Holy Hierarch Father Nicholas, pray to God for us. Holy Father Nicholas, pray to God for us

ABOUT PRAYER TO ST. NICHOLAS

Sincere prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker has been helping believers for hundreds of years. During his lifetime, Saint Nicholas of Myra became famous for his numerous miracles and helping people. The saint of God is one of the most revered saints in Orthodox world. Believers offer prayers to the miracle worker in a variety of life situations, problems, trials in front of an icon at home or in a temple. He is an intercessor and prayer book for our souls, a quick helper in sorrows and illnesses. Numerous people say that St. Nicholas very quickly responds to prayer requests uttered sincerely and with faith.

I must say that there are various prayers Nicholas the Wonderworker for help, including marriage, healing, children, and traveling. Although there is no mandatory list in which specific life situations the saint helps, nevertheless, believers remember what Nicholas accomplished during his lifetime. They pray to him for marriage and for prosperity in money, remembering how the saint donated money for a dowry to a bankrupt father of unmarried daughters. They pray for those traveling, remembering how the saint, by the grace of God, calmed the storm and saved the ship. They pray for protection and intercession, remembering how Nicholas saved innocent people from destruction and death.

You can turn to a saint in many difficult life circumstances. You can read the text of the most famous prayers on our website.

1. Prayer to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker

O all-praised, great wonderworker, saint of Christ, Father Nicholas! We pray to you, awaken the hope of all Christians, protector of the faithful, feeder of the hungry, joy of the weeping, doctor of the sick, steward of those floating on the sea, feeder of the poor and orphans, and quick helper and patron of all, may we live a peaceful life here and may we be worthy to see the glory of God’s elect in heaven , and with them unceasingly sing the praises of the one worshiped God in the Trinity forever and ever. Amen.

2. Prayer to Saint Nicholas

O all-holy Nicholas, exceedingly saintly servant of the Lord, our warm intercessor, and everywhere in sorrow a quick helper! Help me, sinful and sad, in this life, beg the Lord God to grant me forgiveness of all my sins, which I have sinned greatly from my youth, in all my life, in deed, word, thought and all my feelings; and at the end of my soul, help me, the accursed one, beg the Lord God, Creator of all creation, to deliver me from airy ordeals and eternal torment; May I always glorify the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and your merciful intercession, now and ever and unto ages of ages, amen.

3. Prayer to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

O all-good Father Nicholas, shepherd and teacher of all who flow by faith to your intercession and call upon you with warm prayer, quickly strive and deliver the flock of Christ from the wolves that are destroying it, and protect every Christian country and save with your holy prayers from worldly rebellion, cowardice, invasion foreigners and internecine warfare, from famine, flood, fire, sword and vain death. And just as you had mercy on three men imprisoned, and you delivered them from the king’s wrath and the beating of the sword, so have mercy on me, in mind, word and deed, in the darkness of sins, and deliver me from the wrath of God and eternal punishment, as through your intercession and With the help of His mercy and grace, Christ God will give me a quiet and sinless life to live in this world and will deliver me from this place, and will make me worthy to be with all the saints. Amen.

About Saint Nicholas of Myra

The Holy Archbishop of Myra of Lycia, became famous as the Great Pleasant of God. From early childhood he devoted his life to serving the Lord. The name of Nicholas, the intercessor for all those who flocked to him, became famous in all corners of the earth. WITH sincere prayer Believers turn to Nicholas the Wonderworker for help in any troubles and sorrows. They ask him for a quick marriage, for healing from a serious illness, for prosperity in money, for children, for travelers, etc.

However, it is important to remember that reading prayers should not be treated as spells that imply automatic “fulfillment of a wish.” The Holy Fathers teach us patience, humility and meekness, trusting in everything the will of God. The trials that befall us are necessary to achieve main goal- lead a person to repentance and salvation. After all, as the Lord said: “According to your faith, be it done to you” (Matthew 9:29).

God bless you with the prayers of the Most Holy Theotokos and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker!

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Belarus, 1751. Fragment

December 6 (19) - Memorial Day of St. Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, Wonderworker

Nicholas the Wonderworker, or Nicholas the Pleasant, is one of the most beloved Orthodox saints. It is to him, like no one else, that people turn for help; most of the candles are usually in front of his icon. In Russia, even Mohammedans and pagans revered him, and the Catholic Santa Claus, who brings gifts to children and fulfills their most cherished desires, is none other than Nikolai Ugodnik.

Since ancient times, he has been considered not only the patron saint of sailors and travelers, but also the most immediate assistant in troubles and sorrows. That is why in Russia many churches were consecrated in his honor: there are, perhaps, not a single large city, where there would be no St. Nicholas Church. Moscow was famous for several dozen churches dedicated to the saint: in Klenniki, in Nikolskoye, in Pyzhi, at the Rogozhskoye cemetery and others. One of the main towers of the Moscow Kremlin and the Kitai-Gorod street leading to it are called Nikolsky. The very first church of St. Nicholas in Rus' was erected by Princess Olga in Kyiv— over the grave of the first Russian Christian prince Askold, at the baptism of Nicholas.

Helping others

Saint Nicholas was born around 270 in the city of Patara, which at that time was the most prosperous and richest city in Asia Minor in Lycia (now part of Turkey).

His parents, Feofan and Nonna, were noble and rich, but did not have children until they were very old. In constant fervent prayer, they asked the Almighty to give them a son, promising to dedicate him to God. Their prayer was heard: the Lord gave them a son, whom they named Nicholas, which means “victorious people.”

Christmas of St. Nicholas. Icon. 18th century

Nicholas was baptized in infancy, although in the 3rd-4th centuries the baptism of infants, even those born in Christian families, was not yet the general rule as it is now. From infancy, Nicholas began to receive Holy Communion Mysteries of Christ. From his early childhood, Saint Nicholas fell in love with the church, where he spent almost all his time. From the age of six the boy began to read books, primarily books Holy Scripture. At a very young age, his uncle, the bishop of the city of Patara, ordained Nicholas as a priest. Having been ordained, Saint Nicholas began to lead an even more strict ascetic life.

Soon his parents died, leaving Nicholas a rich inheritance. For the young priest there was no doubt that the wealth he received should be used for the glory of God and to help people. And the Lord soon provided him with the opportunity to perform a godly deed.

Not far from Saint Nicholas lived a man who was once noble and rich, but by that time had fallen into extreme poverty. Having exhausted all possibilities to get out of the difficult situation, he decided to sacrifice the honor of his three beautiful daughters. Having learned about this, Saint Nicholas decided to save both father and daughters. Three times at night he sneaked up to the wretched dwelling in which the former rich man was now huddled, and each time he threw a bag of gold out the window. For the third time, Nikolai was discovered by his unhappy father. The benefactor made the head of the family promise that he would not tell anyone who was helping him. Soon all three girls got married successfully and happily, the merchant’s trading business went smoothly, and he also began to help people.

Saint Nicholas saves three girls from poverty and desecration. 13th century

On the advice of his uncle, Saint Nicholas made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. While traveling on the ship, he showed the gift of insight and miracles: he foretold the approaching storm and pacified it with the power of his prayer; resurrected a sailor who fell from a ship's mast.

