Decanonized Nicholas the Wonderworker and other saints. Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker Nicholas the Wonderworker in the Catholic Church
MOSCOW, December 6 - RIA Novosti. On Tuesday, the Catholic Church celebrates the day of St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, who in the Orthodox tradition is more often called St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. The saint is commemorated on the day of his death, which occurred on December 6, 342.
Little is known about the virtuous life of St. Nicholas. Saint Nicholas of Myra (a city in ancient Lycia, now the city of Demre in Turkey), known as Nicholas the Wonderworker, was born around the year 270. According to legend, he was the son of wealthy parents from Patara in Lycia, a province of Asia Minor.
Devoting himself to God from his youth, Saint Nicholas became the bishop of the city of Myra. During the Great Persecution of Christians, begun by Emperor Diocletian, he went to prison, leaving it under Emperor Licinius, returned to his see, and died around 345.
The life of St. Nicholas tells about his many good deeds: how he helped the poor and disadvantaged, how he secretly threw coins and food into children’s shoes placed outside the door, how he helped poor girls get married by giving money for dowries.
The oldest mention of his name dates back to the 4th-5th centuries. Fyodor the Reader, who lived in VI, includes Bishop Nicholas of Myra in the list of participants in the first Ecumenical Council, held in 325 in Nicaea, at which the first version of the Creed, now called the Nicene-Constantinople, was developed.
Eustratius of Constantinople, who lived in the second half of the 6th century, tells how St. Nicholas acted as the defender of three Byzantines unjustly sentenced to death.
Around 960, the future Bishop Reginold wrote the first musical work about St. Nicholas, where he proposed a new translation: instead of the word innocentes (“innocent”) in relation to the three Byzantines unjustly sentenced to death, he used pueri (“children”). Perhaps this is how the tradition of venerating St. Nicholas as the patron saint of children arose. Sailors, prisoners, bakers and merchants also chose him as their heavenly intercessor.
The first established biographer of Nicholas of Myra is Michael the Archimandrite, who in the 8th century wrote a canonical life in which he collected together all the information about the holy bishop that existed on paper and in oral traditions.
In mid-March 1087, 72 sailors from the city of Bari, according to other sources they were Norman knights, brought the relics of St. Nicholas to the city of Bari, stealing them from a crypt in the city of Myra, which was then under Turkish rule.
Almost immediately after the arrival of the priceless relics, the Benedictine abbot Elia began construction of a structure intended to store the stolen relics. The construction of the basilica lasted more than a century, but already in 1089 Pope Urban II was able to consecrate the crypt, and in 1105, after the death of Elia, the new abbot began decorating the interior of the church. The consecration of the entire basilica took place in 1197.
In 1088, Pope Urban II officially established the liturgical celebration of the transfer of the relics of St. Nicholas on May 9. In the Byzantine east this holiday was not accepted, but in Rus' it became widespread.
Around the 10th century, the Cologne Cathedral began distributing fruits and pastries to students of the parochial school on December 6, the day of remembrance of St. Nicholas, who began to be revered in the West as the patron saint of children. Soon this tradition went far beyond the borders of the German city and spread throughout Europe. In houses at night, remembering ancient legends, they began to hang specially made shoes or stockings so that St. Nicholas would have a place to put his gifts.
Each European country has its own traditions and customs associated with the celebration of this day. In the Netherlands, not only children, but also adults look forward to this winter holiday. Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of Amsterdam, and the city's main Catholic church is named after him. On the eve of St. Nicholas Day, on the evening of December 5, there is a tradition of giving each other gifts, which are packed in beautifully decorated boxes.
In France, Nicholas the Wonderworker is especially revered in Lorraine, where he is considered a patron saint. This is the second place of pilgrimage to the relics of the saint after Italian Bari. Here, in the small town of San Nicolas de Port, is the Basilica of San Nicolas, which houses a piece of the relics of St. Nicholas the Pleasant. St. Nicholas Day, which has been celebrated since the Middle Ages, is an official holiday in the region. Every year a solemn procession takes place in honor of the saint. The saint appears on the balcony of the city hall, where the mayor presents the patron saint of the Lorraine people with the key to the city.
In Germany, as well as in Switzerland and Austria, on the evening of December 5, children put their shoes outside the house so that Nikolaus, who comes at night, will leave them sweets and small gifts. Some believe that Nikolaus travels around all the houses in his sleigh and comes through the fireplace to hide the gifts he brought in the socks that the children hung up.
The Feast of St. Nicholas, as St. Nicholas is called in the Czech Republic, traditionally opens the Christmas season. It is believed that on this day St. Nicholas travels through the streets, apartments and hotels of Prague, presenting obedient children with fruits and sweets, while hooligans and idlers discover a potato or a piece of coal in Christmas stockings. That is why, in anticipation of the holiday, children try not to play pranks, and, as a rule, no one is left without gifts from St. Nicholas.
On St. Nicholas Day, people not only give and receive gifts, but also try to fulfill someone’s cherished desire. This could be monetary assistance to the poor, toys, sweets and clothes for orphans and other help to those in need.
Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker(Nicholas the Pleasant, also St. Nicholas - Archbishop of Myra in Lycia) is one of the most revered saints in the Orthodox world. He became famous as the great Pleasant of God. Believers not only of the Orthodox, but also of the Catholic and other churches pray to him.
The whole life of Saint Nicholas is service to God. From the day he was born, he showed people the light of the future glory of the great miracle worker. created the saint of God on earth and sea. He helped people in trouble, saved them from drowning, freed them from captivity and saved them from death. Nicholas the Wonderworker gave many healings for illnesses and bodily ailments. He enriched the needy in extreme poverty, served food to the hungry, and was a ready helper, prompt intercessor and defender to everyone in every need.
And today he also helps those who call on him and delivers them from troubles. It is impossible to count his miracles. This great miracle worker is known to the East and West, and his miracles are known to all ends of the earth. Numerous churches and monasteries are erected in honor of St. Nicholas, and children are named after him at Baptism. Numerous miraculous works have been preserved in the Orthodox Church.
