazed at what God can do to a person.
And behold, we rejoice on the day of the death of the one who was on earth heavenly man, but having entered eternity, he became our intercessor and intercessor, not leaving us, remaining not only the same close, but becoming even closer, because we become close to each other as we become close, dear, our own to the Living God, God of love. Our joy today is so deep! The Lord on earth shook, like a ripe ear, St. Nicholas. Now he triumphs with God, in heaven; and just as he loved the earth and people, knew how to pity, compassion, knew how to surround everyone and meet everyone with amazing, tender, thoughtful care, so now he prays for us all, caringly, thoughtfully.
When you read his life, you are amazed that he cared not only about the spiritual; he cared for every human need, the humblest human need. He knew how to rejoice with those who rejoice, he knew how to cry with those who weep, he knew how to console and support those who needed comfort and support. And this is why the people, the Myrlikian flock, fell in love with him so much, and why the entire Christian people honors him so much: there is nothing too insignificant that he would not pay attention to with his creative love. There is nothing on earth that would seem unworthy of his prayers and unworthy of his labors: illness, and the poor, and deprivation, and disgrace, and fear, and sin, and joy, and hope, and love - everything found a lively response in his deep human heart. And he left us the image of a man who is the radiance of God's beauty, he left us in himself, as it were, a living, acting icon genuine person.
But he left it to us not only so that we rejoice, admire, be amazed; he left us his image so that we could learn from him how to live, what kind of love to love, how to forget ourselves and remember fearlessly, sacrificially, joyfully every need of another person.
He left us an image of how to die, how to mature, how to stand before God at the last hour, giving His soul joyfully, as if returning to his father's house. When I was a young man, my father once told me: during your life, learn to expect death in the same way as a young man tremblingly awaits the arrival of his bride ... This is how St. Nicholas waited for the hour of death, when the death gates open, when all bonds fall, when the soul flutters him to freedom, when it will be given to him to behold the God whom he worshiped with faith and love. So it is given to us to wait - to wait creatively, not to wait numbly, in fear of death, but to wait with joy for that time, that meeting with God, which will make us akin not only to our Living God, with Christ who became a man, but also with every person. because only in God are we made one...
The Fathers of the Church call us to live fear of death. From century to century we hear these words, and from century to century we misunderstand them. How many people live in fear that death is about to come, and after death - judgment, and after judgment - what? Unknown. Hell? Forgiveness?.. But not about that fear of death fathers said. The Fathers said that if we remembered that in a moment we might die, how we would hasten to do all the good that we can still do! If we thought constantly, tremblingly that the person standing next to us, to whom we can now do good or evil, might die - how we would hasten to take care of him! There would then be no need, either great or small, that would exceed our ability to devote life to a person who is about to die.
I have already said something about my father; sorry - I'll tell you one more personal. My mother has been dying for three years; she knew it because I told her. And when death entered our life, it transformed life by the fact that every moment, every word, every action - because it could be the last - had to be a perfect expression of all the love, all the affection, all the reverence that was between us. And for three years there was no trifle and no big things, but only the triumph of tremulous, reverent love, where everything merged into greatness, because in one word you can enclose all love, and in one movement you can express all love; and it should be like this.
The Saints understood this not only in relation to one person, whom they loved especially tenderly and for some small years, for which they had the spirit. The saints knew how to live like this throughout their whole lives, from day to day, from hour to hour, in relation to each person, because in each they saw the image of God, a living icon, but - God! - sometimes such a defiled, such a mutilated icon, which they contemplated with special pain and with special love, as we would contemplate an icon trampled into the mud before our eyes. And each of us, with our sin, tramples into the mud the image of God in ourselves.
Think about it. Think how glorious, how marvelous death can be if we only live life like saints. They are people like us, differing from us only in courage and burning spirit. If only we could live like them! And how rich the memory of death could be for us if, instead of being called, in our language, the fear of death, it were a constant reminder that every moment is and can become a door to eternal life. Each moment, filled with all love, all humility, all the rapture and strength of the soul, can open time to eternity and make our earth already a place where paradise is manifested, a place where God lives, a place where we are united in love, a place where everything the evil, the dead, the dark, the dirty, are defeated, transfigured, become light, become purity, become Divine.
May the Lord grant us to ponder these images of the saints, and not to each other, not even to ask ourselves what to do, but to turn directly to them, to these saints, of whom some were at first robbers, sinners, people terrible for others, but who managed by the greatness of the soul to perceive God and grow into measure of the age of Christ. Let's ask them... What happened to you, Father Nicholas? What did you do, how did you reveal yourself to the power of Divine love and grace?.. And he will answer us; with his life and his prayer he will make possible for us what seems impossible to us, because the power of God is made perfect in weakness, and everything is available to us, everything is possible for us in the Lord Jesus Christ who strengthens us.
Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh. About the calling of a Christian.
Word pronounced at the liturgy on the day of memory of St. Nicholas on December 19, 1973, in the church named after him in Kuznetsy (Moscow)
In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
I congratulate you on the occasion!
When we celebrate the day of such a saint as Nicholas the Wonderworker, whom not only the Russian heart, but universal Orthodoxy perceived as one of the most perfect images of the priesthood, it is especially reverent to serve the Divine Liturgy and stand before it; because before he became a companion of the apostles, Saint Nicholas was a genuine, true layman. The Lord Himself revealed that it was he who should have been made a priest - for the purity of his life, for the feat of his love, for his love for worship and the temple, for the purity of his faith, for his meekness and humility.
