Any nation, be it Slavs or Muslims, honors its ancestors, saints and those who, according to ancient sources, made history. So, today you can find a variety of symbols and signs made in honor of one of the sages, miracle workers. For example, one of the truly worthy works is the icon of St. Nicholas. She is not only beautiful, but also of great significance.
Who is Nikolay Ugodnik?
Let's look into history. Nikolai Ugodnik is an archbishop who was often called a miracle worker. This meant that the holy man was the patron of the seas, travelers, children and merchants. In the history of the church, he was considered a symbol of power, goodness and justice. The saint was born in Asia Minor. This happened in the third century AD. The fate of Nicholas the Pleasant was difficult, and, according to many, it was thanks to such trials that his soul and body chose the right path in life.
The boy was born in a Greek colony and was very religious from an early age. Since childhood, he devoted his life to Christianity. Thanks to his parents, Nikolai Ugodnik was able to get a basic education. The boy loved to study the Divine Scriptures. Almost all the time hewas in the habitation of the Holy Spirit, from which he did not go out during the day. At night, Nicholas prayed, read and mentally talked with God. An interesting fact is that after the death of his parents, the guy gave all his inheritance to charity.
The start of the activity of the saint
Saint Nicholas the Pleasant served the church during the reign of the Roman emperors Diocletian, as well as Maximian. These two men hated Christians and issued decrees to persecute them. During this difficult period, temples, communities and other institutions were destroyed. But Nikolai Ugodnik has always been on the side of the people. He was nicknamed "the protector", as he always defended the interests of the innocently convicted and slandered people.
Besides this, Nicholas often prayed for the sailors, mentally sending them good weather, protection from piracy and other hardships. Throughout the life of the saint, many miracles and deeds were attributed to him. The archbishop in Russia was the most revered, as well as throughout the world. Today, Nikolai Ugodnik (the miracle worker) is a symbol of protection against diseases and an adviser in failures who will always help. His power will forever remain great for the Russian people.
Acts of a miracle worker
One of the earliest events in the youth of the miracle worker was a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The saint decided to take such a step, because he wanted to help and fulfill the requests of desperate travelers. Some argue that the prayers of Nicholas revived people, gave strength and confidence, saved from death. It should be noted that in his youth he went to study in Alexandria and at that period of his life resurrected a sailor,who fell from the mast.
There is also a legend about how St. Nicholas the Pleasant saved three young girls whose beauty was "sold" by their own father, as he believed that this was the only way to pay off debts and survive in such a difficult time. When the saint learned about the plight of the young maidens, he made his way to their home at night and left a bag of gold for the eldest of his daughters, which became her dowry. Exactly 12 months later, Nikolai repeated the same thing, only this time he left the money to the middle of the sisters. Somehow, their father found out that the Pleaser was helping their family and decided to thank him. Then the man hid in the room of his youngest daughter and waited for Nikolai to come. According to one version, he nevertheless saw the miracle worker, but he did not accept any thanks. It should be noted that he was considered a zealous warrior of the Church of Christ. Sources claim that he incinerated idols and pagan temples mercilessly.
Relics of Nicholas the Wonderworker
During his long life, Nikolai Ugodnik did many brave and noble deeds. Some believe that it was for his merits that God granted him long years of life, because it is true that the miracle worker died at a very old age. Today, the relics of St. Nicholas are kept in the Basilica of St. Nicholas (Bari), but not in full force. Since some of them are in Turkey, in the church of St. Nicholas. This is due to the fact that supposedly it was not possible to steal all the relics. Therefore, it turned out that they are stored in completely different territories.
In honor of the greatSt., churches and temples were erected in different cities and countries. It is assumed that the sailors took some of the relics of Nicholas and transported it to Bari, but the rest of the fragments remained in the grave. People delivered the remains to Venice, where another church was erected.
The emergence of the feast of St. Nicholas
Today in many cities and countries there is a temple of St. Nicholas, which anyone can visit. And it is no wonder that people are happy to go to this place. Some are looking for support, others for consolation, and still others simply want to thank the saint for the help provided. Indeed, since ancient times, Nicholas the Wonderworker has been considered the patron saint of ordinary people, innocent, slandered, weak.
In honor of such a great man, St. Nicholas Day is celebrated in our time. How did people come to this? It all started from the day the relics were transferred. At that time, only the inhabitants of Bari, who had the honor of keeping the remains of the saint, celebrated this holiday. In other countries, it was not considered authentic and was not taken seriously. However, in the lands of great Russia, saints were always revered, and the rumor about the feast of St. Nicholas spread very quickly. The Orthodox Church has set the date - May 9th. Since then, namely since 1087, people have been celebrating the feast of the great and revered saint of God.
Today, the holiday is celebrated several times a year. But for representatives of the Russian people, it is associated with the date of December 19th. In addition, this day is considered a children's holiday, as Nikolai brings gifts to his little friends under the pillow (of course, if they spent the whole yearfeeling good).