Brief biography of St. Nicholas
It is known that Nicholas the Wonderworker was born on August 11 (July 29, old style) in the second half of the 3rd century (about 270) in the city of Patara, Lycian region (Greek colony of the Roman Empire). His parents were pious Christians from a noble family. Until they were very old, they had no children and asked in prayers to the Lord for the gift of a son, promising to devote him to the service of God. Their prayer was heard and a baby was born, who was given the name Nikolai ( Greek"victorious people")
Already in the first days of his infancy, the future Wonderworker showed that he was destined for special service to the Lord. A legend has been preserved that during baptism, when the ceremony was very long, he, supported by no one, stood in the font for three hours. From childhood, Nikolai excelled in studying Scripture, praying, fasting and reading divine books.
His uncle, Bishop Nicholas of Patara, rejoicing at the spiritual success and high piety of his nephew, made him a reader, and then elevated Nicholas to the rank of priest, making him his assistant. While serving the Lord, the young man was burning in spirit, and in his experience in matters of faith he was like an old man, which aroused the surprise and deep respect of the believers. Constantly working, Presbyter Nicholas showed great mercy to people, coming to the aid of those in need.
Once, having learned about the poverty of one resident of the city, Saint Nicholas saved him from a great sin. Having three adult daughters, the desperate father plotted to give them over to fornication in order to obtain the funds needed for their dowry. The saint, grieving for the dying sinner, secretly threw three bags of gold out his window at night and thereby saved the family from fall and spiritual death.
One day Saint Nicholas went to Palestine. While traveling on the ship, he showed the gift of deep miracles: with the power of his prayer he pacified a strong storm. Here on the ship he performed a great miracle, resurrecting a sailor who had fallen from the mast onto the deck and died. On the way, the ship often landed on the shore. Nicholas the Wonderworker everywhere took care to heal the ailments of local residents: he healed some of their illnesses, expelled evil spirits from others, and gave consolation to others in their sorrows.
By the will of the Lord, Saint Nicholas was elected Archbishop of Myra in Lycia. This happened after one of the bishops of the Council, which was deciding the issue of electing a new archbishop, was shown in a vision the chosen one of God. It was Nicholas the Wonderworker. Having received the rank of bishop, the saint remained the same great ascetic, presenting an image of meekness, gentleness and love for people.
But the days of testing were approaching. The Church of Christ was persecuted by the emperor Diocletian (285-30).
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 eradication of paganism and heresies.
Wanting to establish peace in the flock of Christ, shocked by the heresy of Ariev’s false teaching, the Equal-to-the-Apostles Emperor Constantine 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. Saint Athanasius of Alexandria and Saint Nicholas especially labored at this Council.
Upon his return from the Council, Saint Nicholas continued his beneficial pastoral work in building the Church of Christ: he confirmed Christians in the faith, converted pagans to the true faith and admonished heretics, thereby saving them from destruction.
During his lifetime, Saint Nicholas performed many virtues. Of these, the saint received the greatest glory from his deliverance from death of three men who were unjustly condemned by the self-interested mayor. The saint boldly approached the executioner and held his sword, which was already raised above the heads of the condemned. The mayor, convicted by Nicholas the Wonderworker of untruth, repented and asked for forgiveness.
More than once the saint saved those drowning in the sea, and brought them out of captivity and imprisonment in dungeons. Through the prayers of the saint, the city of Myra was saved from severe famine. Having reached a ripe old age, Nicholas the Wonderworker peacefully departed to the Lord on December 19 (according to modern times) 342 years old. It was in the cathedral church of Myra of Lycia and exuded healing myrrh ( approx. fragrant oil), from which many received healing.
Monuments to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker
Many monuments to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker have been erected around the world. Many beautiful monuments were created in Europe, for example, in the city of Bari, Italy ( see photo below), where the temple of St. Nicholas and his relics is located. Many beautiful creations in honor of the saint were erected in the cities of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. Photos of some of them are presented in the photo gallery.
Days of memory of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
December 19th(6th Art.) - the day of remembrance of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, established in honor of his death.
22nd of May(9th according to Art. Art.) - the day of transfer to the city of Bari from Myra Lycia (happened in 1087).
11th August- Nativity Day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia.
The Holy Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Nicholas not only on December 19 and May 22, but also weekly, every Thursday, with special chants. The fact is that on Thursday the Church glorifies the apostles, that is, those who especially served to spread the Light of Christ throughout the earth. It is obvious that Nicholas the Wonderworker, the most vivid of all the successors of the apostolic ministry - the saints, preaches the Lord and the Christian faith with his earthly and heavenly life.
It is worth noting that in the Orthodox Church, in addition to the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, the birthdays of only three holy people are celebrated - the Most Holy Theotokos, John the Baptist and St. Nicholas.
Name: Nicholas the Wonderworker (Nicholas of Myra)
Date of Birth: 270 g
Age: 75 years old
Date of death: 345
Height: 168
Activity: archbishop, orthodox saint
Family status: wasn't married
Nicholas the Wonderworker: biography
The most revered saint in Orthodoxy, wonderworker, patron of sailors, travelers, orphans and prisoners. From the day of veneration of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in December, the New Year holidays begin. Children expect Christmas gifts from him, because the saint became the prototype of Father Frost and Santa Claus. According to the life of the saint, he was born in 270 in the Lycian town of Patara, at that time a Greek colony. Today this is the territory of the Turkish provinces of Antalya and Mugla, and the area around Patara is called the vicinity of the village of Gelemish.
The biography-life of Nicholas the Wonderworker says that his parents were wealthy Christians who gave their son an education befitting the 3rd century. The family of Nicholas of Myra (another name of the saint) were believers; his uncle, the Bishop of Patara, noticed his nephew’s religiosity and appointed him as a reader at public services.