All this was in him not a word, but it was flesh. In the troparion we sing to him that he was rule of faith, image of meekness, teacher of temperance; all this appeared to his flock by the very deed, the radiance of his life, and not just a verbal sermon. And so he was still a layman. And by such a feat, such love, such purity, such meekness, he acquired for himself the highest calling of the Church - to be appointed bishop, bishop of his city; to be before the eyes of the believing people (which itself is the body of Christ, the seat of the Holy Spirit, the divine lot), among the Orthodox people to stand like a living icon; so that, looking at him, in his eyes to see the light of Christ's love, to see in his actions, to experience Christ's divine mercy with his own eyes.
We are all called to follow the same path. There are no two ways for a person: there is a way of holiness; the other way is the way of renunciation of one's Christian calling. Not everyone reaches the height that is revealed to us in the saints; but we are all called to be so pure in our heart, in our mind, in our life, in our flesh, that we may be, as it were, the incarnate presence in the world, from century to century, from millennium to millennium, of Christ Himself.
We are called to be so completely, so completely given to God, that each of us becomes, as it were, a temple where the Holy Spirit lives and acts - both in us and through us.
We are called to be daughters and sons of our Heavenly Father; but not only allegorically, not only because He treats us as a father treats children. In Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are called to truly become His children, like Christ, partaking of His sonship, receiving the Spirit of sonship, the Spirit of God, so that our life may be hidden. with Christ in God.
This we cannot achieve without difficulty. The Church Fathers tell us: shed blood and you will receive the Spirit... We cannot ask God to dwell in us when we ourselves are not working to prepare for Him a holy, purified, God-consecrated temple. We cannot call Him into the depths of our sin again and again, if we do not have a firm, fiery intention, if we are not ready, when He descends to us, when He seeks us like a lost sheep, and wants to carry us back to our father's house, to be taken and carried away forever in His Divine arms.
To be a Christian is to be an ascetic; to be a Christian is to struggle to overcome everything in oneself that is death, sin, unrighteousness, impurity; in a word - to overcome, to overcome everything because of which Christ was crucified, killed on the Cross. Human sin killed him - mine, and yours, and our common; and if we do not overcome and do not get rid of sin, then we partake either of those who, through negligence, coldness, indifference, frivolity, gave Christ to be crucified, or those who maliciously wanted to destroy Him, wipe Him off the face of the earth, because His appearance, His preaching , His personality were their condemnation.
To be a Christian is to be an ascetic; and yet it is impossible for us to save ourselves. Our calling is so high, so great, that a person cannot fulfill it on his own. I have already said that we are called to be, as it were, grafted into the humanity of Christ, as a twig is grafted into a life-giving tree - so that the life of Christ springs up in us, so that we are His body, so that we are His presence, so that our word is His in a word, our love is His love, and our action is His action.
I said that we must become a temple of the Holy Spirit, but more than a physical temple. The material temple contains the presence of God, but is not permeated by it; and a person is called to unite with God in such a way as, according to the word of St. Maximus the Confessor, fire pierces, penetrates iron, becomes one with it, and it is possible (says Maxim) to cut with fire and burn with iron, because it is no longer possible to distinguish where the burning is and where the fuel is. Where is man and where is God.
This we cannot achieve. We cannot become sons and daughters of God just because we ourselves want it or we ask and pray for it; we must be accepted by the Father, adopted, we must become, in the love of God for Christ, what Christ is for the Father: sons, daughters, the site reports. How can we achieve this? The Gospel gives us the answer. Peter asks: Who can be saved? - And Christ answers: What is impossible for man is possible for God...
Through deeds we can open our hearts; protect your mind and soul from impurity; we can direct our actions so that they are worthy of our calling and our God; we can keep our flesh pure for the communion of the Body and Blood of Christ; we can open ourselves to God and say: Come and dwell in us… And we can know that if we ask this with a sincere heart, we want it, then God, who wants us to be saved more than we know how to want it for ourselves, will give it to us. He Himself tells us in the Gospel: If you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him...
Therefore, let us be with all the strength of our human weakness, with all the burning of our dim spirit, with all the hope of our heart yearning for fullness, with all our faith that cries out to God: Lord, I believe, but help my unbelief! With all the hunger, with all the thirst of our soul and body, let us ask God to come. But at the same time, with all the strength of our soul, with all the strength of our body, let us prepare for Him a temple worthy of His coming: cleansed, dedicated to Him, guarded from all unrighteousness, malice and impurity. And then the Lord will come; and will celebrate, as He promised us, with the Father and the Spirit, the Last Supper in our hearts, in our lives, in our temple, in our society, and the Lord will reign forever, our God to generation and generation.
Santa Claus
In Western Christianity, the image of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was combined with the image of a folklore character - "Christmas grandfather" - and transformed into Santa Claus ( santa claus translated from English. - St Nicholas). Santa Claus gives gifts to children on St. Nicholas Day, but more often on Christmas Day.
At the origins of the tradition of giving gifts on behalf of Santa Claus is the story of a miracle performed by Nikolai Ugodnik. As the life of the saint says, he saved the family of a poor man who lived in Patara from sin.
The poor man had three lovely daughters, and the need made him think terrible - he wanted to send the girls into prostitution. The local archbishop, and Nicholas the Wonderworker just served them, received a revelation from the Lord about what his parishioner had conceived in desperation. And he decided to save his family, and secretly from everyone. One night, he tied a bundle of gold coins that he inherited from his parents, and threw the bag to the poor man through the window. The father of his daughters discovered the gift only in the morning and thought that it was Christ himself who sent him a gift. With these funds, he married his eldest daughter to a good man.
