Half-length image, that is, the saint is depicted to the waist. Usually, on such icons, the saint holds the Gospel in his left hand, and blesses with his right. St. Nicholas is dressed in a phelonion - the upper liturgical garment of a reddish-brown color, although there are others. A black and white omophorion is laid on top - a long and wide strip with crosses, a sign of hierarchal authority and acceptance of the shepherd of Christ's sheep on one's shoulders. The left hand holding the Gospel is usually also covered with a robe and omophorion - this is an expression of reverence for the Word of God written in the Gospel.
Nicholas of Mozhaisk is an image-memory of the miracle of protecting the saint of Orthodox warriors near Mozhaisk. The saint is depicted in the same clothes, but in full growth, with a cross or a sword in his right hand, and in his left the city of Mozhaisk. Before this image, they especially pray to St. Nicholas for protection;
Shouldered - usually only a face is depicted, in which St. Nicholas is easily recognizable by a short gray beard and a signature with the name of the saint.

What is the dream of the icon of Nicholas the Wonderworker

Many people ask - how to relate to dreams? Even believing people are afraid of bad dreams, they believe in the danger posed by them. However, the holy Fathers of the Church, the experience of the Church, advises to treat dreams calmly, distinguishing in them anxiety and God's will.

If the Lord wants to tell you something, you will feel calm in your sleep. The dream will concern spiritual things - the appearance of the icon of St. Nicholas also belongs to such dreams.

Day of Nicholas the Wonderworker

The memory of the saint is celebrated several times a year. This is the name day of all Nikolaev. They should be celebrated on the day following your birthday.

December 19 - the memory of the repose of the saint to the Lord, his death.
May 22 - Nikola of Summer, the memory of the transfer of the holy relics of Nicholas the Wonderworker to the city of Bari (Italy).
August 11 is the birthday of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.

What to pray for Nicholas the Wonderworker

The Orthodox Church blesses according to tradition to pray about various problems to various saints, although this does not negate the possibility of turning in any matter to the saint or Guardian Angel you revere. Nicholas the Wonderworker has the grace to help in many areas of life:

Rescue in danger and protect on the way;
Protect unfairly offended, condemned;
Help in marriage and finding a soul mate;
Get rid of life's difficulties and troubles;
Help in finding a job, employment;
Heal diseases, wounds, chronic diseases, injuries.

Saint Nicholas is the faithful helper of all who pray to him. He helps every good deed. An appeal to St. Nicholas is an opportunity to attract God's power and grace to oneself, to "insure" one's business from deceit and the actions of dark forces from the Lord. Do not miss this opportunity to seek help from a miracle worker, review your life and check it out.

Prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker for fate

The amazing name of the prayer - changing fate in 40 days - has taken root in the folk tradition. Indeed, after all, who else to ask for help in despair, in an unfortunate fate, when everything in life goes awry - if not Nicholas the Wonderworker, the Pleasant of God.

Prayer that changes fate - these are excerpts from a long prayer to St. Nicholas, an akathist. Obviously, a pious person created this prayer in sorrow and a miracle happened: his life, through prayer to St. Nicholas, completely changed. It is difficult to believe in the power of prayer, but many people from all over the world testify to the signs of God at the request of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.

You can read prayers to Nicholas the Wonderworker online in Russian according to the text below

Oh, Saint Nicholas, great saint of the Lord Jesus, our warm intercessor and quick helper in all sorrows! Help me, a sinful and despondent man, in my earthly life, pray to the Lord God, may he grant me forgiveness of all my sins that I have sinned from my youth and throughout my life: deed, word, thoughts and all my feelings; after the departure of my soul to heaven, help me, unworthy of paradise, implore the Lord God, all life on earth the Creator, to deliver me from the ordeals of demons and eternal torment, so that I always glorify the Holy Trinity: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and your merciful intercession forever. Amen.

Another prayer to Nikolai Ugodnik

O glorified by all, the great miracle worker and saint of Christ, Father Nicholas! We pray to you, remain the hope of all Christians, believing protectors, hungry feeders, crying joy, a sick doctor, sailing on the sea as a captain, benefactors and orphans, a benefactor and all a quick helper and patron, so that we live a peaceful life and be honored to see the glory of God's saints in heaven, between which you are, and with you all have always glorified the One God in the Trinity. Amen.

God bless you!

Holiness overcomes the distances between people and eras. Different language environment, different cultural background do not prevent people centuries later from unmistakably recognizing holiness and worshiping it.

Such is Nicholas the Wonderworker.

If between the saints there was a place for envy or competition in human veneration, many would look at Nicholas frowningly. Still would! Not everyone can boast of such mass veneration on all continents. But envy between saints, of course, is not. Prayer and sincere love reign among them. But we, wanderers and aliens making their earthly journey, have a serious topic for reflection.

The reason for the mass and centuries-old veneration of Nicholas the Wonderworker is in his inner wealth. Moreover, he so skillfully concealed the secret of his inner life from external eyes that we know almost nothing about the facts of his biography. Glory found Nicholas after leaving the earth and entering heavenly rest, that is, when the threats from pride and vanity (these inevitable companions of glory and praise) had passed.