Young Nicholas spent his days in the monastery, and devoted his nights to the study of the Holy Scriptures and prayers. The boy was amazingly responsive and realized early on that he would devote his life to service. The uncle, seeing his nephew’s diligence, took the teenager as an assistant. Soon Nicholas received priestly rank, and the bishop entrusted him with teaching lay believers.
Monument to Nicholas the Wonderworker in Yeisk The young priest, having asked for the blessing of his uncle-bishop, went to the Holy Land. On the way to Jerusalem, Nicholas had a vision: the devil came onto the ship. The priest predicted a storm and the sinking of the ship. At the request of the ship's crew, Nicholas the Wonderworker pacified the rebellious sea. Having ascended Golgotha, the Lycian offered thanksgiving prayers to the Savior.
On a pilgrimage, he walked around the holy places and climbed Mount Zion. The doors of the temple, which was closed for the night, turned out to be a sign of the Lord’s mercy. Filled with gratitude, Nicholas decided to retire to the desert, but a voice from heaven stopped the young priest, telling him to return home.
In Lycia, Nicholas joined the Brotherhood of Holy Zion to lead a silent life. But the Almighty and the Mother of God appeared to him and handed him the Gospel and the omophorion. According to legend, the Lycian bishops received a sign, after which they decided at a council to make the young layman Nicholas bishop of Myra (a city in the Lycian Confederation). Historians and religious scholars argue that the appointment was possible for the 4th century.
After the death of his parents, Nicholas entered into inheritance rights and distributed the wealth due to him to the poor. The ministry of the Bishop of Myra of Lycia fell during difficult times of persecution. The Roman emperors Diocletian and Maximian persecuted Christians, but in May 305, after the imperial abdication, Constantius, who took the throne, stopped the persecution in the western part of the empire. In the east they continued until 311 by the Roman Emperor Galerius. After a period of oppression, Christianity in Myra Lycia, where Nicholas was bishop, developed rapidly. He is credited with the destruction of pagan temples and the temple of Artemis in Myra.
Researchers of the life of Nicholas the Wonderworker talk about the cathedral court at which he was subjected to trial. The Greek Metropolitan of Nafpaktos, in his book “Treasure,” claims that the future saint was tried for slapping Arius during the Council of Nicaea. But researchers tend to consider a slap as slander. They say that Nicholas called the heretic a “mad blasphemer,” for which he became the object of a conciliar trial. Those slandered resort to the help of the Wonderworker Nicholas, since it is believed that the saint will save them from their sad fate.
Miracles
Travelers and sailors caught in a storm turn to Saint Nicholas for help. The saint’s biographies speak of the repeated rescue of seafarers. While traveling to Alexandria to study, Nikolai's ship was covered by a storm wave. The sailor fell from the lines and died. The Wonderworker Nicholas, then still a young man, resurrected the deceased.
The life of the saint describes the case of saving the honor of three sisters from a poor family, whom their father, in order to avoid hunger, intended to give over to fornication. An unenviable fate awaited the girls, but Nikolai, under the cover of darkness, threw bags of gold into the house, providing the girls with a dowry. According to Catholic legend, bags of gold ended up in stockings that were drying in front of the fireplace. Since then, there has been a tradition of leaving gifts “from Santa Claus” to children in colorful Christmas stockings. The Wonderworker Nicholas reconciles those at war and protects the innocently convicted. Prayers addressed to him relieve sudden death. Worship of the saint became widespread after his death.
Christmas stockings symbolize the gift of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Another mention of a miracle performed by the Wonderworker Nicholas is associated with the salvation of Prince Mstislav Vladimirovich of Novgorod. A sick nobleman dreamed that he would be saved by an icon of a saint from the Kyiv St. Sophia Cathedral. But the envoys did not reach Kyiv due to a storm that broke out on the Msta River. When the waves subsided, next to the ship, on the water, the messengers saw a round icon depicting the Wonderworker Nicholas. The sick prince, touching the face of the saint, recovered.
Christian believers call the akathist to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker a miracle. They are sure that this prayer can change fate for the better if read for 40 days in a row. Believers claim that the saint hears all prayers for help in work and for health. A prayer service to Saint Nicholas helps girls get married safely, the hungry get enough, and the suffering get rid of everyday problems. Worshipers in the church note that St. Nicholas the Wonderworker immediately responds to a sincere prayer said at his icon with lit candles.
After death
The exact date of Nikolai's death is unknown. They call it the year 345. After leaving for another world, the saint’s body became myrrhized and became an object of pilgrimage. In the 4th century, a basilica appeared over the grave of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, and in the 9th century, a church was erected in Turkish Demre, formerly known as Mira, the doors of which remain open in the 21st century. Until 1087, the remains of the saint rested in Demre. But in May, traders from Italy stole 80% of the relics, leaving part of them in the grave in a hurry. The stolen treasure was transported to the city of Bari, the capital of the Italian region of Apulia.
Nine years later, Venetian merchants stole the relics of the Wonderworker Nicholas remaining in Demre and transported them to Venice. Today, 65% of the saint's relics are in Bari. They were placed under the altar of the Catholic Basilica of St. Nicholas. A fifth of the sacred remains rest on the Venetian island of Lido, above the altar of the temple. In the Bari basilica, a hole was made in the tomb of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Every year on May 9 (the day when the ship with the relics moored to the shore, the day of the city of Bari), myrrh, which is credited with miraculous properties and healing from deadly diseases, is taken out of the coffin.
Two examinations carried out in the mid- and late 1990s confirmed that the relics kept in two Italian cities belonged to the same person. Anthropologists from Britain in 2005 reconstructed the appearance of the saint from the skull. If you believe the recreated appearance, then Nicholas the Wonderworker was 1.68 meters tall, had a high forehead, dark skin, brown eyes and sharply defined cheekbones and chin.