Saint Nicholas rejoiced that his help had brought good fruit, and in the same way, secretly, he threw a second bag of gold through the window of the poor man. With these funds, he played the wedding of his middle daughter.
The poor man was eager to know who his benefactor was. He did not sleep at night and waited if he would come to help the third daughter? Saint Nicholas was not long in coming. Hearing the ringing of a bundle of coins, the poor man caught up with the archbishop and recognized him as a saint. I fell at his feet and warmly thanked him for saving his family from a terrible sin.
Nikola Winter, Nikola Autumn, Nikola Veshny, "Nikola Wet"
On December 19 and August 11, according to the new style, Orthodox Christians remember, respectively, the death and birth of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. According to the time of the year, these holidays received popular names - Nikola Winter and Nikola Autumn.
Nikola Veshnim (that is, spring), or Nikola Summer, was called the feast of the transfer of the relics of the saint and wonderworker Nicholas from the World of Lycian to Bari, which is celebrated on May 22 according to a new style.
The phrase "Nikola Wet" comes from the fact that this saint in all ages was considered the patron saint of sailors and, in general, of all travelers. When the temple in the name of St. Nicholas the Pleasant was built by sailors (often in gratitude for the miraculous rescue on the waters), the people called it "Nikola Wet".
Folk traditions of celebrating the day of memory of Nikolai Ugodnik
In Russia, Nicholas the Pleasant was revered as the "senior" among the saints. Nicola was called "merciful"; temples were built in honor of him and children were named - from antiquity and until the beginning of the 20th century, the name Kolya was the most popular among Russian boys.
About Nikola Zimny (December 19) in the huts in honor of the holiday, festive meals were arranged - they baked pies with fish, brewed mash and beer. The holiday was considered "old man's", the most respected people of the village gathered together a rich table and had long conversations. And the youth indulged in winter entertainment - sledding, dancing, singing songs, preparing for Christmas gatherings.
On Nikola Summer, or Spring (May 22), the peasants arranged religious processions - they went to the fields with icons and banners, performed prayers at the wells - they asked for rain.
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AdvertisingToday, May 22, according to Orthodox traditions the feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is celebrated, the people also call him Nicholas of Summer.
Saint Nicholas is one of the most beloved saints; many churches have been erected in his honor. In every house there was always an icon of the saint, inextinguishable lamps were lit in front of it, people prayed before it for a successful marriage, for travelers, seafarers, for deliverance from slander. The Orthodox Church commemorates St. Nicholas every week: on Thursdays every week, along with the apostles.
Day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker May 22, 2018: customs, traditions, folk signs
According to legend, St. Nicholas was born in the second half of the 3rd century in the city of Patara in Lycia (a historical region in Asia Minor) into a family of pious parents. Until a very old age, they did not have children and in unceasing prayer asked the Almighty to give them a son, promising to devote him to the service of God. Their prayer was heard: a son was born, who at baptism received the name Nicholas, which means in Greek "the conquering people."
The young man was brought up under the guidance of his uncle, the local bishop. As a vocation, Nicholas chose the service of God. Having gone from a junior church minister to a bishop, he became the archbishop of the city of Lycian Myra. Nicholas was distinguished by love and compassion for people, he helped the poor and the destitute, giving away almost all the money he received. He left only the essentials for himself.
Once Nicholas secretly threw three bundles of gold into the house of a man who was in an extremely distressed situation and had to marry his three daughters to unloved suitors. The man fell into despair and decided to sacrifice the honor of his daughters and extract from their beauty the means necessary for a dowry. Saint Nicholas, vigilantly watching over the needs of his flock, received a revelation from God about his father's criminal intentions and decided to deliver him from poverty and spiritual death. At midnight, he threw gold out the window, and he himself hastily returned home. The father thanked God and was soon able to marry his eldest daughter. The second time was repeated by St. Nikolai was a benefactor, and on the third time the father decided at all costs to recognize his secret benefactor and thank him: when the saint threw the third bundle, the father caught up with him and fell at his feet, but the saint, out of deep humility, ordered not to tell anyone about happened.
For meekness and kindness, St. Nicholas won the great love of the people.
As it is said in the life of St. Nicholas, he traveled to Jerusalem. Having reached the ancient city, the saint ascended Golgotha, thanked the Savior of the human race and went around all the holy places, worshiping and praying. There is a legend that during a visit to the holy places of Palestine, St. Nicholas wished one night to pray in the temple; He approached the locked doors, and the doors opened of their own accord so that the Chosen One of God could enter the temple.
Returning to Lycia, the saint wanted to leave the world for the Zion monastery, but the Lord announced a different path awaiting him: “Nicholas, this is not the field on which you should bear the fruit I expect; go from here and go into the world, to the people, so that my name may be glorified in you!"
In obedience, Saint Nicholas withdrew from the monastery and chose not his city of Patara, where everyone knew him and paid him honors, but the great city of Myra, the capital and metropolis of the Lycian land, where, unknown to anyone, he could rather escape worldly glory. He lived like a beggar, had nowhere to lay his head, but inevitably attended all church services. After the death of Archbishop John, he was elected Bishop of the World of Lycia, after one of the bishops of the Council, who decided the issue of election, was indicated in a vision by God's chosen one - Saint Nicholas.
Having become an archbishop, Nicholas remained the same great ascetic, showing his flock an image of meekness 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. When Constantine Equal-to-the-Apostles came to power, Saint Nicholas returned to his flock.