We honor St. Nicholas and at least twice a year, and often every week on Thursdays, we serve services and turn our prayers to him. In the New Year's Eve, this veneration is mixed with a fair amount of clowning, annoying those who really love the saint. It is worth raising the question of such forms and methods of honoring Nicholas that would really glorify the saint of God and bring us real benefit.

“Imitate me, as I imitate Christ,” said the apostle Paul in one of his epistles. This is not just a private appeal addressed to a specific audience. This is a spiritual law. According to this law, a person acquires useful skills, learns and grows, imitating those who are better than him, those who have gone further and call us to follow them. It is also important to note that Paul does not say "imitate Christ", but - "imitate me, as I imitate Christ."

This means that the height of imitation of the Lord is not mastered by everyone at once, but first it is necessary to learn from those who are close to God.

Now let's turn our mental gaze back to Nicholas the Wonderworker. In what way can we imitate him and, through imitation, honor this saint as much as possible? For example, the secret creation of good deeds. This is not a very pleasant occupation for a person corroded by secret ailments, who wants praise and thirsts for glory. But this is exactly what Nikolai became famous for, anonymously helping people in trouble.

It is no secret that the saints bring the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to life for us by embodying it in their behavior. Thus, the word of God speaks to us about the “Father who is in secret”, “who sees the secret and repays openly”, and calls for prayer, almsgiving and fasting not for show, but for the Lord. However, habitually frequent reading of these words does not always lead to their implementation in practice, and we continue to do good, secretly wanting recognition and praise. We need examples. We need living people who have turned word and thought into deeds and who have been guided by the commandments not occasionally, but constantly.

That's Nikolai. He knew very well in his heart what one of the fathers of Egypt had said, namely: the firmest and most correct good is that which is done in secret. Nicholas also wanted to leave the world, so that in monastic solitude, without being distracted by anything, he could serve God with fasting and prayer. But God, who knows man better than man himself knows himself, pointed Nicholas to a different path. This path consisted in caring for the flock and life in the midst of a multitude of people agitated by passions. Thus the ascetic lost external solitude and was forced to seek inner solitude. In this, too, you can imitate him.

We have already said briefly that a person rarely understands the beauty and value of secret good deeds. He is inclined to destroy his already petty goodness to the end and deprive himself of the future reward because of self-promotion and that “trumpeting before himself” that Christ condemned in hypocrites. The image of Nicholas in this sense not only sheds its warm light on us, but also teaches us to change our lives in accordance with the gospel novelty.

His second lesson to us is the need to protect and educate our inner man. Very few are inclined to the monastic way of life. But to make a temporary escape from the hustle and bustle, to find time for silence and prayer is the duty of everyone who is not completely turned inside out and lives only on the outside, who keeps and protects his inner world.

The source of strength for a person is his one-on-one standing before the Lord. And the one who has done a lot of gospel great and useful, should only one side be turned to the world and people. The second half of his life, of necessity, must be hidden in God, in communion with Him.

Postcards, gifts, red sham noses, sacks over shoulders, children's laughter, wadded beards... The Feast of St. Nicholas is, of course, also a children's holiday. But even in this cheerful fuss with the expectation of surprises, it would be good to introduce the gospel leaven. The fact is that children on this (and not only this) holiday are focused on receiving various benefits: attention, affection, gifts. But they themselves, from a certain age, can be not only consumers of goods, but also creators of all good.

“Do you love Nicholas the Wonderworker? Do you know where the secret of his fame and love for him is? The secret is that he remembered and fulfilled the words of Scripture: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." You will honor Nicholas the Wonderworker if you imitate him in this. Help your parents around the house. Help a lagging comrade to learn a subject that you know and understand better than he does. Today and always share a sandwich with a desk mate at recess. Think of others, not just yourself. To give after all does not mean only to transfer money or things from hand to hand. You can give time, strength, knowledge, care, prayer. This should be done by everyone, including children.”

Such veneration of the saint is in great demand, and, unfortunately, it is not yet the main and generally accepted way to express your love to Nicholas.

And another very important point. Nicholas is now a resident of the Kingdom of Heaven. Talking about him is a great way to talk about the immortality of the soul, about the spiritual world, about the indestructibility of the good done in the name of God. If it is often difficult or impossible to talk with children about the martyrs because of the terrible abuse they endured, then one can always talk about such a saint as Nicholas. Just not to “wrap” and “candy” the image of the saint. If only not to reduce everything to a grandfather with a bag, to children's letters with requests for gifts, in which it is clear that the appetite of the younger generation flares up in earnest. They don't care about chocolate anymore. Children are increasingly asking for game consoles and new models of mobile phones. And parents, these "givers" and "blameers", these frequent egoists and secret atheists, laugh touchingly at the letters and requests of their children.

It is good if the saint does not notice many petty and insignificant things in our holidays dedicated to him. What if he notices and gets angry? After all, the legend informs us about the slap that Arius received from the hand of Nicholas. And this means that the saint is not assigned to the endless distribution of gifts or the care of those floating on the waters. He is jealous of Truth. It is necessary to honor him so that his palm on his cheek is not felt.

It is worth thinking about the veneration of saints in general. To honor not only service and feast. For there are other legitimate and pious ways to express love to the saints. On the day of memory of any of the evangelists, you can organize a reading of the corresponding Gospel in the temple. And any of the saints whose books are included in the Bible can be honored in this way. On the day of the memory of John the Merciful or Philaret the Merciful, God himself commanded to imitate the saints with deeds of love. On the day of the memory of Simeon the Stylite, of course, you won’t climb the pillar, but you can try to turn off your mobile phone, TV and computer and sit in silence for three hours.