Memory
The news of the transfer of the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker to Italy spread throughout Europe, but at first the holiday of the transfer of holy relics was celebrated only by the Barians. The Greeks, like Christians in the East and West, received the news of the transfer of the remains with sadness. In Russia, the veneration of St. Nicholas spread in the 11th century. After 1087 (according to other sources, 1091) the Orthodox Church established May 9 (22 according to the Julian calendar) as the day of celebration of the transfer of the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker from Myra in Lycia to Bari.
The holiday is celebrated as widely as in Russia by Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria and Serbia. Catholics (except Barians) do not celebrate May 9th. The Russian Orthodox month book names three dates for holidays dedicated to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. December 19 is the day of his death, May 22 is the arrival of the holy relics in Bari and August 11 is the birth of the saint. In Orthodox churches, the Wonderworker Nicholas is commemorated with hymns every Thursday.
The second group of holidays associated with the memory of the most revered saint in Rus' is associated with miraculous icons with his face. On March 1, 2009, in Bari, the 1913 temple and the Patriarchal Metochion were transferred into the possession of the Russian Orthodox Church. The President of Russia accepted the keys to them.
In Russia, the number of painted icons and built churches of St. Nicholas is second only to the Virgin Mary. Until the beginning of the twentieth century, the name Nikolai was one of the most popular in the country. In the 19th-20th centuries, the Wonderworker was revered so much that there was an opinion about the entry of St. Nicholas into the Holy Trinity. According to Slavic beliefs (the legend of the Belarusian Polesie has been preserved), Nicholas will replace God on the throne as the “eldest” of the saints.
Western and Eastern Slavs attribute to Nicholas the Wonderworker the possession of the keys to heaven and the function of “transporting” souls to another world. The Southern Slavs call the saint the “chief of paradise,” the “wolf shepherd,” and the “snake slayer.” They say that Nikolai Ugodnik is the patron saint of agriculture and beekeeping.
Orthodox Christians distinguish in iconography “St. Nicholas of the Winter” and “St. Nicholas of the Spring.” The image on the icons is different: the “winter” Wonderworker is depicted wearing a bishop’s miter, while the “spring” one has his head uncovered. It is noteworthy that Nicholas the Wonderworker is revered by Kalmyks and Buryats who profess Buddhism. The Kalmyks call the saint “Mikola-Burkhan”. He patronizes fishermen and is considered the master of the Caspian Sea. The Buryats identify Nicholas with the White Elder - the god of longevity.
Nicholas the Wonderworker is the prototype of Santa Claus, on whose behalf children are given gifts. Before the Reformation, the saint was venerated on December 6, but then the celebration was moved to December 24, so he is associated with Christmas. In 17th-century Britain, Nicholas was the impersonal “Father of Christmas,” but in Holland he is called Sinterklaas, which translates to Saint Nicholas.
The Dutch, who founded the city, also brought the tradition of celebrating Christmas with Sinterklaas, who soon became Santa Claus, to New York. From the church prototype, the hero only had a name; otherwise, the image was subjected to thorough commercialization. In France, Father Christmas comes to children, to Finnish children - Joulupukki, but in Russia and the countries of the post-Soviet space, the New Year is impossible without Father Frost, whose prototype is the beloved saint in Russia.
Relics in Russia
In February 2016, a meeting between Patriarch Kirill and Pope Francis took place, at which an agreement was reached to transfer part of the saint’s relics from Bari to Russia. On May 21, 2017, the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (left rib) were placed in an ark and taken to the Moscow Cathedral of Christ the Savior, where they were met by the Russian Patriarch. Those who wished could venerate the relics from May 22 to July 12. On May 24, the President of Russia visited the temple. On July 13, the ark was transported to St. Petersburg, to the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. The relics were opened until July 28, 2017.
Kilometer-long queues of pilgrims lined up to see the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Moscow and St. Petersburg, which is why a special regime of access to churches was introduced. People wrote notes to the saint, asking for help in healing. The organizers of access to the holy relics asked not to do this, recalling that the Orthodox have other forms of addressing the saints - reading akathists, prayers and chants. Particles of the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker are kept in the churches of dozens of churches of the Russian diocese, in monasteries in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Yekaterinburg.
Complete collection and description: Catholic prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker for the spiritual life of a believer.
Different dates of memory of the same Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker are due to the difference in the Julian and Gregorian calendars, old and new styles, which is 13 days.
Saint Nicholas was born at the end of the 3rd century in the city of Patara on the southern coast of the Asia Minor Peninsula. He was the only and long-awaited son of wealthy and pious parents, who vowed to dedicate him to God.
The entire earthly life of the saint is the personification of good deeds aimed at other people, as well as many miracles for which St. Nicholas is known.
They pray to the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker for help in a variety of life trials: for a change in fate, a happy marriage, a safe journey, the salvation of sailors during a storm, for the reconciliation of warring parties, for justice and salvation from unnecessary punishment and death, as well as for healing, deliverance from hunger and disease.
Day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker - holiday traditions
In the old days, brotherhoods (Nikolshchiny) were celebrated on St. Nicholas Day, during which prayers were served in the church, a large candle was lit together, and then folk festivities and fun were held with treats and drinks.
Prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker
All Christians, Orthodox and Catholics, know about the miraculous influence of prayer on a person, his destiny, and therefore, in difficult life situations, they turn to the Almighty for help and ask him for personal leniency towards their lost soul.
Very often, during a streak of failures at work or in family matters, believers ask for help from Nicholas the Wonderworker, pray and believe that they will certainly be guided on the path by the true savior and patron Nicholas the Wonderworker, whose prayers have a powerful effect.
Prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker for help
The prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker (Pleasant) for help is one of the most read and popular prayers among Christian believers, because Saint Nicholas himself performed miracles during his lifetime.Nicholas the Wonderworker is considered the patron saint of travelers, traders and all the poor and needy, probably due to the fact that he tamed the elements and saved the ship from a wreck, on which he was at that moment, and also protected people from death, saved the condemned, the innocently guilty , - helped then, helps now.