God's chosen one

Having venerated the holy places, Saint Nicholas wanted to retire into the desert and spend his life away from people, but the Almighty destined him for a different path - somehow Nicholas heard a voice commanding him to return to his homeland and serve people. Obeying the will of God, Nicholas returned to the capital of Lycia - the city of Myra, where no one knew him. He lived here as a beggar, without his own corner, and spent all his time in the temple of God. Saint Nicholas humbled himself so much that the Lord, “who humiliates the proud and exalts the humble,” did not fail to exalt him.

Just at that time the bishop died - the main thing clergyman city of Mira. On this occasion, bishops from neighboring dioceses arrived here to choose a successor to the deceased. They prayed for a long time, asking the Lord to point out the most worthy one. And the Lord heard the prayer of his servants: in a dream, He ordered the eldest of the bishops to appoint as bishop of Myra the one who would be the first to come to the temple, and even named the name of this man - Nicholas.

The first to come to the temple, as usual, was Saint Nicholas. When they found out his name, doubts disappeared by themselves. He refused so high rank, considering himself unworthy. But the will of God was obvious - and soon Nicholas became the saint of Myra in Lycia. The responsibilities of a bishop at that time were significant and broad: he not only had to teach his spiritual children true faith, but to feed and clothe them, arrange their affairs, sort out disputes, litigation and complaints, reconcile... Now Nicholas’s life began to belong not to him, but to his flock: the doors of his house did not close; he helped equally strong of the world this, and the poor; He was a father to orphans, a breadwinner for the poor, a comforter to those who mourn, an intercessor to the offended...

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Hagiographic icon. Russia, 19th century.

Courage and loyalty

The time of trials was approaching... In the 300s, the Church of Christ was persecuted by the Emperor Diocletian: churches were destroyed, Divine and liturgical books were burned, clergy were imprisoned and tortured, Christians were persecuted and tortured. Thus, in Nicomedia alone (the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire), twenty thousand Christians were burned in the temple on Easter Day! Bishop Myra of Lycia did not escape oppression: Saint Nicholas was thrown into prison, where, despite hunger, thirst and suffering, he strengthened the prisoners in the faith so that they were ready to suffer for Christ.

With the accession of Emperor Constantine the Great in 323, the persecution of Christians ceased, and Saint Nicholas again became the head of his flock, zealously asserting Orthodox faith, eradicating heresies and paganism: he destroyed temples and altars, overthrew idols. On his instructions, the Temple of Artemis, the main urban center of paganism, was destroyed in Myra.

At that time, strong unrest broke out in connection with the Arian heresy, which denied the Divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ. To pacify the Church, Emperor Constantine convened the First Ecumenical (Nicene) Council in 325. Among the 318 bishops, Saint Nicholas of Myra was also present at the Council. The Council condemned the heresy of Arius and compiled the “Creed,” which we hear in churches every service and recite during morning prayer.

I.Repin. Nicholas of Myra saves three innocently convicted people from death. 1888

Miracles

While caring for the spiritual nourishment of his flock, Saint Nicholas did not forget about their bodily needs: thus, when a terrible famine occurred in Lycia, the good shepherd performed such a miracle to save the hungry. The saint appeared in a dream to a merchant in Italy who was loading his ship with grain, gave him three gold coins as a deposit and ordered him to sail to the city of Myra. Waking up, the merchant found three gold coins clutched in his hand. Realizing that this was a command from above, he brought his ship to Lycia, and the starving people were saved. Here the merchant spoke about the vision, and the townspeople recognized their archpastor from his description.

Saint Nicholas did not and does not leave any request, any prayer unanswered. Here are two more of countless examples of his intercession.

South of Lycia there was a group of small rocky islands, often were the cause sinking of ships. Once here, at the Helidon rocks, a fierce storm overtook a ship coming from Egypt. The doomed ship was tossed like a piece of wood, the wind tore the sails, it creaked from the blows of the waves... The crew said goodbye to life... None of them had ever seen Saint Nicholas, but someone had heard about how quick the saint was to help. And people called out to him as the last hope for salvation - and the saint responded. He boarded the ship and said, “You called to me. So I came to help you. Don't be afraid! Saint Nicholas commanded the storm to subside - and silence fell on the sea; he brought the ship to the harbor and disappeared.

Rescue of Sailors (Gentile da Fabriano, c. 1425)

When the rescued sailors went ashore, they hurried to the temple to thank St. Nicholas for the miraculous rescue. Imagine their surprise and amazement when they recognized their savior in the priest of this temple!

And here's what wonderful story happened in the North with our military pilot in the Great Patriotic War. Once in battle, his plane was shot down, he jumped out with a parachute, but was still doomed: although he was wearing a life belt, he would probably have died from hypothermia in ice water. Suddenly the pilot heard the splash of water and the creak of oars. Looking closer, he saw a boat with an old man. Having dragged the freezing pilot into the boat, the old man, without saying a word, took him to some village, settled him on a hill and... disappeared.

Soon the pilot was found local residents- they warmed him and fed him, and in his wet clothes they found a medallion sewn up by his mother. When the pilot looked at the image on the medallion, he recognized the old man who saved him. It was an icon of St. Nicholas, to whom the pilot’s mother prayed throughout the war to help her son - and he returned from the front alive.

And finally, the story of our contemporary, a former geologist. “It was late autumn, and the sea near the Solovetsky Islands was already beginning to be covered with small pieces of ice. Hoping that I could return to base before dark, I sailed alone by boat to one of the islands to complete the work I had started. It was already evening when I pushed off from the shore with an oar. But because of the many ice floes, it was so difficult to row that I soon realized that I would not return to base... At night, the wind and ice floes carried the boat into the open sea and the next day washed up on some unfamiliar shore.

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker and Reverend Xenia with Christ the Almighty.

Vasilevsky Vasily Ivanovich (first half - mid-18th century) 1755 Rybinsk State Museum-Reserve

I have been a believer since childhood and now I prayed all the time to St. Nicholas for salvation. Arriving at the shore, I decided to walk along it, hoping to find some kind of housing. Soon I met an old man.

-Where are you going, girl? - he asked me.

— I'm looking for someone's housing.

“Don’t go there, dear, you won’t find anyone there.” But do you see a hill in the distance? Climb it and you will see where you should go next.

I turned to look at the hill, and the old man was gone! And I realized then that it was St. Nicholas. I climbed the hill, saw smoke in the distance and went straight towards it. So I got to the fisherman's hut. His whole family was surprised by my appearance in this completely deserted place. The fisherman confirmed that indeed, I would not have found any housing and would probably have died from cold and hunger!”

Tomb of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Bari

Posthumous miracle of miracles

An ancient legend says that Saint Nicholas died on December 19, 342 at the 72nd year of his life. The death of God's saint did not stop his good deeds: numerous miracles, one more amazing than the other, did not and will not cease to glorify him. One of the ongoing miracles of St. Nicholas is the flow of healing liquid (peace) from his relics. Myrrh-streaming relics are often found even now, but in no other relics was this miracle so constant and continuous, and nowhere did it bring such abundance miraculous healings, like the relics of St. Nicholas, located in the Italian city of Bari.