Another significant event in the life of St. Nicholas became the I Ecumenical Council, convened by Emperor Constantine in 325, when the heresy of Arius was spreading. (He rejected the deity of Christ and did not recognize Him as consubstantial with the Father.) There is a legend that during one of the conciliar sessions, unable to endure the blasphemy of Arius, Saint Nicholas struck this heretic on the cheek. The Fathers of the Council considered such an act inappropriate and deprived St. Nicholas of his episcopal rank and imprisoned him in a prison tower. But soon many of them had a vision when, before their eyes, our Lord Jesus Christ gave St. Nicholas the Gospel, and Holy Mother of God put an omophorion on him. Then St. Nikolai was released, his dignity was returned to him.
Even Muslim Turks have a deep respect for the saint: in the tower they still carefully keep the dungeon where this great man was imprisoned.
Having reached a ripe old age, in the year 345 Saint Nicholas died peacefully.
According to legend, his relics were kept incorrupt in the local cathedral church and exuded healing myrrh. In the XI century, the Turks began their attacks on the Greek Empire, during which the shrines of Christians - temples, relics and icons - were desecrated. There was an attempt to desecrate the relics of St. Nicholas, but a terrible storm with thunder and lightning did not allow this to be done.
In 1087, the merchants of the Italian city of Bari took the relics of St. Nicholas from the World of Lycia. They explained their action by the desire to save the Christian shrine from destruction by the Muslim Turks, who at that time were rampaging in the possessions of the Greek Empire in Asia Minor. There is also a legend that Nicholas appeared in a dream to a priest from the city of Bari and ordered to transfer his relics to this city.
Three ships were equipped to carry the relics. Presbyters and noble citizens under the guise of merchants went to Myra. Simultaneously with the inhabitants of Bari, the Venetians also went to Myra, who also wanted to transport the relics of Nicholas to themselves.
The inhabitants of Bari arrived in the Lycian land by circuitous routes, through Egypt and Palestine. Initially, they tried to bribe the monks and take the relics. But the monks began to resist, and then the nobles used force. The tomb was opened, and the relics were transported to Bari. The journey lasted 20 days and ended on May 9 (May 22 according to the new style).
The celebration of the transfer of the relics of Nicholas the Pleasant to the Church of St. Stephen in Bari was accompanied by numerous healings of the sick. A year later, a church was specially built in the city in the name of St. Nicholas, which was consecrated by Pope Urban II.
The Monk Nestor the Chronicler testifies that the first church in the name of St. Nicholas in Russia was built in Kyiv as early as 882, before the official adoption of Christianity.
Church tradition keeps evidence of many miracles performed through the prayers of Nicholas. The legend about how Nicholas of Myra saved three innocently condemned from death inspired Ilya Repin to paint the picture. The hallmarks of the saint's icon depict the miracles included in his biography.
But not only in books and chronicles one can read about the miracles of the saint: today the saint, as always, helps those who turn to him with prayer, and contemporary miracles of the saint occur no less often than in former times..
Based on the facts of St. Nicholas' lifetime assistance to all the poor and needy, people turn to him in difficult financial circumstances, and help comes unexpectedly soon.
Girls and married women pray to St. Nicholas about getting married safely and living with her husband in love and harmony.
Drivers, sailors and travelers are praying to avoid dangers on the road.
There are many cases where St. Nicholas saved drowning people.
Often the saint is resorted to as a defender of the unjustly offended and slandered.
Traditions and customs on the day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
The feast of St. Nicholas of the Vesny is celebrated in all church parishes: prayers and religious processions are performed in his honor. Previously, parishioners asked the saint for help in the fight against drought: processions often ended at wells and in fields.
Believers on the day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker prefer fish dishes and try to give up meat and eggs. In the evening, it is recommended that the whole family read a prayer of thanksgiving for intercession.
The holiday is dedicated to the transfer of the relics of St. Nicholas from Myra to Italian Bari and is not associated with any tragic events, so it is recommended to celebrate it joyfully and cheerfully.
The text of the prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker.
O all-holy Nicholas, the servant of the most beautiful Lord, our warm intercessor and everywhere in sorrow an urgent helper! Help me, a sinner and a dull one, in a real life, Beg the Lord God to grant me the remission of all my sins, I have sinned from my youth, in all my life, By deed, word, thought and all my feelings; And at the end of my soul, help me, the damned one, Beg the Lord God, Sodetel of all creatures, Deliver me from air ordeals and eternal torment; May I always glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, And your merciful intercession, Now and forever, and forever and ever. Amen!
Folk traditions and signs
Most of all, this holiday is known by the name of Nikola Veshny. Due to the fact that the transfer was made in the spring. Saint Nicholas is an image of meekness, an intercessor for the unjustly persecuted, an assistant to the poor, a liberator of all people who find themselves in "mournful circumstances": the patron saint of sailors and travelers. He is especially loved and respected. His image hangs in every temple.
This is one of the most revered holidays. Nicholas the Wonderworker is the protector and patron of the people. The good miracle worker Nicholas is dedicated to two holidays in the year: Spring and Winter (December 19). "One is herbal, the other is frosty."
Nikola is considered the closest saint to God. He is the mediator between God and people. They pray to him, calling for his help. "Saint Nicholas the Pleasant! Help me, Holy Miracle Worker! Cover me with your miracle and save me from all misfortunes!”
