The life of Nicholas the Wonderworker is known to few, despite the fact that he is one of the most revered saints in the Orthodox tradition. Christian books describe where and how this righteous man lived, as well as what miracles he performed. The life of Nicholas the Wonderworker and his deeds will be described in the article.
General information
Nicholas the Wonderworker, also called the Pleasant, Mirlikian or Saint, was born around 270 in Patara, and died around 345. He was an archbishop in the city of Myra (the confederation of ancient Lycia), and after his death he began to be revered as a saint. In the East, he was considered a miracle worker and patron of travelers, orphans and prisoners. In the West, patronizing absolutely all sectors of society, but especially children.
The life of Nicholas the Wonderworker is described in various sources, but there was an incident when he was quite often confused in early biographies with Nicholas of Sion (Pinarsky). The point is that the lastwas from the same city and, moreover, was also an archbishop, miracle worker and saint.
An interesting fact is that Nicholas the Wonderworker became the prototype of Santa Claus. The fact is that on the basis of a fact from the life of Nicholas the Wonderworker, namely the case when he brought a dowry to the three daughters of a rich man who went bankrupt, a Christmas tradition appeared to give gifts.
The beginning of life's journey
Considering the life story of Nicholas the Wonderworker, it must be said that he was born in the 3rd century in Patara, which was a Roman province. From early childhood, he was very devout and at a young age he decided to devote his whole life to Christianity.
It is believed that Nicholas was born into a we althy Christian family, which had the opportunity to give him an excellent education. Due to the fact that he was often confused with Nikolai Pinarsky, for some time it was believed that Epifpany (Feofan) and Nonna were his parents.
Nicholas already at a young age was very successful in the study of various sciences, and especially the Holy Scriptures. He spent the whole day in the temple in prayer, without leaving it, and at night he read scientific books and continued to pray.
Growing up
Bishop Nicholas of Patara, being his uncle, often saw him praying and studying. Having discovered his efforts, the bishop made him a cleric (reader) in one of the temples. After some time, a change occurs in the life of Nikolai Ugodnik (Wonderworker). He becomes a priest, as well as the main assistant to the bishop.
It should be mentioned thatthere is another version, according to which, after a miraculous sign, by decision of the bishops of Lycia, Nicholas, being a layman, was elevated to the rank of bishop of Mira. According to some sources, such an appointment in the VI century could well have been.
After the death of his parents, Nicholas the Wonderworker inherited a large fortune. He disposed of the we alth in a rather unusual way, distributing everything to those in need.
Start of service
Describing briefly the life of Nicholas the Wonderworker, it is necessary to mention that he held a sacred service during the time of the Roman emperor Diocletian, as well as Maximian. The first in 303 issued a decree (edict), according to which, the persecution of Christians throughout the Roman Empire became systematic.
However, two years later, Constantius Chlorus became emperor, he stopped the persecution of Christians, but just a year later, the new emperor, Galerius, resumed the persecution of believers in Christ. In 311, while dying, he signed an edict on tolerance for believers in Jesus Christ.
Nicholas the Wonderworker during this period served as a bishop in a city called Mira, it was here that for the first time they began to make incense from resin, bearing the same name. He was a fierce fighter against paganism. Some sources say that it was Nicholas who destroyed the temple of Artemis Eleuthera, located in Mir (now Demra, Turkey).
Conflicting versions
In the life of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, it is worth noting an episode that is quite controversial. Here is the version that is described in some sources. In herit is said that St. Nicholas, defending the Christian faith, during the Ecumenical Council in 325, during the dispute slapped Arius in the face. The latter was also a champion of Christianity, but some disagreements were still present. According to Professor and Archpriest V. Tsypin, today there are no ancient sources in which this would be confirmed.
He says that one should not trust this church tradition, which, in fact, is an exaggeration. However, it should be noted that some are sure that this did happen. In the "Life", which was written by Symeon Metaphrastus in the 10th century, it is said only that St. Nicholas decisively challenged the heresy of Arius. The description of the slap that Nicholas gave Arius for his heresy appeared only at the end of the 17th century in the writing of the "Lives of the Saints", which was written by Dmitry Rostovsky.
Acts
The life and miracles of Nicholas the Wonderworker are described in the "Lives of the Saints". So, for example, it tells how, being quite young, he went to Alexandria to continue his studies and service to Christ. He traveled by sea and performed one of his miracles by resurrecting a sailor who had fallen from his ship's rigging and crashed.
The Life of the Saints also describes the case when Nicholas the Wonderworker helped three young girls who could not get married due to lack of a dowry. Upon learning of this, he planted sacks of gold in their house, which allowed the girls to buy a dowry and get married safely.
In the Catholictradition says that a bag of gold thrown by Nicholas the Wonderworker landed right in a stocking that was drying by the hearth. Hence the tradition of hanging socks before Christmas for gifts from Santa Claus (Santa Nicholas).
Saving the innocent
In the life of Nicholas the Wonderworker, there are facts of saving the innocent, who were condemned to death. The "Acts of the Stratilates" says that he pacified the unrest that appeared after Emperor Constantine I sent three military leaders with troops to Phrygia to pacify the rebellion. Heading to their destination, the ship with the soldiers stopped to replenish supplies in Andriak, near the city of Mira.
Soldiers often took goods from merchants, which caused serious conflicts. Upon learning of this, Nicholas the Wonderworker arrived at the military leaders - Ursus, Nepotian and Erpilion. He told them about the atrocities that the soldiers were doing and convinced them to stop it. After a conversation with Nikolai, the commanders punished the perpetrators, and such incidents immediately stopped.
At the same time, several residents of Mir came to Nikolai and told him about three innocent people whom the ruler Eustathius had sentenced to death. The saint, accompanied by commanders and soldiers, went to Myra and stopped the execution by snatching the sword from the executioner. Nicholas the Wonderworker, thanks to these and other deeds, is the patron saint of sailors, innocently convicted, as well as children.
Prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker that changed lives
In the Orthodox tradition, they believe that Nicholas helps everyone who asks him. To be heard, believers try to visit the temple where the relics of the saint are located. There they each pray to him about their sorrows and ask for help.
However, in order to reach out and be heard, it is necessary to live a decent life, changing it often. It is recommended to avoid alcohol, tobacco and other harmful substances. Subject to these restrictions, a prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker is read daily, for forty days.
They also pray not only before the relics of the saint, but also before his image, which should face the East. It is advisable to light a lamp or candles for the time of prayer. According to Orthodox believers who followed these recommendations, prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker really helps everyone in what he asks for, sometimes completely changing their lives.
Naturally, atheists treat this with a certain amount of skepticism, but it should be noted that the number of believers is not decreasing. Sailors, innocently convicted and orphans, for whom he is a patron, turn to Nikolai Ugodnik for help and support. Moreover, they claim that praying to a saint helps them become stronger in spirit, believe in themselves and get the desired result.