Creativity is needed and a fresh look. Since the saints themselves are not lawyers and formalists, but extremely interesting and profound people.

So, winter, a premonition of Christmas, a sense of mystery in the frosty air and another memory of St. Nicholas. How will we celebrate?

Find out in the article about St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and his miracles, about his help to people during life and after death.

Christians honor the memory of many saints. Great respect is given to Nicholas the Wonderworker. He is revered in different countries of the world, many appeal to him with their prayers for help in various life issues.

The story of the life and deeds of Nicholas the Wonderworker is very interesting, because he began to work miracles during his lifetime. Nicholas was born into a family of wealthy parents. This happened in 270 in the ancient Lycian city of Patara, on the territory of modern Turkey.

The saint's parents were Christian believers, and his uncle was a clergyman. Parents could give Nikolai a good education, provide prosperity, but in Nikolai's soul there was God. From childhood, he prayed fervently, spent time in the temple during the day, and read prayers and the Holy Scriptures at night.

The Bishop of Patara, who was the uncle of Nicholas the Wonderworker, noticed that his nephew was very religious, that his thoughts were pure, and his faith was strong. He made him a reader at the service. After that, Nikolai became an assistant, and then a priest.

Important: As a young priest, he was very wise towards people. Always helped those in need with money. When the parents of Saint Nicholas died, he distributed all the inheritance to the poor.

Nikolay did his good deeds not for show, many people did not know for a long time who was helping them with money. But then they learned that it was St. Nicholas tossing bags of coins to them. For good deeds and love for the common people, people respected and loved Nikolai very much.

Nicholas the Wonderworker died in old age, calmly departed into another world. This man was a benefactor to the people. After his death, he also remained so.

In every Christian church you can see the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. He is depicted as an old man with gray hair. He has the Gospel in his hands, he calls everyone to faith and peace.

Icon of Nicholas the Wonderworker

Nicholas the Wonderworker and Nicholas the Pleasant: is it the same person?

Important: You can hear different names of this saint. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Nicholas the Pleasant, Saint Nicholas, Saint Nicholas, Nicholas of Myra. This is the same person.

What helps Nicholas the Wonderworker?

Nikolai Ugodnik comes to the aid of everyone who turns to him sincerely, with good intentions, with faith. Every day, millions of people around the world ask the Saint for help in various everyday issues.

Saint Nicholas is able to perform a miracle for us, ordinary people. The main thing is to address him sincerely, with faith. If a person is greedy and asks for gain for himself, requests to the Saint will not bring him what he wants. No need to ask for material goods, ask God and the Saints to fix your life. Sometimes we find ourselves in difficult life situations, it seems that only a miracle can save us. In such situations, you can turn to Nikolai Ugodnik.

There is no clear list of cases in which the saint would help. He, like the rest of the saints, can be prayed whenever necessary.

Important: Saints are considered "intercessors" for us before God. That is, asking them for help, we ask them to intercede for us before God, to ask the Lord for us. If the request is pleasing to God, if it does not harm you, the Lord will accept it. But if you want to be cunning, to deceive, you will harm yourself.

Nicholas the Wonderworker is:

• patron saint of travelers
• Protector of the illegally convicted and all prisoners
• Assistant for unmarried girls

There are stories in the earthly life of St. Nicholas when he helped these people. We will tell about such wonderful stories below.

When God wants to help us, he sends us the right people. This is proven by the stories of ordinary people. Once a family with a child flew abroad and got stuck there due to the collapse of the travel agency. Of course, the family was scared. Passing near the temple, they put a candle to Nicholas the Wonderworker on their last euro. What was their surprise when, upon arrival at the hotel, they found out that they had paid for their accommodation and tickets. Isn't it a miracle? A modest request for help and sincere faith bore fruit. Many will say that this is a coincidence. Everyone gets according to his faith.

Prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker

You can pray to Nicholas the Wonderworker not only in the temple, but also at home. There are many prayers with which you can turn to the Saint. You can turn to the Saint in your own words, the main thing is that they come from the bottom of your heart.

You need to pray to Nicholas the Wonderworker not only on the day of his memory, but also every day. If you read and know the prayers, do not forget to pray to St. Nicholas to enlist his help and support.

When you come to the temple, stop by the icon, you will find it in every temple. Light a candle, pray at the image of the Saint. Believers have repeatedly argued that it is worth asking Nicholas the Wonderworker, as troubles are miraculously resolved.

Miracles for which St. Nicholas became famous

Wonderful stories about good deeds performed by Nikolai Ugodnik are passed from mouth to mouth.

The story of how Nicholas the Wonderworker helped unmarried girls

One poor man had three daughters. He could not provide them with a dowry; no one married girls. In desperation, the man decided to give all his daughters to a brothel. In this way he wanted to earn money for a living.

Nikolai found out about this decision and decided to help the man. At night, he threw three bags of money through the open window of his house. When the family discovered the find in the morning, they were delighted and happy. But they did not know who their benefactor was. So St. Nicholas, in a completely earthly way, saved three girls from a terrible and bitter fate.