Sailors during storms on the waters carried the miraculous image of St. Nicholas on deck and prayed to him for their salvation. "Nikola will save the sea, Nikola will lift the peasant's cart."
St. Nicholas Day May 22, 2018: what can be done, what can not be done
Nikola's Day is considered a men's holiday. This is a ritual holiday. Nikola is revered as the patron saint of horses. On this day, "guys go for the first time at night." Prayers were ordered for the preservation of the herds.
They say among the people: "12 cold matinees remain from Nikola, which can be in the spring, or even until September 14." Plant potatoes from Nikola Veshny. “Since Nikola, the average time for sowing spring crops” (this data corresponds to the old style, i.e. May 9). "Until St. Nikola not this buckwheat, do not shear the sheep. "The alder blossomed - this buckwheat."
End of spring. Beginning of the Predlet (from May 22 to June 10). There may be thunderstorms and rain. "The rain in May raises bread." The lilac is blooming. Blooming yellow acacia, bare elm. Cherry blossoms, apple trees, plums, pears, shadberries bloom in the gardens, writes C-ib. Lilies of the valley, dandelions, forget-me-nots bloom. Time to collect dandelions for medicinal purposes, cooking medicinal jam.
What signs are associated with this day
Saint Nicholas is a very revered saint among Christians around the world. People have long believed that he takes care of and helps all wanderers, those who are far from home, sailors and travelers, and, of course, children.
In the year there are two big holidays dedicated to St. Nicholas, in winter, on December 19 - St. Nicholas Day, beloved by both adults and children, and in summer - May 22.
The spring holiday dedicated to the saint has long had many names: Nicholas the Wonderworker, Nikola summer, Nikola spring, Nikola with warmth, Grass Day, merciful Nikola, sea ...
What Not to Do
It is believed that on St. Nicholas Day, nothing can be done for yourself - only for those who need your help.
You can’t refuse Nicholas to anyone who asks you for help, otherwise you will endure poverty, disasters and losses for seven years for refusing.
What to do, especially for women
On this day, any work is welcome: at home, around the house, in the garden and in the garden.
On this day, the housewives tried to put things in order in the house, from the very morning they took up general cleaning, since the saint does not like disorder.
Pay off all debts, otherwise poverty and misery
By the day of St. Nicholas, they tried to pay off all debts, otherwise it was believed that there would be no financial luck all year.
It's a good omen if it's raining on Nicholas.
Morning dew on Nicholas is considered healing, they try to wash themselves with it for beauty and health, to walk barefoot on the grass.
It has long been believed that St. Nicholas patronizes lovers, so the newlyweds and those who were going to play the wedding asked for protection and help from the saint.
Unmarried girls guessed at their betrothed on this holiday and asked the Saint to send them a good groom, a kind and faithful husband, a happy family life and kids.
On this day, there was a ban on picking up scissors, and now there is a sign not to cut your hair on Nikolai.
There is no post on this day. However, it was on Nikola the Summer, or the Spring (May 22), that the Orthodox organized religious processions - they went to the fields with icons and banners, performed prayers at the wells (asked for rain).
According to tradition, it is customary to give gifts on the "winter" Nicholas, that is, on December 19th. In the spring, on May 22, you can congratulate in words or send a postcard to a dear person.
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Commemoration of the transfer of the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, also known as Nicholas the Pleasant.
Nicholas the Wonderworker (Nikolai Ugodnik) is known for a huge number of miraculous deeds and healings. The icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is in every church. Nicholas on the icon is depicted as an old man in a church robe with gray hair and a beard, a strict, but at the same time merciful look. The saint holds the Gospel in his hands, calling for light, peace and faith.
History of Nicholas the Wonderworker
Nicholas the Pleasant was born in 270 in the city of Patara, which was a Greek colony. His parents were wealthy and were happy to help the poor. From childhood, Nicholas aspired to the temple and was preparing to become a priest. After the death of his parents, he distributed all his fortune and became a clergyman.
When Nicholas the Wonderworker was consecrated to the rank of archbishop, he tried to help absolutely everyone, for which he was very loved simple people. Nicholas the Wonderworker died in the middle of the fourth century, having lived to about 80 years.
Prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker
The meaning of the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
The icon of St. Nicholas for all people acts differently. It depends on the situation and what the person is asking for. The icon serves as a symbol or talisman of protection. There are several prayers to the Saint, it remains only for a person to choose the right one. The icon helps: in marriage, in the fulfillment of desires, in getting rid of illnesses or troubles.
The captured image of the Saint with sincere prayer will help to get rid of mental suffering, support with illegal condemnation, mortal danger, problems at work, and you can also get an answer to the questions posed. We can say that the image of St. Nicholas is in the first place and is not inferior in value to the icon of the Virgin.
Where should the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker stand?
Since ancient times, icons have been placed in a red corner, where there is more sun. This place was beautiful and elegant. It is recommended to keep the icons of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, the Mother of God and the Guardian Angel, whose name the person bears, indoors. Very often, parents place the icon of the Saint in the children's room.
This festival is associated with the transfer of the relics of the archbishop from the town of Myra to a place called Bari. In Russia, this date is called Nikola Veshny, linking the Christian holiday with spring and the long-awaited changes.
This saint was born in a Greek colony in Asia. The place of his birth was the town of Patara. His parents had a large fortune, were believing and zealous Christians and were actively involved in charity work.
As a boy, Saint Nicholas read church books for a long time and regularly visited the church. And when he grew up, he learned to be a priest and went to serve in the temple, where his own uncle, the famous Bishop of Patara, was the father rector of the monastery.