Olga Glagoleva

December 19th, 2014 , 12:09 pm

Today the Orthodox Church honors the memory of:

St. Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, Wonderworker (c. 335).

Holy Father Nicholas, pray to God for us!

Nicholas the Wonderworker (+ 342), Archbishop of Myra, wonderworker. The great Christian saint, famous for working miracles during his life and after death, called the Church " the rule of faith and the image of meekness ", revered everywhere by Orthodox and heterodox, and even often between Muslims (in the east) and pagans (in Russia).

Commemorated on May 9 (transfer of the relics to Bari), July 29 (Christmas), December 6 (repose).

Born in the second half of the 3rd century in the city of Patara, a region of Lycia in Asia Minor. His parents Theophanes and Nonna were from a noble family and very wealthy, which did not prevent them from being pious Christians, merciful to the poor and zealous towards God. They had no children until they were very old; in constant fervent prayer, they asked the Almighty to give them a son, promising to devote him to the service of God. Their prayer was heard: the Lord gave them a son, who at holy baptism received the name Nicholas, which means in Greek “ victorious people».

A legend has been preserved that during baptism, when the ceremony was very long, the future saint, supported by no one, stood in the font for three hours.
All the unusual behavior of the child showed his parents that he would become a great saint of God, so they paid special attention to his upbringing and tried, first of all, to instill in their son the truths of Christianity and direct him to righteous life. The youth soon comprehended, thanks to his rich talents and guided by the Holy Spirit, book wisdom. Successful in his studies, the youth Nikolai also succeeded in godly life. He was not interested in the empty conversations of his peers: an infectious example of camaraderie leading to anything bad was alien to him.

Avoiding vain, sinful entertainment, the youth Nicholas was distinguished by exemplary chastity and avoided all unclean thoughts. He spent almost all his time reading the Holy Scriptures and performing feats of fasting and prayer. He had such love for the temple of God that he sometimes spent whole days and nights there in divine prayer and reading divine books.

Presbyter

The pious life of young Nicholas soon became known to all residents of the city of Patara. The bishop in this city was his uncle, also named Nikolai. Noticing that his nephew stood out among other young people for his virtues and strict ascetic life, he began to persuade his parents to give him to the service of the Lord. They readily agreed because they had made such a vow before the birth of their son.
His uncle, the bishop, ordained him a presbyter.

Having accepted the priesthood, Saint Nicholas began to lead an even more strict ascetic life. Out of deep humility, he performed his spiritual exploits in private. But God’s Providence wanted the saint’s virtuous life to direct others to the path of truth.
The uncle bishop went to Palestine, and entrusted the administration of his diocese to his nephew, the presbyter. Saint Nicholas devoted himself with all his soul to fulfilling the difficult duties of episcopal administration. He did a lot of good to his flock, showing widespread charity. By that time, his parents had died, leaving him a rich inheritance, which he completely used to help the poor. The following incident also testifies to his extreme humility.

In Patara there lived a poor man who had three beautiful daughters. He was so poor that he had no money to marry off his daughters. The unfortunate father's need led him to the terrible idea of sacrificing the honor of his daughters and extracting from their beauty the funds necessary for their dowry. But Saint Nicholas, having received a revelation from the Lord about his father’s criminal intentions, decided to deliver him from bodily poverty, thereby saving his family from spiritual death. Taking a large bundle of gold, at midnight, when everyone was asleep and could not see it, he went to the hut of the unfortunate father and threw the gold inside through the window, and he hastily returned home. In the morning, the father found gold, but could not know who his secret benefactor was. Deciding that God’s Providence Himself had sent him this help, he thanked the Lord and was soon able to marry off his eldest daughter. One of the following nights, the saint also secretly threw another bag of gold through the window into the poor man’s hut. The father soon married off his second daughter, firmly hoping that the Lord would show mercy to his third daughter in the same way. But he decided at all costs to recognize his secret benefactor and adequately thank him.

To do this, he did not sleep at night, waiting for his arrival. Soon the good shepherd of Christ came for the third time. Hearing the sound of falling gold, the father hastily left the house and caught up with his secret benefactor. Recognizing Saint Nicholas in him, he fell at his feet, kissed them and thanked him as a liberator from spiritual death.

Pilgrimage to Palestine

Upon his uncle’s return from Palestine, Saint Nicholas himself gathered there. While traveling on the ship, he showed the gift of deep insight and miracles: he foretold the coming severe storm and pacified it with the power of his prayer. Soon, here on the ship, he performed a great miracle, resurrecting a young sailor who had fallen from the mast onto the deck and died. On the way, the ship often landed on the shore. Saint Nicholas everywhere took care to heal the ailments of local residents: he healed some of incurable diseases, expelled the evil spirits that tormented them from others, and finally gave consolation to others in their sorrows.

Upon his arrival in Palestine, Saint Nicholas settled near Jerusalem in the village of Beit Jala near Bethlehem. All residents of this village are Orthodox; There are two Orthodox churches there, one of which, in the name of St. Nicholas, was built on the spot where the saint once lived in a cave, which now serves as a place of worship.

There is a legend that while visiting the holy places of Palestine, Saint Nicholas wished one night to pray in the temple; approached the doors, which were locked, and the doors themselves, by the action of a miraculous force, opened so that the saint could enter the temple and perform pious desire of your soul.
Saint Nicholas wished to remain forever in Palestine, to withdraw from people and secretly strive before the Heavenly Father. But the Lord wanted such a lamp of faith not to remain hidden in the desert, but to brightly illuminate the Lycian country. And so, by will from above, the pious presbyter returned to his homeland.

Hermitage in Cyprus

According to some information, in the first half of the 4th century, Saint Nicholas lived for a short period as a hermit in Cyprus, near the city of Paphos. With him was the Monk Eutyches, with whom the saint founded the Sacred Monastery (Μονή των Ιερέων, Αγία Μονή, now the courtyard of the Kykkos Monastery) . Information about the construction of the monastery by the Monk Eutychius and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was discovered by Ephraim of Athens in an ancient parchment manuscript, which at that time was in the sacristy of this monastery.

Return to Lycia and adoption of episcopal dignity

Wanting to get away from the bustle of the world, Saint Nicholas went not to Patara, but to Zion Monastery , founded by his uncle, a bishop, about ten kilometers north of the city of Myra, where he was received by the brethren with great joy. In quiet solitude monastic cell he thought of staying for life.

But one day, while standing in prayer, he heard a voice: “ Nikolai! You must enter into service to the people if you want to receive a crown from Me! " Obeying this command, Saint Nicholas left the monastery and chose as his place of residence not his city of Patara, where everyone knew him and showed him honor, but big city Myra, the capital and metropolis of the Lycian land, where, unknown to anyone, he could rather avoid worldly glory. He lived like a beggar, had nowhere to lay his head, but inevitably visited everything church services. Archbishop John of the entire Lycian country has died. All local bishops gathered in Myra to elect a new archbishop. Much was proposed for the election of intelligent and honest people, but there was no general agreement. The bishops fervently prayed to God, asking him to indicate the most worthy person.