The story of how Nicholas the Wonderworker helps the unjustly convicted

This story is about the salvation of prisoners, which also happened during the life of the Wonderworker. Three convicts were to be executed in the town square. Nicholas the Wonderworker suddenly appeared. He took the executioner's hand and prevented the death of the prisoner, who was within a hair's breadth of it. The executioner and everyone who was there did not argue with Nicholas, because he was a respected clergyman.

Later it turned out that these prisoners were unfairly sentenced to death. Thus, the Lord through St. Nicholas sent salvation to these people.

All prisoners turn to Nicholas the Wonderworker for help, even if they ended up in prison on merit. After all, every person, even if he stumbled, made a mistake in life, has the right to forgiveness.

This case is reflected in the painting by the artist Ivan Repin.

The story of how Nicholas the Wonderworker helps unbelievers

This event took place after the death of the saint. In a Chinese village, a fisherman suddenly began to drown. The wave covered him. He screamed and called for help, but he understood that this was the end. Suddenly he remembered the icon that he had seen among Russian emigrants and began to ask: "Old man, save me!"

After that, he regained consciousness already on the shore. After being saved, this man converted to Orthodoxy and told everyone that the saint had saved him.

The story of St. Nicholas' help to sailors

Travelers consider Nicholas the Wonderworker their protector since he saved the sailor. The saint was forced to set sail on a ship. During this journey, a terrible tragedy occurred - the sailor fell from the mast and died. Nicholas began to earnestly pray to the Lord, and He performed a miracle - the sailor was resurrected. No one expected such a miracle, everyone was amazed.

Not only sailors, but also all other travelers can turn to the Saint for help. When you travel or go far, it would be useful to pray to the saint about returning home.

Memorial Day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker: date, traditions, how the holiday is celebrated

• December 19 is the day of commemoration of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
• May 22 is the day of the transfer of the relics of the saint to the city of Bari.
• Every Thursday, special hymns are performed in the church in honor of the saint.

The saint is venerated twice a year, people say that Nikola Winter and Nikola Veshny. The most memorable holiday is December 19th.

On the night before this holiday, gifts and sweets for children are placed under the pillow or in bags. Saint Nicholas became the prototype of Santa Claus, who also sneaks into the house and puts gifts in his socks.

This custom is probably related to the fact that Nikolai Ugodnik threw bags of gold to the poor during his lifetime.

In the morning, families with their children go to the service in the temple. This is followed by a family dinner. At this time, there is a Christmas fast, so there should be lenten food on the table. Loud entertainment and festivities on this holiday should not be.

Saint Nicholas Day is considered a children's holiday. Many parents understand, unfortunately, this holiday is wrong. Nowadays, the demands of children are growing and instead of a chocolate bar under the pillow, they are waiting for a game console or a new bike. And parents indulge the whims of their children.

By raising children in this spirit, one can distort the image of St. Nicholas in their perception. Because of this approach, many children will begin to treat the saint in a consumer way, raising the bar of desired gifts every year. Instead of pampering children with expensive gifts on this holiday, it is better to pay attention to their spiritual education:

As on other religious holidays, on this day it is unacceptable to do housework - sewing, washing, needlework.

On the eve, clean the house, do your household chores in advance, so that you can spend the holiday in prayer and in the family circle. Communicate with your loved ones, on this day there is no place for quarrels in the house, like on any other day. Strive to spend this day with God in your soul.

Give alms on this day, show your children a good example.

Where are the relics of Saint Nicholas kept?

After the death of St. Nicholas, his body rested in Myra. Later, the relics were transferred to the city of Bari in Italy. Since 1087, most of the relics are still located in the city of Bari, but some relics are found all over the world. Only in Russia there are 25 churches where there are particles of the relics of the saint.

The icon of the saint is in any Orthodox church. If you visit a temple, be sure to put a candle in front of the face of the saint, ask for intercession and help, he will definitely hear prayers.

Nicholas the Wonderworker is a real person who helped people not only with his abilities given by God. He helped the common people with simple things that we can also do. Not everyone can lead a strict lifestyle, but each of us can become a little kinder and more sympathetic, lend a helping hand to our neighbor, help out relatives or people in need with money. For good deeds and a high reward. We hope this article was helpful to you.

Video: Nicholas the Wonderworker

The image of Nicholas the Wonderworker on the icon is of great importance throughout the Christian world. Saint Nicholas, Archbishop of the World of Lycia, who became a great saint of God, is sincerely loved and revered by Catholics and Orthodox. There is no Christian temple or house, wherever there is an image of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Often his figure is depicted near the Lord Jesus Christ. The Orthodox Church celebrates the days of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker three times every year:

• The saint's birthday is August 11 (according to the old style July 29).
• The last day of his earthly life is December 19 (December 6, according to the old style).
• The date of the arrival of the relics of the saint in the city of Bari is May 22 (May 9 according to the old style).

The saint, during his lifetime, was famous for being a great helper to people in all their problems, so they go to him with fervent prayers to ask for assistance and protection. The Russian people have respected and revered the saint for many centuries. Almost every, even a small, city has a temple dedicated to St. Nicholas. This is the main cathedral of the northern capital of Russia - St. Petersburg, as well as the glorious Nikolskaya Tower, crowning the Moscow Kremlin.