The prayer to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker for help will become stronger when the person praying is imbued with the spoken words and fully believes in the true help of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and in his power as a Saint. Before reading the prayer to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker for help, mentally indicate a specific request and after that begin to pray for yourself, your loved ones or friends, not forgetting to be baptized.
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.
Nicholas the Wonderworker lived in the 3rd century AD. in the Lycian city of Myra, from childhood Nicholas devoted himself to serving the Lord and quite early became an archbishop. His fate was unfortunate - in the middle of his life's journey, Nicholas the Wonderworker became poor and homeless, but never refused patronage to those in need.
After his death, Nicholas the Wonderworker became a true Wonderworker, his holy relics healed hopelessly sick people and saved the suffering. December 19 is the day of remembrance of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (Pleasant), the day of his veneration.
A prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker that changes fate should be read for 40 days; if for any reason you miss at least one time between these 40 days, you will have to start all over again - pray and ask St. Nicholas the Wonderworker to change your fate.
The prayer to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, which changes fate, is very strong and lasts 40 days, so you should not expect that the effect of the prayer will begin from the very first day.
Changing fate is very tempting, of course. (Although, depending on which direction). Yes, the text of the prayer is so huge, how can you not get lost while reading it?
just print out the text on a piece of paper and read it slowly, without rushing. this way there is less chance of making a mistake. I always do this.
In short, it’s not anywhere, I’ve already looked, the poet will have to suffer with this and pray.
I don't understand the problem. There is the first prayer, which is short, read it if the text of the second is too long for you.
I think the same too. St. Nicholas doesn’t care exactly how you pray, kmk. If only from the heart.
There is no need to simplify the approach to prayer and make it completely primitive. Each exists for something specific, each has its own purpose.
A woman told me in church that God knows what’s best for us and sees our goal. IMHO.
The saint helps everyone and everything - verified.
right to everyone and everything. What do you think he is, a fairy godmother? and who checked it, I wonder?
Why so much negativity? You should definitely pray more often. Maybe you'll attack people less.
I still don’t believe that one prayer can really change one’s destiny. I'm looking for reviews, so far everything is unclear.
The saint definitely helps - he influences fate; maybe life won’t take a sharp turn, but there will be improvements. IMHO.
Do you have any specific examples? Or is this just your guess?
Thank you, I was just looking for a prayer to change my fate, I was tired of living on one salary.
Nicholas the Wonderworker should be in every home, I have two icons - in every room!
the best helper is St. Nicholas, I trust him and no one else
People of different age groups pray to the saint. This is probably the only holy Deity with universal capabilities):
May Nikolai Ugodnik help. I pray in church at home at work, I believe in him alone limitlessly in his exceptional power
It’s doubtful about fate, of course, but it’s worth praying for help!
and I always pray to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker: in sorrow and joy;) Maybe it’s self-hypnosis, but after prayer it seems life begins to get better. IMHO.
On December 19 of each year, the whole of Europe celebrates the church holiday of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in the vernacular language, especially children waiting for gifts from St. Nicholas. The tradition is wonderful, but not everyone knows about it :)
but can you pray to Nicholas not only on December 19, but all year round? so what does that have to do with.
madi must be thinking out loud?! I pray to the Saint for the fulfillment of my desires; I have one cherished desire, so I ask the saint for a miracle and help every day, not paying attention to holidays.
Every year, on the feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker on December 19, my daughter and I go to church to put a candle in front of the icon to pray; until this year we did not know about the existence of a special prayer. Thank you for the text, you are doing a very necessary job for believers!
for me this prayer is strong and the most effective, it has helped me more than once
Praying for 40 days to change fate? It's probably worth it. I believe in Nicholas the Wonderworker, so I’ll decide to try it myself rather than listen to the Miracles of the saint from strangers.
I have the same text left from my grandmother in her old prayer book.
The miracle worker has great power to provide assistance in various worldly problems. Our family, with the help of prayer, Nikolai manages not to lose heart and live on after all the hardships that have befallen us.
Is it possible to change a person’s destiny through prayer? Help me understand which one I should choose to start my life again? I am 35 years old, no family, no children, my husband left me and went to live with a young neighbor, I was left without funds and without a job.
try the prayer to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, it helped me in a similar situation, only my situation was even more deplorable than yours - I had three children left in my arms. Glory to God and the Pleasant, I came out of poverty and found a normal job that helped raise the children on their feet. read diligently and everything will be fine.
Olga, I admire women who are capable of making any sacrifice for the sake of children! Instead of sitting idly by, it’s better to go headlong into work, if there is no suitable one yet, go to a low-paying one (I took on two jobs) - it also helps to pray to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, to all the saints you believe in, and to continue searching for something you like. IMHO.
People, did any of those present pray to the relics of the Saint brought to Moscow?
Vera Ivanovna, I’ll answer your question if you allow. We went as a family and stood in a long line, but it was worth it. Nicholas the Wonderworker truly works miracles, the image of the icon impressed me so much with its greatness that we have been under the impression for several days now! Everyone, young and old, prayed, asking for everything they could ask for!
Girls, Nicholas the Wonderworker is my protector and patron! How many times he saved me cannot be expressed in words. I don’t know how I served His Grace?!
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Orthodox prayers ☦
11 most powerful prayers to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
This article contains prayers to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (Pleasant).
Prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker that changes fate
“The chosen Wonderworker and great servant of Christ, Father Nicholas! Exuding to the whole world a precious myrrh and an inexhaustible sea of miracles, you build up spiritual fortresses, and I praise you as my lover, blessed Saint Nicholas: but you, as having boldness towards the Lord, free me from all troubles, and I call you: Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker, rejoice , Nicholas, great Wonderworker, rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker!
