St. Nicholas Day is celebrated by the Orthodox in winter and spring. On this Christian holiday, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is revered. Catholics celebrate on December 19 according to the Julian calendar, while Orthodox celebrate on December 6 and May 22 according to the Gregorian calendar. For the entire Orthodox world, St. Nicholas Day is one of the most revered holidays. He is famous and very loved by the people. The name of Nicholas the Wonderworker is associated with the patronage of ordinary people, the poor and all sailors. He is called a guardian angel.
St. Nicholas is a holiday that has its own traditions. In its roots lies the life story of a real person who existed. He lived in the distant III century and has become famous for all times with his comprehensive kindness to people.
Parents of St. Nicholas were prosperous, at the same time noble and pious Christians, but for a long time they could not have children and often turned with prayers to the Almighty. Their prayer was heard, and God gave them a son, whom they promised to bring up so that he would devote his life in the future to serving God. He received the name Nicholas at baptism, from the Greek language meaning "conquering people."
From childhood, in this family the child was accustomed to faith, and Nicholas from infancy showed his special destiny for serving God. Possessing rich talents, the lad comprehended the book wisdom. He differed from his peers in chastity, avoiding sinful and vain entertainment, as well as unclean thoughts.
After the lapse of time, having matured, he took the priesthood, and later Nikolai became archbishop. He showed a rare gift of miracles and deep insight. He was kind-hearted, meek and humble in spirit. Despite his dignity, he wore simple clothes, was alien to self-interest and arrogance, observed strict simplicity and moderation.
The times of terrible Christian persecution did not pass without a trace. Along with other believers, Nicholas was imprisoned, he was subjected to terrible physical torture. Despite severe trials, faith in God remained with him and helped support other prisoners. When Emperor Constantine ascended the throne of the reign , Nikolai had his own flock, which he began to rule.
During his life, Nicholas the miracle worker became famous as the protector of all innocently convicted, pacifier of warring and a deliverer from unnecessary death. He remained so after death. His relics still exude a fragrant world that is capable of miracles. Today, many are familiar with the icons that have created more than a dozen miracles.
On St. Nicholas Day, a service is held to the saint. It was compiled in 1097 by the Orthodox monk Gregory and Metropolitan Ephraim. After his canonization, in many houses they pray to St. Nicholas in joy and in sorrow.
Celebrating St. Nicholas Day, kids receive gifts every year. On the eve of the holiday, children's shoes are put out of the doorway or socks are hung near the fireplace. This tradition has existed since time immemorial. There on St. Nicholas Day the miracle worker put gifts for the kids. It is believed that only obedient children receive them. For naughty kids, rods are provided. Saint Nicholas is a holiday that the children are waiting for, they try to behave themselves approximately and do not play pranks in order to deservedly receive the gifts due.
In many countries it is accepted that St. Nicholas comes to the kids accompanied by two angels and devils. The first talk about the good deeds committed by children, the second whisper about the offenses. Goodness always triumphs, and on St. Nicholas Day the miracle worker kids never remain without their presents.
Using this holiday as an example, you can learn to love people, do good and pass it on to your children. This unshakable tradition is alive, and as long as the people and the family exist, it will be unchanged.