A man appeared in a vision to one of the oldest bishops, illuminated by an unearthly light, and ordered that night to stand in the vestibule of the temple and notice who would be the first to come to the temple for the morning service: this is pleasing to the Lord the husband whom bishops must appoint as their archbishop; His name was also revealed - Nikolai. The elder bishop reported the revelation to others, who, hoping for God's mercy, intensified their prayers. As night fell, the elder bishop stood in the vestibule of the church, awaiting the arrival of the chosen one. Saint Nicholas, getting up at midnight, came to the temple. The elder stopped him and asked about his name. He answered quietly and modestly: “ I am called Nikolai, servant of your shrine, Master! »

By the name and deep humility of the newcomer, the elder was convinced that he was God’s chosen one. He took him by the hand and led him to the council of bishops. Everyone joyfully accepted him and placed him in the middle of the temple. Despite the night time, the news of the miraculous election spread throughout the city; a lot of people gathered. The elder bishop, who was honored with the vision, addressed everyone with the words: “ Receive, brothers, your shepherd, whom the Holy Spirit has anointed for you and to whom he has entrusted the stewardship of your souls. It was not a human council, but the Judgment of God that established it. Now we have the one we were waiting for, accepted and found, the one we were looking for. Under his wise guidance, we can confidently hope to stand before the Lord on the day of His glory and judgment! »

When taking over the administration of the Myra diocese, Saint Nicholas said to himself: “ Now, Nikolai, your rank and your position require you to live entirely not for yourself, but for others! »

Now he did not hide his good deeds for the good of the flock and for the glorification of the name of God; but he was, as always, meek and humble in spirit, kind in heart, alien to all arrogance and self-interest; he observed strict moderation and simplicity: he wore simple clothes, ate lean food once a day - in the evening. All day long the great archpastor performed works of piety and pastoral service. The doors of his house were open to everyone: he received everyone with love and cordiality, being a father to orphans, a nourisher to the poor, a comforter to those who weep, and an intercessor to the oppressed. His flock flourished.

Persecution of Diocletian

But the days of testing were approaching. The Church of Christ was persecuted by Emperor Diocletian (284-305). Temples were destroyed, divine and liturgical books were burned; bishops and priests were imprisoned and tortured. All Christians were subjected to all sorts of insults and torments. The persecution also reached the Lycian Church.

During these difficult days, Saint Nicholas supported his flock in the faith, loudly and openly preaching the name of God, for which he was imprisoned, where he did not cease to strengthen the faith among the prisoners and confirmed them in a strong confession of the Lord, so that they would be ready to suffer for Christ.
Diocletian's successor Galerius stopped the persecution. Saint Nicholas, upon leaving prison, again occupied the See of Myra and with even greater zeal devoted himself to the fulfillment of his high duties. He became famous especially for his zeal for the establishment of the Orthodox faith and the eradication of paganism and heresies.

Fight against Arianism

The Church of Christ suffered especially hard at the beginning of the 4th century from the heresy of Arius, who rejected the deity of the Son of God and did not recognize Him as Consubstantial with the Father.

Wanting to settle in the herd Christ's peace, shocked by the heresy of Ariev's false teaching, the Equal-to-the-Apostles Emperor Constantine the Great convened the First Ecumenical Council of 325 in Nicaea, where three hundred and eighteen bishops gathered under the chairmanship of the emperor; here the teachings of Arius and his followers were condemned.
There is a legend that during one of the council meetings, unable to tolerate the blasphemy of Arius, Saint Nicholas struck this heretic on the cheek.

The Fathers of the Council considered such an act an excess of jealousy, deprived St. Nicholas of the benefits of his episcopal rank - omophorion - and imprisoned him in a prison tower. But they were soon convinced that Saint Nicholas was right, especially since many of them had a vision when, before their eyes, our Lord Jesus Christ gave Saint Nicholas the Gospel, and the Most Holy Theotokos placed an omophorion on him. They freed him from prison, restored him to his former rank and glorified him as a great saint of God.

However, confirmation of this story or the very fact of participation of St. Nicholas in I Ecumenical Council no (no mention in surviving documents). According to some researchers, this may indicate that the incident described in the life occurred not at the First Ecumenical Council, but at some local Council.
The local tradition of the Nicene Church not only faithfully preserves the memory of St. Nicholas, but also sharply distinguishes him from among the three hundred and eighteen fathers, whom he considers all his patrons. Even Muslim Turks have deep respect for the saint: in the tower they still carefully preserve the prison where this great man was imprisoned.

Activities of the saint after the Council

While caring for the spiritual needs of his flock, Saint Nicholas did not neglect to satisfy their bodily needs. When a great famine occurred in Lycia, the good shepherd, in order to save the starving, created a new miracle: one merchant loaded big ship bread and on the eve of sailing somewhere to the west, he saw St. Nicholas in a dream, who ordered him to deliver all the grain to Lycia, for he buys the entire cargo from him and gives him three gold coins as a deposit. Waking up, the merchant was very surprised to find three gold coins actually clutched in his hand. He realized that this was a command from above, brought bread to Lycia, and the starving people were saved. Here he spoke about the vision, and the citizens recognized their archbishop from his description.

Even during his lifetime, Saint Nicholas became famous as a pacifier of warring parties, a defender of the innocently condemned, and a deliverer from vain death.
During the reign of Constantine the Great, a rebellion broke out in the country of Phrygia. To pacify him, the king sent an army there under the command of three commanders: Nepotian, Urs and Erpilion. Their ships were washed up by a storm on the shores of Lycia, where they had to stand for a long time. The supplies were depleted, and they began to rob the population who resisted, and a fierce battle took place near the city of Plakomat. Having learned about this, Saint Nicholas personally arrived there, stopped the hostility, then, together with three governors, went to Phrygia, where kind words and by exhortation, without the use of military force, he pacified the rebellion. Here he was informed that during his absence from the city of Myra, the local city governor, Eustathius, innocently sentenced to death three citizens slandered by their enemies. Saint Nicholas hurried to Myra and with him three royal commanders, who were very fond of this kind bishop, who had rendered them a great service.

They arrived in Myra at the very moment of execution. The executioner is already raising his sword to behead the unfortunate, but Saint Nicholas with his imperious hand snatches the sword from him and commands the release of the innocently condemned. None of those present dared to resist him: everyone understood that the will of God was being done. The three royal commanders marveled at this, not suspecting that they themselves would soon need the miraculous intercession of the saint.

Returning to the court, they earned the honor and favor of the king, which aroused envy and enmity on the part of other courtiers, who slandered these three commanders before the king as if they were trying to seize power. Envious slanderers managed to convince the king: three commanders were imprisoned and sentenced to death.

The prison guard warned them that the execution was to take place the next day. The innocently condemned began to fervently pray to God, asking for intercession through St. Nicholas. That same night, the saint of God appeared in a dream to the king and imperiously demanded the release of the three commanders, threatening to rebel and deprive the king of power.

- Who are you that you dare to demand and threaten the king?
- I am Nicholas, Archbishop of Lycia!