With the famous tower, erected in 1491, a miraculous event is connected, the reality of which there is no doubt. The building was decorated with the face of a saint. In 1917, when soldiers of Napoleon's army were outrageous on the territory of Moscow, the enemies put the whole city to fire and sword. Despite severe damage and destruction, the very image of St. Nicholas the Pleasant has retained its integrity.

The life path of Nicholas the Wonderworker

As the biography of Nicholas the Wonderworker testifies, he was born in the second half of the third century (about 280) in the city of Patara in the Lycian region. Then these territories of the southern coast of the Asia Minor peninsula were a Greek colony.

Childhood

Nikolai's parents were wealthy pious people, so the boy received an elementary education and grew up as a worthy Christian. From a young age, he was distinguished from his peers by seriousness, calmness, love for the wisdom of the books of Holy Scripture, for church services. He spent days on end within the walls of the temple, and when night came, he read sacred books and prayed.

Service

Seeing the piety and spiritual aspirations of young Nicholas, his uncle, Bishop of Patara, who was also called Nicholas, took him to church as a reader. A little later, he made the young man his assistant, ordained him to the rank of presbyter, instructing the parishioners to teach. So, Patar became the place where the Christian feat of carrying the Word of God of St. Nicholas the Pleasant began.

There is another version of the biography, according to which a very young priest immediately became the bishop of Mirra by decision of the council of bishops of Lycia. Such a rapid ascent in the 4th century was possible. After the death of his father and mother, the young priest became the heir to the family fortune, fully using it to help people in need. Moreover, he always did good deeds and donations secretly, disinterestedly, avoiding gratitude and fame. The first years of the service of the church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker coincided with the years of the reign of the emperors Diocletian and Maximian (until 305), who systematically persecuted Christians. The persecution of the followers of Jesus Christ in different regions of the Roman Empire continued until 306-311.

After making a pilgrimage to the shrines of Jerusalem, the Wonderworker wanted to become one of the Palestinian hermits, but by the will of the Lord changed his mind. The Almighty appeared to the priest in a dream and revealed that his true purpose was to serve God in his native land. Amazing incidents happened already during the journey to the Holy Land. The young traveler was twice able to calm the stormy sea waters, threatening shipwreck, and brought back to life a sailor who had fallen from the mast.

Upon returning to Lycian land, the saint, wishing to avoid fame and glory from the inhabitants of his native city, went to Mirra (the center of Lycia). Just then the episcopal council was busy with the question of electing an archpastor. By God's will and the decision of the assembly, the position was given to Nicholas. Such a sudden rapid rise confused the priest and threw him into confusion. Then, to strengthen faith and strength, the Lord came to the young man along with the Most Holy Theotokos. They gave Nicholas the Gospel and the omophorion, saying that they expected from the priest not a hermit's service, but the glorification of God's Name. This miracle is often depicted on the images of Nicholas the Wonderworker.

Despite the high respected position, the way of life of Archbishop Nicholas has not changed much. He remained simple, modest, hardworking. Prayer and fasting took a lot of time. And the main concern of Nicholas the Wonderworker was to help everyone who needed it: the poor, the rich, the healthy, the infirm, the young, the old.

Despite his modesty and purity, the saint, when necessary, became a zealous and persistent defender of Christ's Church. Together with his associates, he found temples, places of sacrifice of the pagans of Mirra and suburban lands, destroyed them, destroying idols, actively attracting lost souls to the True Faith. In 325, the First Ecumenical Council took place (which adopted the Creed), among its active participants was the saint. Together with the glorious defenders of the Faith - Spyridon Trimifuntsky, the Pope of Rome, Alexander of Alexandria, Saint Sylvester (and 312 other priests) - resisted the aggressive attacks of the heretic Arius.

According to some sources, Nicholas gave the atheist a heavy slap in the face in front of everyone. For this act, the priest was temporarily deprived of the rank of bishop, and then taken into custody. But the Lord miraculously delivered the defender of the Faith from unjust punishment. Later, being in the rank of archbishop, he himself many times freed Christians from imprisonment and even saved the lives of those who were innocently sentenced to death. After his release and restoration to his rank, Saint Nicholas again returned to his duties, continuing to sow the word of the Truth of the Church, fighting for the purity of the Faith against the wickedly wise, heretics, and doubters. The priest eradicated the seeds of disbelief, doubts, in order to strengthen the weak, curing their restless souls.

Saint Nicholas passed away to a better world at an advanced age, approximately in 345-351. He lived a pious life, full of compassion and helping people, the priest was a generous, kind person. Serving the Lord and the Faith became his meaning and calling not only during his earthly life, but even today. Saint Nicholas is revered as a great Christian helper in many countries of the world. Numerous miracles performed during his lifetime, and the help given to believers, until today have made the image of Nicholas truly legendary.

Veneration of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

Nicholas the Wonderworker is a saint especially revered by the Orthodox Church. Traveling in Rus', the Italian A. Gvagnini (XVI century) testified that Russians honor Nicholas the Pleasant more than others, paying him honors almost the same as God. Of course, the foreigner slightly embellished reality, but he noticed correctly - many Russian churches are dedicated to the saint, ordinary people often turn to his help and intercession. Numerous icons, new iconographic scenes associated with real miraculous events are a clear confirmation of the participation of the saint in resolving the problems of believers.