After the natural death of his mother and father, Nicholas the Wonderworker gave all his fortune to the needy, and he himself became a bishop in Mir. Today this city is called Demre, and this place is located in the Turkish region of Antalya.
The just and honest archbishop was greatly honored by the people. During his long life, St. Nicholas performed many miracles. To this day, information has come down to the following of his acts:
- rescued the unjustly condemned from prison;
- fought paganism;
- denounced and converted heretics;
- defended the city of Mira from hunger with the help of sincere prayer to the Lord;
- by the power of prayer he rescued the crews of sinking ships from trouble;
- answered all the requests and questions of the suffering.
Nikolai Ugodnik died, having lived for many years, a "deep" old man. The actual date of his death is not known. Historians believe that this happened around 341–351.
Who is patronized by an amazing and famous saint?
Nicholas the Wonderworker is recognized as the patron saint of children, and in Europe he is even called the prototype of Santa Claus. He is also favorable to travelers, all sailors, merchants and those who need a real miracle for healing.
Why is Saint Nicholas called the Pleasant?
The saint received such a name for his pleasing service to God. Nicholas the Pleasant prayed with such strength and faith that even after his death, his relics remained untouched by decay. They streamed myrrh, and hundreds of believers were healed from this grace.
May 22 - St. Nicholas Day - the Wonderworker is glorified and honored in a variety of churches and parishes. Believers on this holiday try to give up meat and eggs, laying tables with fish dishes.
Earlier when Agriculture more developed, Christians organized mass processions with strings of icons and images on St. Nicholas of Veshny. Believers participated in the prayer service, asking for mercy and rain. Usually, religious processions ended in the fields or near water wells. It was believed that the merciful Nikolai could help in the fight against drought and bad weather.
Today, on this day, you can visit the temple, where a service will definitely be held. You can also pray at home, asking Nikolai Ugodnik for help in any business.
In the evening, you need to gather the whole family at the festive table and hold a common prayer of thanksgiving to the saint for his intercession. This Christian celebration is not associated with tragic events, so you can celebrate easily and cheerfully.
On the day of the memory of Nikola Veshny, it’s worth doing nothing for yourself personally. Since the saint gave everything to people, then believers on such a day should give something to charity, give alms or money to build a church. Help is welcome for orphans and orphanages, as well as for poor families.
The legend of the holiday
Saint Nicholas is celebrated on May 22 and December 19. It is customary to give gifts to each other on Nikola Zimniy. And during the spring celebration, you can limit yourself to beautiful greeting cards and verbal wishes for happiness, kindness and peace.
Saint Nicholas is revered by all Christians. He is very often remembered during daily services and is given a special place in the Christian hierarchy of saints.
There is a legend that when one peasant got stuck with his cart in the mud, he asked Saint Kasyan, who was passing by, for help. But he refused, referring to the fact that he was in a hurry to the Lord. When St. Nicholas passed next to the peasant, he helped him pull the cart out of the ditch and appeared to the Lord covered in mud. There the saint was asked why he got so dirty and delayed, to which he replied that he was helping the man. Since then, Nicholas the Pleasant has been praised twice a year, and the Christian Saint Kasyan once every four years.
There is also a legend about the winter holiday dedicated to St. Nicholas the Pleasant. Even during his lifetime, the saint learned that in his city there was a poor man who had decided on a terrible sin. To get out of poverty and marry two daughters, a man decided to send a third girl to a brothel. Then Nicholas the Wonderworker made his way to the poor man's house at night and threw him a bag of gold. The poor man could not believe his luck and married off his eldest daughter. Then Nikolai Ugodnik made his way into the poor man's house with a bag of gold for the second time, and the man played a wedding for his middle daughter. The poor man was wondering who his benefactor was? Therefore, for the third time, he tracked down the bishop and rushed after him to thank him for his unprecedented generosity. And then he married a third daughter. Since then, on December 19, the custom of giving gifts and small souvenirs has been fixed, which are secretly placed at night near the fireplace or Christmas tree.
During his earthly years, this saint performed many incredible miracles and accomplished a huge number of good deeds. He did not refuse to help either believers or pagans, prompting repentance in them and instructing them on the true path.
Believers know that May 22 is St. Nicholas Day. They gladly go to the service, remembering the intercession of the archbishop. And they believe that even after death, the saint protects them from heaven, gives them protection and hope for the healing of ailments. An amazing person and a saint popular among the people is equally known both in Russia and abroad. Many temples and churches were erected in his honor. He is known not only by Christians, but also by people of other faiths. The saint is remembered and glorified in his own by all believers in Orthodoxy and Catholics.
Twice a year the Christian world celebrates the feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (May 22 and December 19). Many signs, rituals and traditions are associated with this holiday. Nicholas is revered as a great miracle worker who is able to heal diseases. Most often, poor, homeless and sick people ask him for help, because only he is able to help them.
The Day of Saint Nicholas of Summer is one of the most revered holidays in the Christian Church. The celebration is timed to coincide with the day of the transfer of the relics of St. Nicholas to the city of Bari, located in Italy. In Orthodoxy, Nicholas the Wonderworker is considered the patron of children, couples in love, soldiers, merchants, merchants. In addition, the Saint is also the protector of people who have been undeservedly punished.
From year to year this holiday is celebrated on the same day - May 22 according to the new style (May 9 according to the Julian calendar). The name "Nikola Summer" is the most common. However, the celebration has many other names: Nikola Veshny, Nikola Saint, Summer Day, St. Nicholas, Nikola with Warmth, Grass Day, Nicholas the Wonderworker, Warm Day.
