Saint Nicholas: What Must Be Done on December 19 0 10

On December 19, solemn liturgies will be held in Orthodox churches in honor of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker — one of the most beloved saints.

It is unlikely that there is a person who does not know this name. On December 19, even those who rarely attend church and do not believe much in miracles come to the temples. Some come to ask for help, while others simply light candles, thinking that next time they will ask the saint for support. And now — they simply thank him for the help already received.

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker is considered the patron of orphans. He helps the poor, the sick, and protects travelers, sailors, soldiers, and farmers. Surely among Russians, there is no one who has not turned to Nicholas the Benefactor for help at least once in a difficult moment. It is known that in the kind heart of the saint, there is a place for everyone who finds themselves in trouble.

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker is honored with three feasts that are celebrated in summer, autumn, and winter.

When is the Day of Saint Nicholas the Benefactor or Wonderworker Celebrated

The Orthodox Church and the people have dedicated three feasts to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, which fall in different seasons:

Saint Nicholas the Summer (Nicolas Veshny) — an event associated with the transfer of the saint's relics from Myra in Lycia to the Italian city of Bari, celebrated on May 22.

Saint Nicholas the Autumn (Nicolas Osennij) — a date dedicated to the birth of the saint, which falls on August 11.

Saint Nicholas the Winter (Nicolas Zimnij) — the day of the death of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker falls on December 19.

Saint Nicholas the Winter has long been celebrated with great pomp. This date is associated with rituals and traditions that have come down from the depths of centuries. The image of Saint Nicholas the Benefactor is associated with the hero of Russian folk tales — Father Frost, who is considered the main winter wizard.

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker

It is known that the saint known as Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker lived in the 3rd-4th centuries. According to the scriptures, he was born around the year 270 and died around 345 (the exact date is unknown). His parents, wealthy and respected people, were well-regarded among their fellow citizens in the city of Patara, located in Asia Minor.

For a long time, they were considered childless. The couple's relentless prayers to God ended in a miracle — the birth of a child.

This event is considered one of the miracles associated with Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, of which there would be many in his life. They accompanied the Wonderworker throughout his life, including the moment of his birth, baptism, and upbringing.

According to the scriptures, earthly and marine elements were subject to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker. He descended from heaven to earth, walked on fire, water, and air.

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker lived a long life. After his death, his relics found rest in the cathedral church of the city of Myra in Lycia, where he served as archbishop. Later, they were transferred to the Italian city of Bari.

From the moment of his birth, it was evident that a child with extraordinary abilities had come into the world. He began to learn early, reading sacred books and prayers. As he grew up, he decided to dedicate himself to God.

Having received an inheritance, he distributed it to the needy and the poor. As an archbishop, he directed his knowledge to help people. The Lord, seeing the obedience of the clergyman and his desire to be useful, rewarded him with the gift of wonderworking.

Why Saint Nicholas is Called the Wonderworker

The life of the saint recounts how one day Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker was able to resurrect a sailor. This happened at sea during a storm. The poor man, who was on the mast, lost his grip and fell onto the deck, where he died from his injuries.

The young priest, who was Nicholas the Benefactor, began to read prayers over the lifeless body, addressing God. A miracle occurred: the sailor opened his eyes and, as if nothing had happened, stood up.

There is another amazing story related to three young sisters. Not knowing how to feed their large family, their father made a terrible decision — to make his daughters into prostitutes so they could bring money home. When Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker learned of this, he secretly threw a bag of gold coins through the window of the poor parishioner at night.

Thus, he saved the girls from sin. The joyful father did not know whom to thank for their salvation — himself or his daughters. The girls found good suitors, got married, had children, and lived happily.

It was believed that the tradition of giving gifts at Christmas, and later on New Year's, was invented by Nicholas the Benefactor. Initially, gifts were given to children, and later they began to be given to adults as well. In European countries, the image of the saint is associated with Santa Claus, while in our country — with Father Frost.

Folk Calendar: Saint Nicholas the Winter

Saint Nicholas the Winter is one of the most beloved events, always celebrated with great fanfare. Usually, the holiday, which falls on December 19 (December 6 in the old style), lasted from three to four days.

Our ancestors firmly believed that during these days, Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, having descended from heaven, walks the earth. Christians prepared for this event in advance, hoping that Saint Nicholas would surely visit them. “Let’s nikol’,” they used to say in ancient times, meaning “to celebrate.”

Saint Nicholas the Winter concludes a three-day celebration that, besides this holiday, includes the Day of Barbara and the Day of Savva.

To ensure that everything was as it should be on the holiday, the day before, women engaged in baking. On the tables on the Day of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, there were rosy pies, pancakes, and crispy fragrant bread. Despite the fact that all the baked goods were lean — since the event dedicated to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker falls during the Christmas fast — they had an amazing taste.

According to tradition, before setting the tables, part of the food was taken to the church — it was given to the poor. And everything that was served to the household and guests was eaten down to the last crumb.

Men brewed beer in advance for the holiday. It was also drunk to the last drop, which was considered a good omen. Our ancestors knew: if the treats were eaten and all the beer was drunk, the next year the family would live in abundance. There would be enough happiness, luck, money, and food. And everyone would be healthy. In many regions, on the day of the memory of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, communal feasts were held — joint gatherings, for which food was collected collectively.

What Should Be Done on the Day of the Memory of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker

On the day of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, it is essential to visit the church, where solemn services (liturgies) are held at this time. They began the day before and continued on December 19 (6).

In the church, standing before the icon of Saint Nicholas the Benefactor, people prayed to the saint, thanking him for his help. They asked for healing from illnesses, support in new endeavors, and financial well-being. It is believed that the saint helps to find a good spouse, aids in raising children, good trade, well-being during travels, and deliverance from bad habits.

There are many prayers dedicated to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker. One of the shortest is easy to remember: “Holy Father Nicholas, pray to God for us.”

It is noteworthy that the tradition of visiting the temple on the day of the memory of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker has been preserved to this day. However, if circumstances do not allow one to come to church, one can light a candle and say a prayer at home.

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker: Folk Signs

Our wise ancestors knew: if on December 19 the sun shines in the morning and the frost crunches underfoot, it means that the harvest next summer will be abundant. If a snowstorm breaks out on the day of Saint Nicholas the Benefactor, and everything is covered in snow, the snowfalls will last until early January.

On December 19, name days are celebrated: Nicholas, Maxim. People celebrating name days on the day of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker are characterized by sobriety and prudence. They possess an analytical mindset and strong character. They lead in teams and families. They are adored by their wives, children, relatives, and colleagues.

What Should Not Be Done on Saint Nicholas the Winter

Our ancestors knew: on the day of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, one should not be sad. It was believed that sadness attracts frost. On Saint Nicholas the Winter, it is strictly forbidden to:

Gossip, spread baseless rumors.
Offend children, the elderly, and innocent people.
Refuse alms to those who are in dire need.
Commit knowingly bad deeds.

Our ancestors believed that Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker does not forgive such deeds — punishment would be severe. On the holiday dedicated to the saint, heavy work was avoided, and all of it was postponed to other days.