Waking up, the king began to think about this dream. That same night, Saint Nicholas also appeared to the governor of the city, Evlavius, and demanded the release of the innocently convicted.
The king called Evlavius to him, and having learned that he had the same vision, he ordered three commanders to be brought.
« What kind of witchcraft are you doing to give me and Eulavius visions in our sleep? “- the king asked and told them about the appearance of St. Nicholas.
« We don't do any magic, - the governors answered, - but they themselves had previously witnessed how this bishop saved innocent people in the Worlds from death penalty! »
The king ordered their case to be examined and, convinced of their innocence, released them.

During his life, the saint provided help to people who even did not know him at all. One day, a ship sailing from Egypt to Lycia was caught in a strong storm. The sails were torn off, the masts were broken, the waves were ready to swallow the ship, doomed to inevitable death. No human power could prevent it. One hope is to ask for help from St. Nicholas, whom, however, none of these sailors had ever seen, but everyone knew about his miraculous intercession. The dying shipmen began to pray fervently, and then Saint Nicholas appeared at the stern at the helm, began to steer the ship and brought it safely to the harbor.
Not only believers, but also pagans turned to him, and the saint responded with his constant miraculous help to everyone who sought it. In those he saved from physical troubles, he aroused repentance for sins and a desire to improve their lives.

According to Saint Andrew of Crete, Saint Nicholas appeared to people burdened with various disasters, gave them help and saved them from death: “ With his deeds and virtuous life, Saint Nicholas shone in the Worlds, like a morning star among the clouds, like a beautiful moon in its full moon. For the Church of Christ, he was a brightly shining sun, he adorned Her like a lily at a spring, and was for Her a fragrant world! »
Saint Nicholas died peacefully on December 6, 342, at a ripe old age, and was buried in the cathedral church of the city of Myra.

The Lord granted his honest body incorruptibility and special miraculous power. His relics continue to this day to exude fragrant myrrh, which has the gift of working miracles.

Transfer of relics to Bari

More than seven hundred years have passed since the death of the saint. The city of Myra and the entire Lycian country were destroyed by the Turks. The ruins of the temple with the tomb of the saint were in disrepair and were guarded by only a few monks.
In 1087, Saint Nicholas appeared in a dream to an Apulian priest of the city of Bari (in southern Italy) and ordered his relics to be transferred to this city. Different manuscripts give different reasons for this. Among them: the threat of desecration of the shrine by foreign invaders; " vile outrage "which was carried out by a temple servant at the tomb of the saint; the devastation of Mir by the Seljuk Turks and the resettlement of the inhabitants to a nearby mountain; and even missionary work - " Shepherd of Christ's flock, father, you are sent to the Latin language among the sheep, so that you will surprise everyone with your miracles and lead them to Christ... ".

The presbyters and noble citizens of Bari equipped three ships for this purpose and, under the guise of traders, set off. This precaution was necessary in order to lull the vigilance of the Venetians, who, having learned about the preparations of the inhabitants of Bari, had the intention of getting ahead of them and bringing the relics of the Saint to their city.

The nobles, taking a roundabout route through Egypt and Palestine, visiting ports and conducting trade as simple merchants, finally arrived in the Lycian land. The scouts sent reported that there were no guards at the tomb and it was guarded only by four old monks. The barians came to Myra, where, not knowing the exact location of the tomb, they tried to bribe the monks by offering them three hundred gold coins, but due to their refusal, they used force: they tied up the monks and, under the threat of torture, forced one faint-hearted person to show them the location of the tomb.

A wonderfully preserved white marble tomb has been opened. It turned out to be filled to the brim with a fragrant myrrh, in which the relics of the saint were immersed. Unable to take the large and heavy tomb, the nobles transferred the relics into the prepared ark and set off on the return journey.
The journey lasted twenty days, and on May 9, 1087 they arrived in Bari. A solemn meeting was arranged for the great shrine with the participation of numerous clergy and the entire population. Initially, the relics of the saint were placed in the church of St. Eustathius.

Many miracles happened from them. Two years later, the lower part (crypts) of the new temple was completed and consecrated in the name of St. Nicholas, built deliberately to store his relics, where they were solemnly transferred by Pope Urban II on October 1, 1089. Upper part The temple (basilica) was built much later - June 22, 1197.

The day of arrival of the relics in " Bar-grad"(May 9) is celebrated there very solemnly. On this day, pilgrims flock there not only from Western Europe, but also from Russia, where May 9 is also celebrated. The service to the saint, performed on the day of the transfer of his relics from Myra Lycia to Bargrad - May 9 - was compiled in 1097 by the Russian Orthodox monk of the Pechersk monastery Gregory and the Russian Metropolitan Ephraim.

(Basilica of St. Nicholas in Bari, Italy)

There is a widespread opinion that the Greek Church does not recognize the feast of the transfer of the relics of St. Nicholas is erroneous. In the modern Greek calendar, this event is celebrated on May 20th. This event was included in the printed calendar thanks to St. Nicodemus Svyatogorets (1809), who discovered information about this holiday in a number of Athonite manuscripts, translated from Church Slavonic language the corresponding synaxarical legend and he himself wrote the service for the transfer of the relics of St. Nicholas. According to Rev. Nicodemus, it was on May 20 that the relics were brought to Bari. One of the early manuscripts from exact date, mentioning May 9 as the date of the transfer of the relics of St. Nicholas, is the Typikon of the Cryptoferrat Monastery of 1300. The date of May 20 is recorded in a number of Byzantine manuscripts, the earliest known to us is the May service Menaion of 1431 in the library of the Vatopedi Monastery No. 1145.

(Liturgy on the relics of St. Nicholas)

In Rus', since the 16th century, the Nativity of the Saint was also celebrated - July 29. The holiday was abolished during the reign of Catherine the Great and was revived in 2004 with the blessing of Patriarch Alexy II.
The memory of St. Nicholas is also celebrated at church services weekly, every Thursday, with special chants.

Troparion to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker
voice 4
The day of a bright celebration has arrived, / the city of Barsky rejoices, / and with it the entire universe rejoices / with songs and spiritual songs: / today is a sacred celebration / in the presentation of the honorable and multi-healing relics / of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, / like the unsetting sun, rising with radiant rays, / dispelling the darkness of temptations and troubles / from those who cry out truly // save us, as our representative, the great Nicholas.

Troparion to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker
voice 4
You did not forsake your Fatherland, Myra of Lycia, in spirit, / You gloriously carried your body to the worldly city of Bar, to Bishop Nicholas. / And from there you made a multitude of people happy with your coming / and you healed the sick. / In the same way we pray to you, Saint Nicholas, / pray to Christ God, / may he save our souls.

Kontakion to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker
voice 3
In Mireh, the Holy One, you appeared as a priest,/ For Christ, O Reverend, having fulfilled the Gospel,/ you laid down your soul for your people/ and you saved the innocent from death./ For this reason you were sanctified,// like the great hidden place of God’s grace.

Greatness

We magnify you, Holy Hierarch Father Nicholas, and honor your holy memory, for you pray for us to Christ our God.