Feast of Nicholas of Summer in Christianity. What is the meaning of the holiday of Summer Nikola?
Since ancient times, it was believed that on Grassy Day, spring, finally losing ground, meets with summer. The sun no longer warms gently, its rays become truly burning. After Nikolin's day, a hot time usually set in. In Russia, this holiday was very much expected, it was of great importance for the Orthodox. Saint Nicholas was close to God and was considered one of his favorites.
In some villages, people even created special prayers in honor of Nicholas. In their prayers, they directly addressed the Saint, asking him for protection and patronage. By and large, the prayers addressed to Nicholas of Summer were practically no different from the prayers that were said in honor of the Lord. However, these prayers were never approved by the church canon.
The origins of the holiday
Honoring the memory of St. Nicholas of Summer began at the beginning of the 11th century, literally a few decades after the emergence of the Orthodox religion. The Greeks did not attach much importance to this holiday. For them, it was a reminder of negative events, since their country had lost the holy relics of Nikola.
At first, the memory of Nicholas the Wonderworker was honored only by the inhabitants of Italy. This is due to the transfer of the relics of the Saint at the end of the 11th century from Lycia to the church of St. Stephen, located in the Italian city of Bari. Adherents of the Christian faith living in other countries, Nikola Summer was not accepted and was not considered as a grandiose celebration for the reason that all the attention and respect of the people was directed to the local Shrines.
Signs and rituals on the day of St. Nicholas the Summer
If during the prelude (22.05-10.06) the weather was damp and windy with showers and thunderstorms, it means that Nikola Summer is favorable, and at the end of summer it will be possible to harvest a rich harvest. Such weather was a particularly favorable sign for the wheat harvest.
If the croaking of frogs was heard on Nikola Veshny, it means that Mother Earth will bring generous gifts to people. Cereal and vegetable crops, fruits and berries will be born well.
“The Grace of God” and “Heaven pours rain on the earth, raises rich bread” - this is what they said if it rains on St. Nicholas of Veshny. And this weather promised a happy life this year.
Rainy weather on Nikolai Ugodnik marks excellent harvest, and when you hear the singing of frogs in the morning, you can expect that oats will spoil a lot. An interesting weather omen is that if the spring season turns out to be cold, warm weather is expected until mid-autumn. Since ancient times, people believed that the last day of the year is the day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Therefore, it is imperative to pay off all debts, otherwise the year will be unsuccessful. To protect his house from troubles, the owner must go around his yard in the morning. Last year's grain can only be sold when the holiday is over. Based on beliefs, on this wonderful day, you can not be afraid of various troubles. It was believed that the worst enemies would turn out to be friends on the day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. It was on this holiday that people began to plant potatoes, buckwheat, cleaned the oat crop and drove horses out to graze at night. If a person meets a beggar or hungry, then it is necessary to help him. Otherwise, you can face these adversities yourself. Oats should definitely begin to be sheared from this holiday, this will not give the harvest an abyss.
It was believed that shearing sheep, planting potatoes and buckwheat on the day of St. Nicholas of Summer would bring good luck in all matters, a rich harvest, and getting rid of troubles.
According to one of the old signs, prayers addressed to the Lord and the Saints on May 22 have great power. People can ask for healing from ailments, an addition to the family, a meeting with a soul mate, forgiveness of sins. Saint Nicholas, who was close to God, will definitely help!
In order not to get sick all year, in the morning on Nikola Summer, people with all their families went out into the field and washed themselves with dew. Then health will be strong and no illness will cling. Some stripped down to their underwear and rolled on the grass, which was covered with dew. Thus, the whole body was washed with fertile moisture.
If Alder begins to bloom on May 22, then expect financial well-being soon. It was believed that the family, in whose yard the buds on this tree blossomed, would not experience material difficulties all year. There are cases when people after that found treasures, unexpectedly received an inheritance, won a large sum of money.
Traditions on the holiday of St. Nicholas of Summer:
Since Nicholas the Wonderworker is the patron and protector of couples in love, young girls at dawn on May 22 prayed to the Saint that he would grant them a meeting with their soulmate. Unmarried girls asked Nikolai to send them a good husband, generous, handsome, hardworking, brave, kind.
It was on this holiday that young people often performed various rituals and fortune-telling. With the onset of evening, all the lonely young women went out into the street, took off their shoes and threw their left shoe out of the gate. If the girl's shoes flew far away, then after marriage she will go far from her home. The toe of the shoe indicated the direction from where the betrothed should be expected. When the shoes pointed to the house in which the young woman lives, then she will not see the wedding in the coming year.
Saint Nicholas also patronizes animals, including sheep and horses. By the day of St. Nicholas the Summer, fresh grass in the fields had already grown enough. Therefore, on the night of May 22, all owners of horses and sheep drove their cattle into the fields. Animals frolicked all night, ran, nibbling grass. In Russia, this ceremony was turned into a real spectacular show. And even today in some villages you can observe such an action. So that the horses and sheep would not run away, shepherds were assigned to them - young and physically strong men.
In the evening, before the start of the pasture of animals, a special dinner was prepared for the shepherds, consisting of their porridge and pies. Then bonfires were kindled around the perimeter of the large field. Few of the villagers went to bed early, because everyone wanted to watch the pasture of animals. Even small children were allowed to walk until midnight that day. A little later, when the villagers dispersed to their huts, girls, unmarried residents of the village, joined the shepherds. Then the real festivities began with dancing, songs and fun games. It was believed that on this night, boys and girls entered adulthood, so older relatives did not particularly control "hot young hearts."