Modern holiday dates
So, in our time there are several dates for the feast of St. Nicholas. The first is December 6 (19). Previously, it was believed that this was the day of the death of the miracle worker, but today it is a common children's holiday, which is associated with sweets and new toys that fabulously appeared under the child's pillow. The second date is May 9 (22). This holiday has been celebrated since 1087, when the remains of the saint arrived in Bari. And finally, June 29 (August 11) - the birth of Nicholas.
The sacred place of St. Nicholas in the hearts of the Russian people
On the lands of the Russian Empire, the name of the miracle worker has always been revered. In addition, the icon of St. Nicholas the Ugodnik, which meant a lot to every person, did not hide from curious and believing eyes. It is with this that a huge number of temples and works that were dedicated to this person are connected. Until the twentieth century, the name Nicholas was one of the most popular when naming babies. People believed that by naming the boy, they subconsciously convey to him a piece of the holiness and masculinity of the miracle worker.
Icon of Saint Nicholas
It has been noted more than once that people loved and idolized Nicholas the Pleasant, they turned to him with requests for intercession. It is not surprising that after his death they began to worship the icon of the miracle worker. For every Slav, it was of great importance. But what is the meaning of the icon? Why did people believe and continue to think that she is able to heal, help and protect?
The symbol of protection, nobility and justice in Russia was Nikolai Ugodnik. The icon, the meaning of which has been repeatedly characterized and explained, became the embodiment of the miracle worker after his death. They turn to her when help is needed, she actually helps believers. And it doesn’t matter whether a person is rich or poor, what his religious preferences or skin color, the influence of the icon is immense.
The meaning of the miracle worker icon
The icon of St. Nicholas "works" for each person in different ways. But there is a theory about what it still means. According to many scientists, it is a symbol of the protection of the people. Therein lies its significance. It is believed that the icon is able to heal, relieve ailments, perform real miracles, and it doesn’t even matter whether a person is a believer or not. Thus, the meaning is very easy to decipher - a talisman that helps people. Of course, many preferred to worship the original icon. Today, the image of the saint can be purchased in many places, but this does not diminish the influence of the miraculous picture. It is important to know that the action of the icon becomes several times stronger if you say a special prayer.
Prayer to Nicholas the Pleasant
For a long time, prayer in front of an icon has been considered a guarantor of the protection of a person and people, about which he asks the image of a saint. Therefore, it is always recommended to pronounce it so that the action is stronger. In fact, there are a huge number of prayers to Nikolai Ugodnik. A person just needs to choose the one that will help achieve the desiredresult. For example, ask for marriage or protection, get rid of illness or trouble, and so on. But still, there are seven basic prayers that every person can learn. Then, pronouncing them in front of the icon, he can be sure that the unusual power will protect him and all family members, as well as the house and relatives.
The icon of St. Nicholas (Wonderworker) has magical powers. She can not only fulfill the request of a person, but also answer some questions. Sincere prayer is endowed with an inexplicable power that can heal, get rid of mental or bodily diseases, as well as become enlightened, unite in a legal marriage with a loved one and forget about quarrels. In addition, the icon has energy that solves life's problems, from small to large ones. No icons of Russia, except for those dedicated to the Mother of God, occupied such an important place in the hearts of the Slavic people as the image of St. Nicholas.
Interesting facts
Every person can meet his own icon of St. Nicholas. This is due to the fact that the holiday is celebrated on different days of the calendar. Thus, there is an icon of "St. Nicholas of the Winter" and "St. Nicholas of the Spring". The first was depicted in the episcopal miter, and the second - with an uncovered head. Therefore, one should not assume that the icons are different, and the people on them are also different. No, they both have the same meaning and miraculous effect on people.
Among other things, Nikolai Ugodnik is also a patron for Orthodox gypsies. Also an interesting factis that for some the miracle worker is Santa Claus. This is because, according to one of the legends, when Nikolai left bags for poor girls, and their father wanted to meet him and thank him, he foresaw this situation and threw gold into the chimney. It is on this story that the prototype of the great and generous Santa is built.
It should also be noted that St. Nicholas Day is celebrated in the Ryazan diocese. This celebration is celebrated locally and in honor of the image of the miracle worker. Among the Slavs, the archbishop is often associated with God himself. He holds an important place in the hearts of believers and always helps them cope with ailments and failures. Representatives of the Buddhist people, the Buryats, live in Russia. They identify Nicholas the Pleasant with the deity of prosperity and longevity. The Kalmyks, in turn, included the miracle worker in the pantheon of the master spirits of the Caspian Sea.
St. Nicholas
Strange as it may seem to some unbelievers, but the icon of St. Nicholas really "works". In our time, there is evidence of this, because ordinary people who prayed to the image of the miracle worker share their stories. So, for example, by placing the icon in a car, many were saved from serious accidents or death as a result of a dangerous incident. Others share their impressions of the power of healing. For many women, the image of the saint helped to find love and happiness. St. Nicholas the Pleasant (an icon whose meaning is interpreted as a talisman, a symbol of protection, grace, and so on) was first depicted around 1325.
Place for "conversation" with a saint
Finally, I would like toIt should be noted that there is a place where you can always pray and “talk with the miracle worker” - this is the chapel of St. Nicholas. But you can also ask for help from a saint at home, in front of his face or without an icon. The main thing is to do it with good intentions, a pure soul and sincerity.