Prayer to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

Oh, all-validated and all-honorable bishop, great wonderworker, saint of Christ, Father Nicholas, man of God, and faithful slave , man of desires, a chosen vessel, a strong pillar of the church, a bright lamp, a shining star and illuminating the whole universe, you are a righteous man, like a flourishing phoenix, planted in the courts of your Lord: living in Mirech, you were fragrant with the world, and you exuded the ever-flowing grace of God. By your procession, holy father, the sea was sanctified, when your many-wonderful relics marched to the city of Barsky, from east to west to praise the name of the Lord. Oh, most graceful and wonderful miracle worker, quick helper, warm intercessor, kind shepherd, saving the verbal flock from all troubles, we glorify and magnify you, as the hope of all Christians, the source of miracles, the protector of the faithful, the wise teacher, those who are hungry for the feeder, those who cry joy, the naked robe, a sick doctor, a steward floating on the sea, a liberator of captives, a nourisher and protector of widows and orphans, a guardian of chastity, a gentle chastiser for infants, an old fortifier, a fasting mentor, a rest for the toiling, an abundance of wealth for the poor and wretched. Hear us praying to you and running under your roof, show your intercession for us to the Most High and intercede with your God-pleasing prayers all that is useful for the salvation of our souls and bodies: preserve this holy monastery (or: this temple), every city and all, and every the Christian country, and the people living, from all bitterness with your help: we know, we know how much the prayer of the righteous can do, hastening for good: for you, the righteous one according to the most blessed Virgin Mary, intercessor to the All-Merciful God of the Imams, and to yours, most kind father, warm We humbly flow to intercession and intercession: guard us like a cheerful and good 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 God's mercy; We are still unworthy to behold the heights of heaven, because of the multitude of our iniquities: we are bound by sinful bonds, and neither have we created the will of our Creator, nor have we kept His commandments. By the same token, we bow our contrite and humble hearts to our Creator, and we ask for your fatherly intercession to him: help us, servant of God, so that we do not perish with our iniquities, deliver us from all evil and from all things that are resistant, guide our minds, and strengthen our heart in the right faith, in it, through your intercession and intercession, we will not be belittled by wounds, nor rebuke, nor pestilence, nor by any wrath from our Creator, but we will live a peaceful life here, and may we be honored to see good things on the lands of the living, glorifying Father and Son and Holy Spirit, One in the Trinity, glorified and worshiped God, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

We bring to your attention prayers to St. Nicholas, wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia. The memory of Archbishop Myra of Lycia, Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker is celebrated by the Orthodox Church on December 6/19 and May 9/22.

Prayer to Saint Nicholas

Oh, all-validated, great wonderworker, Saint of Christ, Father Nicholas! We pray to you, awaken the hope of all Christians, protector of the faithful, feeder of the hungry, joy of the weeping, doctor of the sick, steward of those floating on the sea, feeder of the poor and orphans, and quick helper and patron of all, may we live a peaceful life here and may we be worthy to see the glory of God’s elect in heaven , and with them unceasingly sing the praises of the one worshiped God in the Trinity forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker

Oh, all-holy Nicholas, exceedingly saintly servant of the Lord, our warm intercessor, and everywhere in sorrow a quick helper! Help me, a sinner and sad person in this present life, beg the Lord God to grant me forgiveness of all my sins, which I have sinned greatly from my youth, in all my life, in deed, word, thought and all my feelings; and at the end of my soul, help me the accursed, beg the Lord God, the Creator of all creation, to deliver me from airy ordeals and eternal torment: may I always glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and your merciful intercession, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer to Saint Nicholas

Oh, all-validated and all-pious bishop, great Wonderworker, Saint of Christ, Father Nicholas, man of God and faithful servant, man of desires, chosen vessel, strong pillar of the church, bright lamp, shining star and illuminating the whole universe: you are a righteous man, like a blossoming date, planted in the courts of your Lord, living in Myra, you are fragrant with the world, and the myrrh flows with the ever-flowing grace of God. By your procession, holy father, the sea was illuminated, when your many-wonderful relics marched into the city of Barsky, from east to west praise the name of the Lord. O most graceful and wondrous Wonderworker, quick helper, warm intercessor, kind shepherd, saving the verbal flock from all troubles, we glorify and magnify you, as the hope of all Christians, the source of miracles, the protector of the faithful, the wise teacher, those who hunger for a feeder, those who cry are joy, the naked are clothed , the sick physician, the sea-floating steward, the liberator of captives, the nourisher and protector of widows and orphans, the guardian of chastity, the meek chastiser of infants, the old strengthener, the fasting mentor, the toiling rapture, the poor and needy abundant wealth. Hear us praying to you and running under your roof, show your intercession for us to the Most High, and intercede with your God-pleasing prayers, everything useful for the salvation of our souls and bodies: preserve this holy monastery (or this temple), every city and all, and every Christian country, and people living from all bitterness with your help:

We know, we know, that the prayer of the righteous can do much to advance for good: for you, the righteous, according to the most blessed Virgin Mary, the intercessor to the All-Merciful God, imams, and to yours, most kind father, warm intercession and intercession we humbly flow: you keep us as you are vigorous and kind shepherd, from all enemies, destruction, cowardice, hail, famine, flood, fire, sword, invasion of foreigners, and in all our troubles and sorrows, give us a helping hand, and open the doors of God’s mercy, since we are unworthy to see the heights of heaven, from many of our iniquities are bound by the bonds of sin, and we have not done the will of our Creator nor have we preserved his commandments. In the same way, we bow our contrite and humble hearts to our Creator, and we ask for your fatherly intercession to Him:

Help us, O Pleasant of God, so that we may not perish with our iniquities, deliver us from all evil and from all things that are resistant, guide our minds and strengthen our hearts in the right faith, in it through your intercession and intercession, neither with wounds, nor rebuke, nor pestilence, he will give me no wrath to live in this age, and he will deliver me from this place, and he will make me worthy to join all the saints. Amen.

Prayer in honor of the seven miracles created by Nicholas

All-holy Nicholas the Wonderworker, great saint of the Lord! Turn your bright gaze from Heaven to us sinners and hear our prayer. May our prayers not remain unanswered by your all-powerful intercession to the Lord and your great faith.

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker! We remember and honor your kindness that you once showed to one family. Then you secretly gave the father a dowry for his three daughters and saved them from an evil fate. And the earthly gold you gave miraculously shone like heavenly gold in the grateful memory of our hearts. May we share in your blessing with your holy kindness, and let us follow your example as the true fulfillment of God’s commandment. We always glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and your merciful protection to us.

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker! We remember and honor the strength of your faith, demonstrated during your pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Then, in response to the pleas of the shipmen, you tamed the storm you predicted and saved many souls. And this miracle became evidence of your great faith in Jesus Christ and the memory of the Savior, who stopped the storm on the Sea of Galilee. May we share in your blessing the power of your faith, and let us follow your example as true hope in the Lord. We believe in One God, Father and Son and Holy Spirit, and your merciful intercession for us.

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker! We remember and honor your struggle with demons during your service as Bishop of Myra in Lycia. Then, enlightening the pagans, you destroyed the idolatrous temples and through prayer drove out unclean spirits from them. And this miracle became evidence of the Kingdom of God, which has reached us through the saints. May we be involved with your blessing in the fight against the forces of evil, and may we be holy following your example. Blessed is our God, and blessed is His will in you, holy father!