In order for the harvest to be rich and the land to be fertile, at dawn people went out into the fields and gardens, stood facing the rising sun and performed a special ceremony. They read prayers addressed to Nicholas the Wonderworker, asking him to protect their lands, for generous gifts, for a well-fed existence.
How to behave correctly and what to do on the holiday of St. Nicholas of Summer?
In order for happiness to smile throughout the year, May 22 must be spent in prayers and caring for the family, home, and cattle. It is desirable that all household members, young and old, be busy with useful things.
In the morning and evening, it is advisable to pray to Nicholas Veshny and the Lord. You can ask God and the Saint for everything you need. If your prayers are sincere, and you really deserve what you ask for, you will definitely be rewarded.
On this day, you need to start sowing some crops. As a rule, buckwheat and potatoes were planted. It was believed that after the day of Nikola the Summer, it was pointless to engage in their landing. Firstly, there will be no decent harvest, and secondly, crops will not have time to spoil.
In the morning, after going to church and prayers, it is advisable to go to the bathhouse, take a good bath and change into clean or even new underwear. Outerwear should also be washed and ironed. In the process of bathing, you can read a prayer.
From the very morning, the housewives began to clean up the house, backyard territory, non-residential outbuildings where cattle were kept. Animals were intensively fed various delicacies. Artiodactyls and ruminants were grazed, the rest of the pets were walked.
Unmarried girls and unmarried guys changed into beautiful outfits after the bath. The guys put on shirts embroidered with gold, wide light-colored linen trousers, tied with satin belts. The girls dressed up in long sundresses, and multi-colored scarves were tied on their heads or wreaths with ribbons were put on.
After working in the field and having fun, all family members were supposed to gather at the table to enjoy a festive dinner. There are no special recommendations regarding the dishes on the table. They ate everything that God sent. Usually it was an unpretentious meal: milk, pancakes, chicken eggs, cheese, porridge, boiled potatoes, lard and all kinds of dishes prepared from the listed products.
There was an interesting rite to gain wealth. People put their empty wallets in a prominent place in the house. Someone even hung stencils to notify about problems with money. They believed that Nicholas the Wonderworker would see their grief with lack of money and would definitely help. In order for Nicholas to help fulfill a wish, a special ceremony was performed on this day. For its implementation, it is necessary to purchase an icon of St. Nicholas and forty candles bought in the church for the house. The image of the saint was placed on the table, and the candles were alternately lit around him. While they were burning, a person should express his wishes. People believed that he would definitely help if the desire was sincere and pure.
What can not be done on Nikola Summer?
On May 22, it was not worth it to be sad, to indulge in memories of past negative events, to be lazy. The only thing that should be abandoned regarding housework is knitting and sewing.
It is undesirable to use scissors and other piercing and cutting objects (kitchen utensils and garden tools do not count).
It was believed that if a person refuses to help the one who turned to him, he and his family will feel the need and fail for 7 years in a row. Remember, helping the poor, orphans and everyone who asks is one of the life rules that St. Nicholas always adhered to during his lifetime.
On a Warm Day, it is also undesirable to refuse anything (of course, within reasonable limits) to children. Nikolai Ugodnik is their patron, so all the kids need to make gifts. It is not necessary to buy something expensive, let it be simple gifts, such as souvenirs, toys, or their favorite treats. By tradition, gifts were always placed under the pillow for children or hidden in socks, which were then hung on a rope above the stove (fireplace).
On Grass Day, it is inappropriate to indulge in violent revelry. Unacceptable dancing until you drop, strong alcohol intoxication and loud chants. It is also not welcome to clarify personal relationships, and even more so quarrels, scandals, fights. Swearing on May 22 means incurring failure.
Nikola Summer is a holiday that many people love, especially kids. This is a celebration dedicated to the end of spring and the beginning of the summer season. It is important to spend this holiday correctly so that St. Nicholas fulfills all your desires, becomes a patron and reliable protector for you and your family!
Saint Nicholas, the most revered Saint Nicholas by the Russian people, showed mercy even to a person who committed a terrible sin, if he deeply and sincerely obeyed. So, he forgave the ruler of the city, who condemned the innocent for a bribe, and did not complain about him to the emperor. And he could be unexpectedly harsh: at the Ecumenical Council in Nicaea in 325, indignant at the stubbornness of the heretic Arius, he hit him on the cheek, for which the assembled bishops decided to deprive St. Nicholas of the hierarchal (episcopal) dignity. According to legend, he was even imprisoned. But the sign that the bishops received in a dream convinced them to return the saint's freedom. The meaning of his act for believers is by no means in permissiveness, but in active rejection of any untruth: the sharpness of the saint was caused by the same feeling that once prompted him to snatch the sword from the hands of the executioner. Saint Nicholas is also glorified as a miracle worker: miraculous healings and even resurrections from the dead took place through his prayers, storms at sea subsided, and the wind carried the ship to where the saint needed. The Church also knows many cases when prayers of believers to St. Nicholas turned into miracles even after his death. A quick and merciful helper to the afflicted, unmercenary and philanthropist, sensitively responding to the misfortune and pain of people; a strict pastor-mentor, keenly experiencing any untruth and resolutely rebelling against it - in these features of St. Nicholas, Orthodox see not a contradictory nature, but evidence of the living fullness of his holiness.