Relics of Saint Nicholas in Italy

The veneration of Nicholas the Wonderworker (Archbishop of Mirlikiysky) in his homeland originates in the speed after his death (in the second half of the 4th century). Byzantium came to this later - by the 7th century. So, Patriarch Simeon Metaphrastus of Constantinople, describing Saint Nicholas, wrote that he was an old man with an angelic face, on him everyone saw the seal of holiness and God's grace. A light radiance emanated from the image. The person who looked at him improved himself, became better. And saddened, suffering souls found consolation.

Many sought to take possession of the relics of the saint. Including residents of Bari. Thus, they wanted to return to their city the importance of a spiritual center. The Barians came to the burial place of the Wonderworker, offered the monks to give relics for a reward. When the monks refused, the Italians tied them up. The relics of Saint Nicholas left the tomb with a sarcophagus filled with myrrh in the Lycian Worlds, after which they were transported by ship to Bari (southern Italy).

The ships landed on the coast of Bari on 9 May. The relics were solemnly transferred to the nearby church of St. Stephen. During the procession, miraculous healings took place, which increased the joy and spiritual uplift of the townspeople who met the relics. One year later, under the leadership of the abbot of the Benedictine monastery Elijah, a new church, the Basilica of St. Nicholas, was erected and consecrated specifically for the placement of holy relics. The relics of the saint are kept here until today.

Iconography of the image of Nicholas the Wonderworker

Almost immediately after the Baptism of Rus' (XI century), the veneration of Nicholas the Pleasant spread everywhere. The earliest image of the saint is the painting of the Hagia Sophia in Kyiv. Of interest is the fresco of the Kyiv Mikhailovsky Golden-Domed Monastery (located in the Tretyakov Gallery). In the image, the saint stands in full growth, blessing everyone with his right hand, and holding an open Gospel with his left

Another ancient way of depicting St. Nicholas is to the waist. The saint holds a closed gospel with his left hand. Byzantine iconographers, who worked from the 11th to the 13th century, were the first to write such images. The Russian icon of St. Nicholas of this type used to belong to the Novodevichy Convent (Smolensk Cathedral). The ancient image of the XII century came to Moscow from Novgorod thanks to Ivan the Terrible. Now the holy face is kept in the Tretyakov Gallery.

The images of Nicholas the Pleasant of the Smolensk Cathedral attract with their images on the margins. The center of the upper part shows the Throne prepared (a symbol of the second coming); on both sides of Nicholas - are Damian, Cosmas. The side fields are painted with three rows of saints: full-length saints Boris and Gleb with martyr crosses, swords in sheaths; martyrs Laurus and Frol; the holy martyr wives, honored by the Novgorod land, the venerable martyr Domna and Evdokia; Photinia and Paraskeva (shoulder). Today, the Novgorod Icon of Nicholas the Wonderworker (from the Holy Spirit Monastery) is kept in the State Russian Museum, the image was painted around the middle of the 13th century. His composition also includes images of the locally venerated saints of the city of Novgorod.

Samples of icons of Nicholas the Wonderworker of the 11th-14th centuries form the tradition of hagiographic icons of the saint. Widespread in Italy, in Rus', the Balkans received images with scenes from the life of the saint. The most ancient hagiographic Russian icons are considered to be the Novgorod image of the churchyard of Lyubon, dating from the 14th century, as well as the Kolomna icon of St. Nicholas in the treasury of the Tretyakov Gallery.

If we compare the popularity of the image of Nicholas the Wonderworker in different countries of the Christian world, then it is greatest in Russia. Therefore, you can often hear that this is a truly Russian saint. Perhaps because his image is multifaceted: the saint, the support of the Church, the fighter against heresy, the patron saint of rulers, travelers and the defender of the poor, the intercessor for all the unfortunate.

The miraculous icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is one of the most revered Orthodox images of Saints. The divine image is addressed in prayer in various life situations, and as most people say, with the sincere petition of believers, he quickly responds and comes to the aid of those in need.

In the culture of the Middle Ages, the Orthodox face was an unusual phenomenon, to which the artist tried to acquaint a person with the spiritual world, and where he helped him find his own path to transformation. Therefore, the significance of the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker for all believers is unusually great.

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His face is present in many homes of Orthodox Christians, thereby protecting them from troubles, as well as the need for something, bringing prosperity and patronage to the household.

What is the dream of the icon of Nicholas the Wonderworker

If in his dream a person saw that the divine image came to life and tells him some information, then such a dream can be considered prophetic. As a rule, it is interpreted as a favorable sign, that is, soon, unexpectedly, incredible miracles will begin to occur in the dreamer's life.

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What helps the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

1. Protects wanderers and sailors. Even during his lifetime, in prayer, the saint could stop storms and other bad weather along the way. According to some legends, young Nikola was able to resurrect a sailor who fell from the mast, he also slept another sailor on the way to Mira from Alexandria;
2. Protects the face of merchants and children. The patron always loved children very much, and responded well to the prayers of mothers for their children;
3. The icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker also helps in reconciliation of the warring, protects from enemies and is the patron saint of the army. During his lifetime, the Wonderworker was a good-natured person who could easily try on enemies. And to this day, in a plea for reconciliation, people turn to him;
4. They turn in prayers to the Saint and in search of their other half, and they will also ring the mobelin for the image and for marriage;
5. The face also helps those who wish to improve, as well as innocently convicted people who are in prison. The miracle worker saves those who pray from the captivity of the dungeon and even from death.