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker! We remember and honor your wisdom revealed at the Council in Nicaea. Then by faith you comprehended the Divinity of Jesus Christ and defended the teaching of the Church about the Triune God. And many saw you in a vision next to the Lord and the Mother of God. May we participate in your admonition of the wisdom of God, and may we preserve our faith in purity and strength. Blessed is our God, and blessed is His wisdom in you, holy father!

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker! We remember and honor your love, which was once shown in the Lycian Worlds to three innocent people condemned to death. Then you miraculously stopped the hand of the executioner, exposed the mayor and forced him to confess his sin. And this miracle became evidence of God’s mercy towards us. May we share in your grace of love for people, and may we carry love throughout our lives. Blessed is our God, and blessed is His love in you, holy father!

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker! We remember and honor your wonderful help during the famine in Myra Lycia. Then you appeared in a dream to an Italian merchant and, giving three gold coins as collateral, ordered him to bring wheat to the city. And this miracle became evidence of God’s help to people. May we, through your grace, be involved in helping those who suffer, and may we remain ready to help throughout our lives. Blessed is our God, and blessed is His help through you, holy father!

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker! We remember and honor the miraculous healings given through the ointment exuded by your incorruptible relics in Bar. Then many people who came to you with faith found deliverance from physical and mental illnesses. And this miracle became evidence of the great grace of healing given to you by God. May we be involved by your grace in the healing of our neighbors, and may we come to their aid during illness. Blessed is our God, and blessed is His grace in you, holy father! Amen.

Prayer to the Saint

Oh, our good shepherd and God-wise mentor, Saint Nicholas of Christ! Hear us sinners, praying to you and calling for your speedy intercession for help; see us weak, caught from everywhere, deprived of every good and darkened in mind from cowardice; Try, O servant of God, not to leave us in the captivity of sin, so that we may not joyfully become our enemies and not die in our evil deeds. Pray for us unworthy of our Creator and Master, to whom you stand with disembodied faces: make our God merciful to us in this life and in the future, so that he will not reward us according to our deeds and the impurity of our hearts, but according to his goodness he will reward us . We trust in your intercession, we boast of your intercession, we call upon your intercession for help, and to to the most holy image We ask for your help: deliver us, saints of Christ, from the evils that come upon us, and tame the waves of passions and troubles that rise upon us, so that for the sake of your holy prayers the attack will not overwhelm us and we will not wallow in the abyss of sin and in the mud of our passions. Pray to Saint Nicholas of Christ, Christ our God, that he may grant us a peaceful life and remission of sins, salvation and great mercy for our souls, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

Prayer to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker

Oh, all-merciful Father Nicholas, shepherd and teacher of all who flow by faith to your intercession, and who call upon you with warm prayer, quickly strive and deliver the flock of Christ from the wolves that destroy it, that is, from the invasion of the evil Latins who are rising against us. Protect and preserve our country, and every country existing in Orthodoxy, with your holy prayers from worldly rebellion, the sword, the invasion of foreigners, from internecine and bloody warfare. And just as you had mercy on three men imprisoned, and you delivered them from the king’s wrath and the beating of the sword, so have mercy and delivered the Orthodox people of Great, Little and White Rus' from the destructive heresy of the Latin. For through your intercession and help, and through His mercy and grace, may Christ God look with His merciful eye on people who exist in ignorance, even though they have not known their right hand, especially young people, by whom the Latin seductions are spoken to turn away from the Orthodox faith, may he enlighten the minds of His people, may they not be tempted and fall away from the faith of their fathers, may their conscience, lulled by vain wisdom and ignorance, awaken and turn their will to the preservation of the holy Orthodox faith, may they remember the faith and humility of our fathers, may their life be for the Orthodox faith who have laid down and accepted the warm prayers of His holy saints, who have shone in our land, keeping us from the delusion and heresy of the Latin, so that, having preserved us in holy Orthodoxy, He will grant us at His terrible Judgment to stand on the right hand with all the saints. Amen.

Prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker

Oh, great intercessor, to the bishop of God, the Most Blessed Nicholas, who shone with sunflower miracles, and appeared to those who call upon you as a quick hearer, and you always precede them and save them, and deliver them, and take them away from all sorts of troubles, from God given these miracles and gifts of grace! Hear me, unworthy, calling you with faith and bringing you prayer songs; I offer you an intercessor to plead with Christ. Oh, renowned for miracles, saint of heights! as if you have boldness, soon stand before the Lady, and reverently stretch out your hands in prayer to Him for me, a sinner, and grant me the bounty of goodness from Him, and accept me into your intercession, and deliver me from all troubles and evils, from the invasion of enemies visible and invisible freeing, and destroying all those slander and malice, and reflecting those who fight me throughout my life; for my sins, ask for forgiveness, and present me to Christ, save me, and be vouchsafed to receive the Kingdom of Heaven for the abundance of that love for mankind, to which belongs all glory, honor and worship, with his beginningless Father, and with the Most Holy, Good and Life-Giving Spirit, now and ever and unto ages centuries.

And if you want to congratulate your friends and family Happy St. Nicholas Day you can use it.

Religious reading: prayer Father Nicholas pray to God for us to help our readers.

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Belarus, 1751. Fragment

December 6 (19) - Memorial Day of St. Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, Wonderworker

Since ancient times, he has been considered not only the patron saint of sailors and travelers, but also the most immediate assistant in troubles and sorrows. That is why in Russia many churches were consecrated in his honor: there is, perhaps, not a single large city where there would not be a St. Nicholas Church. Moscow was famous for several dozen churches dedicated to the saint: in Klenniki, in Nikolskoye, in Pyzhi, at the Rogozhskoye cemetery and others. One of the main towers of the Moscow Kremlin and the Kitai-Gorod street leading to it are called Nikolsky. The very first church of St. Nicholas in Rus' was erected by Princess Olga in Kyiv - over the grave of the first Russian Christian prince Askold, at the baptism of Nicholas.

Saint Nicholas was born around 270 in the city of Patara, which at that time was the most prosperous and richest city in Asia Minor in Lycia (now part of Turkey).

Christmas of St. Nicholas. Icon. 18th century

Nicholas was baptized in infancy, although in the 3rd-4th centuries the baptism of infants, even those born in Christian families, was not yet the general rule as it is now. From infancy, Nikolai began to partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ. From his early childhood, Saint Nicholas fell in love with the church, where he spent almost all his time. From the age of six, the boy began to read books, primarily the books of the Holy Scriptures. At a very young age, his uncle, the bishop of the city of Patara, ordained Nicholas as a priest. Having been ordained, Saint Nicholas began to lead an even more strict ascetic life.

Saint Nicholas saves three girls from poverty and desecration. 13th century

Having venerated the holy places, Saint Nicholas wanted to retire into the desert and spend his life away from people, but the Almighty had destined him for a different path - somehow Nicholas heard a voice commanding him to return to his homeland and serve people. Obeying the will of God, Nicholas returned to the capital of Lycia - the city of Myra, where no one knew him. He lived here as a beggar, without his own corner, and spent all his time in the temple of God. Saint Nicholas humbled himself so much that the Lord, “who humiliates the proud and exalts the humble,” did not fail to exalt him.

