St. Nicholas the Wonderworker's Day: the history and significance of the holiday for believers

On December 19, the Russian Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, one of the most revered saints. The holiday is popularly called St. Nicholas of Winter. On this day, the saint's life, works of mercy and the help he provided to travelers, sailors and those who suffered from injustice are remembered. Read more about the holiday in the Izvestia article.

Who was Nicholas the Wonderworker?

Nicholas the Wonderworker is revered as a saint, that is, a great church hierarch who became famous for the strength of his faith and merciful deeds. According to church tradition, he lived in the III–IV centuries and was bishop of the city of Myra in Lycia (the territory of modern Turkey).

In the popular consciousness, his image is associated with intercession and help in specific life circumstances, including on the road or in situations requiring the restoration of justice. That is why in the Orthodox tradition, Nicholas is considered one of the most revered saints, and temples dedicated to him are widespread.

Why is the holiday celebrated on December 19th?

December 19 in the church calendar is the day of the repose of St. Nicholas. In the Russian tradition, the holiday has a second name — "Nikola the winter". In addition to this date, there are other days associated with the saint in the Orthodox calendar, including May 22 — St. Nicholas, the day of the transfer of the relics of St. Nicholas to the city of Bari.

In popular culture, the winter holiday was also perceived as an important milestone of the season: after it, winter seemed to come into its own, and people were more attentive to the weather and the household. At the same time, the church's meaning remains the main one: the day is dedicated to the memory of the saint and to following his example — generosity, balance of actions and responsibility for one's neighbor.

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Traditions and customs of the December 19th holiday

The main rule of the holiday is to do good without unnecessary publicity and not to turn faith into ostentatious piety. The name of St. Nicholas is associated with legends about secret help to those in need, which over time has become a tradition in different countries to give gifts to children.

In everyday life, this day is often spent quietly, paying attention to family and those who need support. What is usually considered appropriate:

• Go to church, pray, and light a candle for St. Nicholas;

• To help those in need: donations, products, specific business;

• Call your family, make peace if there was a protracted conflict.;

If you want to celebrate this day in a meaningful way, you can choose a simple way: plan a small good deed in advance — helping the elderly, volunteering or targeted support, give up unnecessary expenses in favor of shopping for those who are having a particularly hard time right now, and spend the evening without fuss, devoting more time to silence and inner peace.

The meaning of the holiday and what the saint prays for

The meaning of St. Nicholas Day is a reminder that true faith is manifested in deeds. The saint is revered as the patron saint of travelers and sailors, as well as the intercessor of those who find themselves in difficult circumstances.

St. Nicholas is traditionally addressed with prayers for help. Believers are not asking for abstract well-being, but for support and a fair way out of difficult situations. In particular, it is customary to pray for a safe journey and protection along the way, for help to children, orphans and people left without support, as well as for the restoration of justice in cases of slander or unfair condemnation.