In which temples is the miraculous face

Since there are a huge number of lists of this icon, we will tell you about the location of some of them:

• In the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow there is a Holy Icon, which was painted in Bari, where the Basilica of St. Nicholas was built;
• The revered image of Nikola in the life on Presnya in the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist, however, a face with a similar plot can be seen on Sands in the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior;
• In Yelekhov there is another miraculous image of the Saint. In the cathedral there are pieces of relics and a list, which depicts St. Nikola, wmc. Barbara and St. Basil the Great;
• You can see the face of the Wonderworker in Kolpino in the Church of the Holy Trinity "Kulich and Easter" in St. Petersburg.

Prayers

Nicholas the Wonderworker changing fate

“The Chosen Miracle Worker and a fair servant of Christ, Father Nicholas! Exuding to the whole world the many-valued mercy of the world and the inexhaustible miracles of the sea, you set up spiritual fortresses, and I praise you with love, blessed Saint Nicholas: you, as if having boldness to the Lord, free me from all troubles, but I call you: Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker, rejoice , Nicholas, great Wonderworker, rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker!

An angel in the image, an earthly being by nature, reveal all the creatures of the Creator; having seen the fruitful kindness of your soul, most blessed Nicholas, teach everyone to cry out to you:

Rejoice, born in the robes of angels, as if pure in the flesh; Rejoice, and baptized with water and fire, as if holy in the flesh. Rejoice, surprising you with the birth of your parents; Rejoice, revealing the strength of the soul Abie at Christmas. Rejoice, garden of the land of promise; Rejoice, flower of the Divine planting. Rejoice, virtuous vine of Christ's grapes; Rejoice, miraculous tree of the paradise of Jesus. Rejoice, krine of heavenly probation; Rejoice, peace of Christ's fragrance. Rejoice, for you will drive away sobbing; Rejoice, for you bring joy. Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker, rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker, rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker!

Rejoice, in the form of lambs and shepherds; Rejoice, holy purifier of morals. Rejoice, receptacle of great virtues; Rejoice, holy and pure dwelling! Rejoice, all-bright and all-loving lamp; Rejoice, golden and immaculate light! Rejoice, worthy interlocutor of Angels; Rejoice, good teacher of men! Rejoice, rule of pious faith; Rejoice, the image of spiritual meekness! Rejoice, for by you we are getting rid of bodily passions; Rejoice, for we are filled with spiritual sweetness by you! Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker, rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker, rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker!

Rejoice, deliverance from sorrow; rejoice, almsgiving of grace. Rejoice, banisher of unforeseen evils; Rejoice, desired planter of the good. Rejoice, speedy comforter of those in distress; Rejoice, terrible punisher of offenders. Rejoice, abyss of miracles poured out by God; Rejoice, tablet of the law of Christ written by God. Rejoice, strong giving erection; Rejoice, right standing affirmation. Rejoice, for by you all flattery is exposed; rejoice, for through you all truth comes true. Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker, rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker, rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker!

Rejoice, source of all healings; Rejoice, fierce helper of the suffering! Rejoice, dawn, shining in the night of sinful wanderers; Rejoice, dew that is not flowing in the heat of labor! Rejoice, hearth to those who require well-being; Rejoice, prepare abundance for those who ask! Rejoice, anticipate petition many times; Rejoice, renew the strength of old gray hairs! Rejoice, detractor of many delusions from the path of the true; Rejoice, faithful servant of the mysteries of God. Rejoice, for by you we trample envy; rejoice, for we are correcting a good life with you. Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker, rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker, rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker!

Rejoice, you were taken away from eternal squalor; Rejoice, granting imperishable wealth! Rejoice, indestructible to those who hunger for truth; Rejoice, inexhaustible drink for those who thirst for life! Rejoice, observe from rebellion and strife; Rejoice, release from bonds and captivity! Rejoice, more glorious intercessor in troubles; Rejoice, great protector in adversity! Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker, rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker, rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker!

Rejoice, illumination of the Three-sunlight; Rejoice, morning day of the never-setting sun! Rejoice, candle, kindled by the Divine flame; Rejoice, for thou hast quenched the demonic flame of wickedness! Rejoice, lightning, burning heresy; Rejoice, thunder, frightening seducer! Rejoice, true teacher of the mind; Rejoice, mysterious revealer of the mind! Rejoice, for you trampled on the worship of the creature; Rejoice, for through you we will learn to worship the Creator in the Trinity! Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker, rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker, rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker!

Rejoice, mirror of all virtues; Rejoice, strong visor of all those flowing to you! Rejoice, according to God and the Mother of God, all our hope; Rejoice, health of our bodies and salvation of our souls! Rejoice, for by you we are freed from eternal death; Rejoice, for through you we are worthy of endless life! Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker, rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker, rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker!

Oh, bright and wonderful Father Nicholas, the consolation of all who mourn, accept our present offering, and beg the Lord to deliver us from Gehenna, by your God-pleasing intercession, and with you we sing: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Chosen Miracle Worker and a fair servant of Christ, Father Nicholas! Exuding to the whole world the many-valued mercy of the world and the inexhaustible miracles of the sea, you set up spiritual fortresses, and I praise you with love, blessed Saint Nicholas: you, as if having boldness towards the Lord, free me from all troubles, but I call you: Rejoice, Nicholas, the great Wonderworker, Rejoice, Nicholas, the great Wonderworker, Rejoice, Nicholas, the great Wonderworker!