Just at that time, the bishop, the main clergyman of the city of Myra, died. On this occasion, bishops from neighboring dioceses arrived here to choose a successor to the deceased. They prayed for a long time, asking the Lord to point out the most worthy one. And the Lord heard the prayer of his servants: in a dream, He commanded the eldest of the bishops to appoint as bishop of Myra the one who would be the first to come to the temple, and even named the name of this man - Nicholas.

The first to come to the temple, as usual, was Saint Nicholas. When they found out his name, doubts disappeared by themselves. He refused such a high title, considering himself unworthy. But the will of God was obvious - and soon Nicholas became the saint of Myra in Lycia. The responsibilities of a bishop at that time were significant and broad: he not only had to teach his spiritual children the true faith, but also feed and clothe them, arrange their affairs, resolve disputes, litigation and complaints, and make peace. Now Nikolai’s life began to belong not to him, but to his flock: the doors of his house did not close; he helped the powerful and the poor alike; He was a father to orphans, a breadwinner for the poor, a comforter to those who mourn, and an intercessor to the offended.

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Hagiographic icon. Russia, 19th century.

Courage and loyalty

With the accession of Emperor Constantine the Great in 323, the persecution of Christians ceased, and Saint Nicholas again became the head of his flock, zealously affirming the Orthodox faith, eradicating heresies and paganism: he destroyed temples and altars, overthrew idols. On his instructions, the Temple of Artemis, the main urban center of paganism, was destroyed in Myra.

I.Repin. Nicholas of Myra saves three innocently convicted people from death. 1888

Saint Nicholas did not and does not leave any request, any prayer unanswered. Here are two more of countless examples of his intercession.

South of Lycia there was a group of small rocky islands that were often the cause of shipwrecks. Once here, at the Helidon rocks, a fierce storm overtook a ship coming from Egypt. The doomed ship was tossed like a piece of wood, the wind tore the sails, it creaked from the blows of the waves. The team said goodbye to life. None of them had ever seen Saint Nicholas, but some had heard about how quick the saint was to help. And people called out to him as the last hope for salvation - and the saint responded. He boarded the ship and said, “You called to me. So I came to help you. Don't be afraid! Saint Nicholas commanded the storm to subside - and silence fell on the sea; he brought the ship to the harbor and disappeared.

Rescue of Sailors (Gentile da Fabriano, c. 1425)

But what a wonderful story happened in the North with our military pilot during the Great Patriotic War. Once in battle, his plane was shot down, he jumped out with a parachute, but was still doomed: although he was wearing a life belt, he would probably have died from hypothermia in the icy water. Suddenly the pilot heard the splash of water and the creak of oars. Looking closer, he saw a boat with an old man. Having dragged the freezing pilot into the boat, the old man, without saying a word, took him to some village, settled him on a hill and... disappeared.

Soon the pilot was found by local residents - he was warmed and fed, and in his wet clothes they found a medallion sewn up by his mother. When the pilot looked at the image on the medallion, he recognized the old man who saved him. It was an icon of St. Nicholas, to whom the pilot’s mother prayed throughout the war to help her son - and he returned from the front alive.

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker and Saint Xenia with Christ the Pantocrator.

Vasilevsky Vasily Ivanovich (first half - mid-18th century) 1755 Rybinsk State Museum-Reserve

Where are you going, girl? - he asked me.

I'm looking for someone's place to live.

Don't go there, dear, you won't find anyone there. But do you see a hill in the distance? Climb it and you will see where you should go next.

Tomb of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Bari

Posthumous miracle of miracles

An ancient legend says that Saint Nicholas died on December 19, 342 at the 72nd year of his life. The death of God's saint did not stop his good deeds: numerous miracles, one more amazing than the other, did not and will not cease to glorify him. One of the ongoing miracles of St. Nicholas is the flow of healing liquid (peace) from his relics. Myrrh-streaming relics are often found even now, but in no other relics was this miracle so constant and continuous, and nowhere did it bring such an abundance of miraculous healings as in the relics of St. Nicholas, located in the Italian city of Bari.

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker

"Saint Father Nicholas, pray to God for us!"

Prayer to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker

ABOUT PRAYER TO ST. NICHOLAS

Sincere prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker has been helping believers for hundreds of years. During his lifetime, Saint Nicholas of Myra became famous for his numerous miracles and helping people. The saint of God is one of the most revered saints in the Orthodox world. Believers offer prayers to the miracle worker in a variety of life situations, problems, trials in front of the icon at home or in church. He is an intercessor and prayer book for our souls, a quick helper in sorrows and illnesses. Numerous testimonies from people indicate that St. Nicholas very quickly responds to prayer requests uttered sincerely and with faith.

It must be said that there are various prayers to Nicholas the Wonderworker for help, including for marriage, for healing, for children, for travelers. Although there is no mandatory list in which specific life situations the saint helps, nevertheless, believers remember the miracles performed by Nicholas during his lifetime. They pray to him for marriage and for prosperity in money, remembering how the saint donated money for a dowry to a bankrupt father of unmarried daughters. They pray for those traveling, remembering how the saint, by the grace of God, calmed the storm and saved the ship. They pray for protection and intercession, remembering how Nicholas saved innocent people from destruction and death.

You can turn to a saint in many difficult life circumstances. You can read the text of the most famous prayers on our website.

1. Prayer to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker

2. Prayer to Saint Nicholas

3. Prayer to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

About Saint Nicholas of Myra

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, became famous as the Great Pleasant of God. From early childhood he devoted his life to serving the Lord. The name of Nicholas, the intercessor for all those who flocked to him, became famous in all corners of the earth. Believers in any troubles and sorrows turn to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker with a sincere prayer for help. They ask him for a quick marriage, for healing from a serious illness, for prosperity in money, for children, for travelers, etc.

However, it is important to remember that reading prayers should not be treated as spells that imply automatic “fulfillment of a wish.” The Holy Fathers teach us patience, humility and meekness, trusting in everything the will of God. The trials that befall us are necessary to achieve the main goal - to lead a person to repentance and salvation. After all, as the Lord said: “According to your faith, be it done to you” (Matthew 9:29).

God bless you with the prayers of the Most Holy Theotokos and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker!

Other sections:

4 messages to “Prayer to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker”

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, pray to our Lord for us! Ask for spiritual strength and health. Show the way to solve problems, protect loved ones. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker. Thank you for your help and support in all your endeavors. help me find a good job. Pray to God for my family. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages Amen.

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, I ask the Lord God to pray for us, may He forgive all my sins, voluntary and involuntary, evil words and thoughts, I ask for help in difficult times, to find work and protection from enemies. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Holy Father Priest Nicholas, pray to the Lord Jesus Christ that the servant of God Alexander would be kinder and his character would change for the better. Servant of God Dmitry, my cousin nephew, would have made friends with me, pray for my request, Holy Father Priest Nicholas!

Add a comment Cancel reply

News

08/11/2017 The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates August 11, the day of the Nativity of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. →

06/25/2017 A million people venerated the ark with the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker for 32 years. →

06/07/2017 Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus' Kirill accepted. →

06/03/2017 The most populous Velikoretsk has begun religious procession- a solemn procession with Velikoretsky. →