Any people, whether Slavs or Muslims, revere their 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, wonderworkers. For example, one of the truly worthy works is the icon of Nikolai Ugodnik. She is not only beautiful, but also of great importance.
Who is Nikolai Ugodnik?
Let's take a look at the story. Nikolai Ugodnik is an archbishop who was often called a miracle worker. This meant that the holy man was the patron saint of the seas, travelers, children and merchants. In the history of the church, he was considered a symbol of power, kindness and justice. A saint was born in Asia Minor. This happened in the third century AD. The fate of Nikolai Ugodnik was difficult, and, according to many, it was thanks to such tests that his soul and body chose the right path in life.
The boy was born in a Greek colony and from an early age was very religious. From 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 Scripture. Almost all the time he was in the abode of the Holy Spirit, from where he did not go out during the day. At night, Nikolai prayed, read, and mentally spoke with God. An interesting fact is that after the death of his parents, the guy gave all his inheritance to charity.
The beginning of the activity of the saint
St. Nicholas the Pleasant served the church during the reign of the Roman emperors Diocletian, as well as Maximian. These two people hated Christians and issued decrees to persecute them. Temples, communities, and other institutions were destroyed during this difficult period. But Nikolai Ugodnik was always on the side of the people. He was nicknamed the “protector,” since he always defended the interests of innocently convicted and slandered people.
In addition, Nikolai often prayed for the sailors, mentally sending them good weather, protection from piracy and other adversities. Over the life of the saint, many miracles and deeds were attributed to him. The archbishop in Russia was the most revered, as in the whole world. Today Nikolai Ugodnik (miracle worker) is a symbol of protection against diseases and an adviser in failures, which will always help. His power will forever remain great for the Russian people.
Acts of the 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 during that period of his life resurrected a sailor who fell from the mast.
There is also a legend about how St. Nikolai Ugodnik saved three young girls whose beauty was “sold” by their own father, because 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 difficult fate of the young virgins, he made his way home to them 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 Ugodnik 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 still 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.
The relics of Nicholas the Wonderworker
Over his long life, Nikolai Ugodnik has done many brave and noble deeds. Some believe that it was precisely for his merits that God granted him many years of life, and indeed, the miracle worker died at a very old age. Today, the relics of St. Nicholas are stored 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 allegedly all the relics could not be stolen. Therefore, it turned out that they are stored in completely different territories.
In honor of the great saint, 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 remaining 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 the temple of St. Nicholas, which anyone can visit. And it is not surprising that people happily go to this place. Some are looking for support, others are consolations, and still others just want to thank the saint for their help. 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 of the transfer of relics. At that time, only the inhabitants of Bari, who had the honor of preserving the remains of the saint, celebrated this holiday. In other countries, it was not considered genuine and was not taken seriously. However, holy lands were always revered in the lands of great Russia, and the rumor about the feast of St. Nicholas spread very quickly. The Orthodox Church set the date to May 9th. Since then, namely since 1087, people have celebrated 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 19. In addition, this day is considered a children's holiday, since Nikolai brings gifts to his little friends under his pillow (of course, if they behaved all year well).
Modern holiday dates
So, in our time there are several dates of the feast of St. Nicholas. The first is December 6 (19). It was previously believed that this is the day of the death of the miracle worker, but today it is an ordinary children's holiday, which is associated with sweets and new toys that fabulously appeared under the pillow of a child. The second date is May 9 (22). This holiday was 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 Nikolai Ugodnik in the hearts of the Russian people
On the lands of the Russian Empire, the name of the miracle worker was always revered. In addition, the icon of Nikolai Ugodnik, which meant a lot to every person, was not hidden from prying and believing eyes. It is with this that a huge number of temples and works that were dedicated to this man are associated. Until the twentieth century, the name Nicholas was one of the most popular in the name of infants. People believed that, by naming a boy, they subconsciously give him a piece of holiness and masculinity of a miracle worker.
Icon of Nicholas the Pleasant
It has been noted more than once that people loved Nicholas the God-pleader and idolized, they addressed 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 she was of great importance. But what was the meaning of the icon? Why did people think 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 significance of which they tried to characterize and explain more than once, became the embodiment of the miracle worker after his death. They turn to her when help is needed, she actually helps believers. It doesn’t matter whether a person is rich or poor, what religious preferences or skin color he has, the influence of the icon is immense.
The meaning of the icon of the miracle worker
The icon of Nikolai Ugodnik "works" for each person in different ways. But there is a theory about what it all the same means. According to many scientists, it is a symbol of the protection of the people. This is precisely its significance. It is believed that the icon is able to heal, relieve ailments, work real miracles and it does not even matter whether a believer or not. Thus, the meaning is very simple to decipher - a talisman that helps people. Of course, many preferred to worship the original icon. Today, the image of the saint can be acquired in many places, but from this the influence of the wonderful picture will not diminish. 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
Since ancient times, prayer in front of the icon was considered a guarantor of the protection of man and people, whom he asks for from the image of the saint. Therefore, it is always recommended to pronounce it so that the action is stronger. In fact, there are so many prayers to Nicholas the Good. It is enough for a person to choose the one that will help to achieve the desired result. For example, ask for marriage or protection, get rid of diseases or troubles, and so on. But nevertheless, there are seven main prayers that each person can learn. Then, pronouncing them in front of the icon, he can be sure that an unusual power will protect him and all family members, as well as the house and relatives.
The icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (Miracle Worker) 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, relieve 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. No icons of Russia, except those that were dedicated to the Virgin Mary, occupied such an important place in the hearts of the Slavic people as the image of Nikolai Ugodnik.
Interesting Facts
Each person can meet his own icon of Nicholas the Ugodnik. 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 bishop's miter, and the second with his head uncovered. Therefore, you should not assume that the icons are different, and people on them also differ. No, both of them have the same meaning and a miraculous effect on people.
Among other things, Nikolai Ugodnik is also the patron saint of Orthodox Gypsies. Another interesting fact is that for some, the miracle worker is Santa Claus. This is because, according to one legend, when Nikolai left the bags to poor girls, and their father wanted to meet and thank him, he predicted 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. It occupies an important place in the hearts of believers and always helps them cope with illnesses and failures. Representatives of the Buddhist people live in Russia - Buryats. They identify Nicholas the Yearner with the deity of prosperity and longevity. Kalmyks, in turn, included the miracle worker in the pantheon of the master spirits of the Caspian Sea.
St. Nicholas
Oddly enough, it may seem to some unbelievers, but the icon of Nikolai Ugodnik really "works." Nowadays, there is evidence for this, because simple people who prayed to the image of the miracle worker share their stories. So, for example, by placing an icon in a car, many escaped from serious accidents or death as a result of a dangerous accident. Others share their impressions of the power of healing. The image of the saint helped many women 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 in approximately 1325.
Place for a “conversation" with the saint
Finally, I would like to note that there is a place where you can always pray and "talk with the miracle worker" - this is the chapel of Nikolai Ugodnik. But you can ask the saint for help at home, in front of his face or without an icon. The main thing is to do this with good intentions, a pure soul and sincerity.