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Prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker for help in work

It is recommended to read the prayer to Nikolai Ugodnik for success in work in solitude and concentration in front of the icon.

“King of Heaven, Comforter, Soul of Truth, Who is everywhere and fills everything, Treasury of good things and Giver of life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all filth, and save, O Blessed, our souls. Bless, Lord, and help me, a sinner, to complete the work I begin, to Your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of Your Father without Beginning, You said with Your pure lips that without Me you can do nothing. My Lord, Lord, by faith the volume in my soul and heart spoken by You, I bow to Your goodness: help me, a sinner, this work that I begin, do about You, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, with the prayers of the Mother of God and all Your saints . Amen."

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Prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker in search of a good job

“Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, protector and benefactor. Cleanse my soul from the annoying envy and malice of bad people. If the work does not go well because of a cursed intent, do not punish your enemies, but help them cope with the turmoil in their souls. If soot is sinful on me, I sincerely repent and ask for miraculous help in righteous work. Send me a job according to my conscience, and a salary according to my work. May it be so. Amen".

Prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker for help in money

“O our good shepherd and God-wise mentor, St. Nicholas of Christ! Hear us sinners (names), praying to you and calling for your speedy intercession for help: see us weak, caught from everywhere, deprived of all good and darkened by the mind from cowardice. Strive, 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 unworthy of our Sovereign and Lord, You stand before Him with incorporeal faces: be merciful to us, create our God in this life and in the future, may He not reward us according to our deeds and according to the impurity of our hearts, but according to His goodness, He will reward us.

We hope for your intercession, we boast of your intercession, we call on your intercession for help, and we ask for your most holy image of falling help: deliver us, saint of Christ, from the evils that are upon us, but for the sake of your holy prayers, we will not be attacked and we will not be mired in the abyss more sinful and in the mire 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. Amen".

Prayer to Nikolai Ugodnik for help on the road

“O St. Nicholas of Christ! Hear us, sinful servants of God (names), praying to you, and pray for us, unworthy, our Sovereign and Master, be merciful to us, create our God in this life and in the future, may he not repay us according to our deeds, but according to your own will give us goodness. Deliver us, saint of Christ, from the evils that are upon us, and tame the waves, passions and troubles that rise upon us, so that for the sake of your holy prayers we will not be attacked and we will not be mired in the abyss of sin and in the mud of our passions. Moth, Saint Nicholas, Christ our God, give us a peaceful life and the remission of sins, but salvation and great mercy to our souls, now and forever, and forever and ever.

Prayer to Nikolai Ugodnik for help in business and trade

“Oh, the all-good Father Nicholas, the shepherd and teacher of all those who flow by faith to your intercession, and who call you with warm prayer, soon sweat, 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 Rus' 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"

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Prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker for marriage

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

Also, parents can ask for a daughter about her marriage:

“I trust in you, Miracle Worker Nikolai, and I ask for your beloved child. Help my daughter meet the chosen one - honest, faithful, kind and measured. Protect my daughter from a sinful, lustful, demonic and careless marriage. May your will be done. Amen".

Prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker for healing from illness

“Oh, all-holy Nicholas, the servant of the Lord, our warm intercessor, and everywhere in sorrow a quick helper, help me, a sinner and a dull one, in this life, implore the Lord God, grant me the remission of all my sins, who have sinned from my youth, in everything my life, deed, word, thought and all my feelings; and at the end of my soul, help me the accursed one, implore the Lord God of all creatures, the Creator, 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. Amen"

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Prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker for the health of the sick

Prayer is read before the image of the holy elder (both in the temple and at home). It is allowed to read the prayer text both for yourself and for your relatives and friends, substituting the name of the sick person instead of brackets.

“Oh, Nicholas the All-Holy, the saint of the Lord, our eternal intercessor, and everywhere in all troubles our helper Help me, God's servant (name), sad and sinful, in real life, ask the Lord to grant me the remission of my sins, for I have sinned in deed, in a word, in thoughts and all your feelings. Help me accursed, Holy Wonderworker, ask our Lord for good health, deliver me from torment and ordeal. Amen."

Prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker on the road and for travelers

“Lord Almighty, Our God, I turn to you for support! I ask you for help, I pray for your indulgence! On the road, I find myself difficult, many obstacles on my way: People are bad, thoughts are crappy, urgent problems! Save me, save me, guide me on the true path And help me not to go off it. Make my road Smooth and even, problems and misfortunes are bypassed. So that I went on the way, so I returned! I trust in Your help, I appeal to support! I praise your name! Amen!"

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Thanksgiving prayer to Nikolai Ugodnik

Reading at dawn.

“Nicholas Ugodniche! I address you as a teacher and shepherd with faith and respect, with love and reverence. I send you words of gratitude, I pray for a prosperous life. I thank you very much, I hope for mercy and forgiveness. For sins, for thoughts, yes for thoughts. As you have mercy on all sinners, so have mercy on me. From trials of terrible fences and from death in vain. Amen"