On August 11, one bishop, Saint Nicholas, was born. He is better known to us as Nicholas the Wonderworker. This happened in 258 in Asia Minor. Nicholas’ parents were childless for a long time, but as deeply believing Christians, they did not give up hope. They prayed for the child, promising that from an early age they would raise him as a good Christian. Already at a rather elderly age, Nonna and Theophanes had a son. They called him Nicholas.
Since infancy, amazing things were happening around Nicholas: he cured his own mother of the disease, refused milk on Wednesdays and Fridays, barely learning to walk, reached for the Gospel.
More miracles and healings occurred during his episcopacy in the Lycian worlds.
The respect and love of the people were so great that it is likely that the bishop’s Christmas was celebrated there.
In Russia, the first information about the holiday belongs to the 11th century. Written sources mention the procession from St. Sophia to the temple of Nikola the Wonderworker on this day.
A service for this feast dates from 1657.
But during the reign of Catherine the Great, the holiday was canceled. For almost 300 years, this day was not celebrated in any way, until in 2004 Patriarch Alexy II blessed the resumption of the holiday.
St. Nicholas was an example of virtue, prayerful deeds and mercy. On this day, it is customary to come to the temple with a pure heart and sincere prayer, generously giving alms to those who are less fortunate in this life.
“Rejoice all … spiritually … on the day of the glorious Nativity of St. Christ and the wonderworker Nicholas.” Rejoice! Today, a man was born with his example to show the way to God for thousands and thousands of Christians.
Celebration
August 11
Charity foundHoly Land.
Soul investment!