An angel in the image of an earthly being by the nature of the Creator of all creation; Having foreseen the fruitful kindness of your soul, blessed Nicholas, teach everyone to cry out to you:
Rejoice, born in the robes of angels, as pure in the flesh; Rejoice, baptized with water and fire, as though holy in the flesh. Rejoice, you who surprised your parents with your birth; Rejoice, you who revealed the strength of your soul 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 Jesus' paradise. Rejoice, thou land of heavenly destruction; Rejoice, myrrh 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, image of lambs and shepherds; Rejoice, holy purifier of morals. Rejoice, repository 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, image of spiritual meekness! Rejoice, for through you we are delivered from bodily passions; Rejoice, for through you we are filled with spiritual sweetness! Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker, rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker, Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker!
Rejoice, deliverance from sorrow; Rejoice, bestower of grace. Rejoice, banisher of unforeseen evils; Rejoice, wishing good things to the planter. Rejoice, speedy consoler of those in trouble; Rejoice, terrible punisher of those who offend. Rejoice, abyss of miracles poured out by God; Rejoice, the tablet of the law of Christ written by God. Rejoice, strong construction of those who give; Rejoice, rightful affirmation. Rejoice, for through you all flattery is laid bare; 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, greater helper of those who suffer! Rejoice, dawn, shining in the night of sin for those who wander; Rejoice, dew that does not flow in the heat of labor! Rejoice, thou who hast provided for those who demand prosperity; Rejoice, prepare abundance for those who ask! Rejoice, preface the petition many times; Rejoice, renew the strength of old gray hairs! Rejoice, many errors from the true path to the accuser; Rejoice, faithful servant of the mysteries of God. Rejoice, for through you we trample on envy; Rejoice, for through you we correct a good life. Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker, rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker, Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker!
Rejoice, you have been taken away from eternal misery; Rejoice, give us imperishable wealth! Rejoice, undying cruelty to those who hunger for truth; Rejoice, inexhaustible drink for those thirsty for life! Rejoice, keep from rebellion and warfare; Rejoice, free us from bonds and captivity! Rejoice, most 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 Trisolar Light; Rejoice, day of the never-setting sun! Rejoice, candle, kindled by the Divine flame; Rejoice, for you have extinguished the demonic flame of wickedness! Rejoice, lightning, consuming heresies; Rejoice, O thunder who frightens those who seduce! Rejoice, true teacher of reason; Rejoice, mysterious exponent of the mind! Rejoice, for you have trampled upon 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, everyone who flows to you has been taken away by the strong! Rejoice, according to God and the Mother of God, all our hope; Rejoice, health to our bodies and salvation to our souls! Rejoice, for through 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, most bright and wonderful Father Nicholas, consolation of all who mourn, accept our present offering, and beg the Lord to deliver us from Gehenna, through your God-pleasing intercession, so that with you we sing: Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah!
Chosen Wonderworker and great servant of Christ, Father Nicholas! Exuding to the whole world a precious myrrh and an inexhaustible sea of miracles, you build up spiritual fortresses, and I praise you as my lover, blessed Saint Nicholas: you, as having boldness towards the Lord, free me from all troubles, and I call you: Rejoice, Nicholas, great miracle worker, Rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker, rejoice, Nicholas, great Wonderworker!
Prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker for help in work
It is recommended to read the prayer to Nicholas the Pleasant for success in work in solitude and concentration in front of the icon.
“Heavenly King, Comforter, Soul of truth, Who is everywhere and fulfills everything, Treasure of good things and Giver of life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all filth, and save, O Good One, our souls. Bless, Lord, and help me, a sinner, to complete the work I have begun, for Your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of Your Father without beginning, You declared with Your most pure lips that without Me you cannot do anything. My Lord, Lord, with faith in my soul and heart spoken by You, I fall down in Your goodness: help me, a sinner, to complete this work, which I have begun, in You, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, through the prayers of the Mother of God and all Your saints . Amen."
Prayer to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in search of a good job
“Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, protector and benefactor. Cleanse my soul from the pestering envy and malice of bad people. If the work does not go well due to damned intent, do not punish your enemies, but help them cope with the turmoil in their souls. If there is sinful soot on me, I sincerely repent and ask for miraculous help in righteous work. Grant me a job according to my conscience, and a salary according to my work. Let it be so. Amen".
Prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker for help with money
“O our good shepherd and God-wise mentor, Saint Nicholas of Christ! Hear us sinners (names), praying to you and calling on your speedy intercession for help: see us weak, caught from everywhere, deprived of all good and darkened in mind from cowardice. Strive, servant of God, do not leave us in the captivity of sin, so that we may not joyfully be our enemy and die in our evil deeds. Pray for us unworthy of our Creator and Master, to whom you stand with the 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 we ask for help in your most holy image: deliver us, saint of Christ, from the evils that come 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 more sinful 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. Amen".
Prayer to Nicholas the Ugodnik for help on the road
Prayer for those traveling by car and by air.
“Oh Saint Nicholas of Christ! Hear us, sinful servants of God (names), praying to you, and pray for us, unworthy, our Creator and Master, make our God merciful to us in this life and in the future, so that he does not reward us according to our deeds, but according to his own He will reward us with goodness. Deliver us, saints of Christ, from the evils that come upon us, and tame the waves, passions and troubles that rise against 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, Christ our God, that he may grant us a peaceful life and remission of sins, and salvation and great mercy for our souls, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.”
Prayer to Nicholas the Ugodnik for help in business and trade
“Oh, all-good 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 for marriage
“Oh, all-holy Nicholas, exceedingly pleasing servant of the Lord! During your life, you have 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 speedy marriage. I surrender to the will of the Lord and trust in His mercy. Amen".
Parents can also ask for their daughter’s marriage:
“I trust in you, Wonderworker Nicholas, and I ask for your beloved child. Help my daughter meet her chosen one - honest, faithful, kind and measured. Protect my daughter from sinful, lustful, demonic and careless marriage. Thy will be done. Amen".
Prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker for healing from illness
“O all-holy Nicholas, exceedingly saintly servant of the Lord, our warm intercessor, and everywhere in sorrow a quick helper, help me, a sinner and saddened one, in this life, beg the Lord God to grant me forgiveness of all my sins, which I have sinned greatly 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, beg the Lord God of all creation, the Creator, to deliver me from airy ordeals and eternal torment, so that I always glorify the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and your merciful intercession, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen"
Prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker for the health of the sick
The prayer is read before the image of the holy elder (both in the temple and at home). You are allowed to read the prayer text both for yourself and for your relatives and loved ones, substituting the name of the sick person instead of brackets.
“Oh, Nicholas the All-Holy, saint of the Lord, our eternal intercessor, and everywhere in all troubles our helper. Help me, God’s servant (name), sad and sinful, in this life, ask the Lord to grant me remission of my sins, for I have sinned in deed, in a word, in your thoughts and with all your feelings. Help me, the accursed one, 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 those traveling
“Lord Almighty, Our God, I turn to you for support! I ask You for help, I pray for Your condescension! On the road I find it difficult, there are many obstacles on my way: bad people, crappy thoughts, pressing problems! Protect me, save me, guide me on the true path and help me not to leave it. Make sure that my road is smooth and even, problems and misfortunes are bypassed. So that this is how I set out on the road, and this is how I returned! I trust in Your help, I call for your support! I glorify Your name! Amen!"
Prayer of gratitude to Nicholas the Ugodnik
Read at dawn.
“Nicholas the Pleasant! I address you as a teacher and shepherd with faith and respect, with love and admiration. I send you words of gratitude, I pray for a prosperous life. I say thank you very much, I hope in mercy and forgiveness. For sins, for thoughts, and for thoughts. Just as you have had mercy on all sinners, so have mercy on me. Protect from terrible trials and from vain death. Amen"
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11 most powerful prayers to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker: 19 comments
A VERY POWERFUL PRAYER CHANGING DESTINY... STARTED READING. I HOPE. SHE WILL HELP...
Valentine, read to the end for 40 days in a row. don’t miss it and you will see that everything you asked for will definitely happen.
2 PRAYERS WHICH ONE OF THEM
I read a prayer to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker for 40 days in front of his image, I am grateful to God that this prayer caught my eye, after reading 40 days, very important events happened in my life, the house that I inherited was sold, it was not for sale at all 3 years and now it sold very easily and the buyers were very happy with its purchase, the second event happened in my apartment, I dreamed of renovating the bathroom, I purchased two and a half years ago and floor and wall tiles and my sink and toilet, but Everything was somehow postponed until later and I didn’t have enough spirit or money, but today I’m writing on the day when the masters handed me a turnkey bathroom, I didn’t even expect that it would be so nice and beautiful, everything was thought out to the smallest detail, I’m just very pleased, there are still very good events that are happening to my loved ones, please work, pray and God and the holy Wonderworkers will hear your words. I went to the temple and ordered a prayer of thanks to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, learned by heart several songs of praise from the Akathist, they have such power and magnificence that after reading you experience joy and peace, I became calmer and more patient in life, I notice about myself. I give thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and all the saints. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
What prayer did you read?
What kind of prayer did you read?
Also, the most powerful prayer against loneliness to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker can be said by mothers of unmarried girls. Many of them want their daughter to get married as soon as possible and be happy in her marriage.
Why is there no prayer for a successful search for a wife? Why are men deprived in this regard?
The main thing is to believe, Alexander, and you will certainly find your happiness! I believe!
Because men should make the first step, and women should wait for their husband.
Alexander, I’m also single and praying, I hope))
There is a good prayer in the prayer book for a man for his wife. Look in icon shops.
I pray to Nicholas the Wonderworker. I know he will help! Glory to Nicholas the Wonderworker.
I started reading prayers to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in the mornings on the subway (at other times it is difficult and difficult to concentrate) about two weeks ago. And today my father-in-law has a heart attack... And it’s scary what will happen. Most likely, they will find him unfit for work, and his corporate pension, which he had been waiting for, will be wiped out. He still has 1.5 years of work left to do... Nikolai Ugodnik, pray to God for him!
My dear ones! Brothers in Christ!
Every day, in all Orthodox churches, it is read in the name of our God Jesus Christ: “Do not trust in princes, in the sons of men. There is no salvation in them.” And what about you? “Don’t you hear and don’t see?” and are you chasing a blizzard? Do you ignore the instructions of the Almighty himself and rush to a person for help and salvation? Isn't this a mistake in faith? Isn't this a sin before the Lord our God?
How many times have I observed in the temple during the service to our Lord God. Such “believers” will run in and immediately let’s kiss all the icons of all the holy people in a row. And, imagine, most often this action begins with Nikolai the saint. They run and kiss, but they don’t even come close to the image of Jesus Christ, the image of God. So they will leave the temple satisfied and self-confirmed in their faith. Why is this happening? Yes, because there are sinners who are engaged in hysteria, confusing the people, perverting and replacing faith in God with faith in the omnipotence of man. Even if it’s a canonized HUMAN BEING.
It is necessary to honor holy people, but, P R E J E V S E G O! ! ! give honors to the Most High, to the Mother of God, to John the Baptist, and only then to everyone else. Only in this order and not otherwise! Anyone who disagrees with this - “throw a stone at me.”
In relation to the saints.
I do not consider it sacrilege when I assert that all of them, just like us, sinners, are equal both before God and before people. But which of them is more revered is a moot point. I think that for Orthodox Russians the most revered should be the Apostle Andrew the First-Called, who brought faith to our land and to our people. This is his great merit, which is worthy of all respect. Regarding Saint Nicholas. I think that his services are to foreigners, but to Russians there are none. Therefore, the veneration of him before our saints and the Apostle Andrew the First-Called was imposed on us by foreigners with far-reaching goals.
May the Lord strengthen us in the true Faith.
How can you say about the saints that they are sinners like us people. They are saints and stand before the throne of God... If you are mistaken, why are you writing for people to read. And there is no difference in nationality and which of the saints to address in representation before the Lord is chosen by the person himself
Glory to Nicholas the Wonderworker!
I believe that we are mere mortal people, and the saints are chosen people and we ask them to help us pray for us before our God, hear us, intercede, ask them to atone for our sins, ask God to perform a miracle, etc. We, like children, seek support and protection and turn to someone who is closer to God.
I love God, but I revere the saints. Nicholas the Wonderworker is the first icon in my mind since childhood. I always pray to him. And besides all, many other saints. Matrona very often - I keep her image in my head - she helped me very much and created 2 huge miracles in my life, which helped to further strengthen my faith in God! I am grateful to God and Matrona and all the Saints.
Today is the Nativity of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker - low bow and gratitude.
Father Nicholas the Wonderworker! Thank you, never leave me! I believe and live by Faith and Love! Glory to the Lord for everything!
In 1054, when the papal legates arrived in Constantinople with the intention of removing the patriarch and placed a bull on the throne of St. Sophia excommunicating Michael Cyroularius and his supporters from the church, the patriarch and the council he convened excommunicated the legates, which was supported by all the eastern patriarchs. This is how the Great Schism occurred.
After the split, each side made several attempts at reunification, but they came to nothing.
Archpriest Andrew Phillips (Great Britain) notes that most of the Catholic saints lived between 1054 and 1200, and only 5% of them lived after the 11th century, which indicates the exhaustion of the Holy Spirit outside the Orthodox Church.
Apostle Peter
However, during the period of community of churches in Europe, there lived many saints who, although considered Catholic, are also revered in Orthodoxy. The most striking example can be the Apostle Peter himself, whom Catholics consider the founder of the Western Church and the first Pope.
He preached in Samaria and Judea, in Galilee and Caesarea, in Syria, in Babylon and Rome, in Britain and Greece. He is considered the founder of the Roman Christian community: the apostle exposed the sorcerer Simon, who pretended to be the Savior, and converted the two wives of Emperor Nero, after which he crucified Peter on the cross head down.
After the death of the apostle, the Christians of Rome erected a basilica over the supposed burial place of Peter, and later built St. Peter's Cathedral.
In Orthodoxy, the Apostle Peter is revered on a par with the Apostle Paul as the supreme holy apostle - St. Petersburg was named in his honor; The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates the feast of the Apostle Peter on July 12 according to the new style.
Saint Nicholas
There is probably no other Catholic saint so revered in Russia as Nicholas of Myra or Nicholas the Wonderworker, who lived in the 3rd century in the Lycian city of Myra, where he became famous for his miracles, selflessly served people, preached Christ, crushed idols and fought heretics.
Once he saved Myra from hunger: appearing in a dream to an Italian merchant, he gave him three gold coins and ordered him to bring bread to Myra. When the merchant woke up, the coins had not disappeared, and he was forced to fulfill his vow.
Another miracle of Saint Nicholas is also known: in the middle of a storm, he appeared on a ship in distress sailing from Egypt to Lycia and, standing at the helm, led the ship out of the storm.
In Russia, St. Nicholas is revered as the patron saint of the disadvantaged and travelers; his holiday is celebrated three times: May 22 (Day of the Transfer of Relics), August 11 and December 19 according to the new style.
Basil the Great
Theologian and Christian philosopher, friend of Gregory the Theologian, Caesarian Basil the Great lived in the 6th century and became famous for his learning and ascetic lifestyle. One of the compilers of the collection “Philokalia”, he fought against the heresy of Arius, wrote many books, including “Conversations on the Six Days” and compiled the order of the Liturgy.
Ambrose of Milan
A native of northern Italy, Ambrose became a bishop in a miraculous way: he came to the church where elections were taking place to restore order between the disputants and suddenly a voice from above said: “Ambrose is a bishop,” although he was not even baptized.
Under pressure from society, he was forced to agree, was baptized, became a bishop, distributed property to the poor and dedicated himself to God: he fought against heresies, idolatry and composed hymns.
He became famous for not allowing Emperor Theodosius into the temple, who shed a lot of blood, and calling him to repentance. The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates this saint's day of remembrance on December 20 according to the new style.
Anthony and Pachomius the Great
Pachomius the Great became the founder of a monastic community in Egypt. He lived in the 3rd century in Thebaid, was baptized as a young man and devoted his life to monastic asceticism. One day an angel appeared to him in a dream in the form of a schema-monk and handed him the rules of monastic life, according to which Pachomius established uniformity in food and clothing among the monks and distributed obediences, gathering almost 7,000 monks around him, supporting the sick in every possible way and restraining the discouraged from despair.
Anthony the Great also lived in Egypt, as a young man he distributed his inheritance to the poor and went to a monastery, lived in a tomb, prayed, fasted and fought against invasions of demons. At the age of 35, he retired to the desert and stayed there for 20 years until he found peace of mind and peace of mind, after which monks began to gather to him.
During the time of persecution of Christians by Emperor Maximian, Anthony went to Alexandria to minister to arrested Christians, but he always returned to his mountain, surrounded by many monasteries. He died at the age of 85, and now his relics are kept in the city of Aris (France).
St. Augustine and many others
Blessed Augustine asceticised in North Africa, became a bishop in 395, fought against the heresies of Manichaeism, Donatism and Pelagianism, wrote more than a thousand theological works recognized by both churches, the most famous of which were “On the City of God”, “Confessions” and “Christian Science” "
He was very concerned about making theology understandable to the common people; Orthodox Christians celebrate his memory on June 28.
In 2017, the Russian Orthodox Church recognized some other Catholic saints who became glorified before the schism - among them St. Patrick (St. Patrick), St. Victor of Marseilles, St. Genevieve (Genovefa) of Paris, Bishop Pofin of Lyon, Martyr Blandina, Martyrs Pontikus, Epipodius of Lyons , Saturninus of Toulouse, Alban the British and the venerable saint from the Czech Republic Procopius of Sasau.
It so happens that many Christian shrines are kept in Catholic churches, but this does not detract from their holiness and is not an obstacle to veneration.
