Icon of St. Nicholas. Icon of St. Nicholas (The Savior): meaning

Any people, whether Slavs or Muslims, reveres their ancestors, saints and those who, according to ancient sources, created history. So, today you can meet a variety of symbols and signs, made in honor of one of the wise men, miracle workers. For example, one of the truly worthy works is the icon of St. Nicholas. It is not only beautiful, but also of great importance.

Who is Nikolai the Sinner?

Let's take a look at the story. Nikolai Sadnik is an archbishop, who was often called the Wonderworker. This meant that the holy man was the patron saint of the seas, travelers, children and merchants. In the history of the church, it was considered a symbol of power, goodness and justice. The saint was born in Asia Minor. This happened in the third century of our era. The fate of Nicholas the Sad was heavy, and, according to many, it was thanks to such trials that his soul and body chose the right path of life.

The boy was born in a Greek colony and from an early age was very religious. From the very childhood he devoted his life to Christianity. Thanks to his parents, Nikolai Sbornik was able to get a basic education. The boy loved to study the Divine Scripture. Almost all the time he was in the dwelling of the Holy Spirit, from which he did not go out during the day. At night, Nicholas prayed, read and mentally talked with God. An interesting fact is that after the death of his parents, the guy gave his entire inheritance to charity.

The beginning of the activity of the saint

St. Nicholas the Savior served the church during the reign of the Roman emperors Diocletian, as well as Maximian. These two people hated Christians and issued decrees about their persecution. In this difficult period, temples, communities and other institutions were destroyed. But Nicholas was always on the side of the people. He was nicknamed "defender", as he always defended the interests of innocent convicted and slandered people.

In addition, Nikolai often prayed for sailors, mentally sending them good weather, protection from piracy and other adversities. During the whole life of the saint he was credited with many miracles and deeds. Archbishop in Russia was the most revered, as in the whole world. Today, Nikolai the Savior (miracle worker) is a symbol of protection against diseases and an adviser in failures that will always help. His power will forever remain great for the Russian people.

The Wonderworker's Acts

One of the earliest events in the youth of the miracle worker was a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The saint dared 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. Nicholas the Savior saved three young girls, whose beauty was "sold" by their own father, since he believed that this is the only way to pay off debts and survive in such a difficult time. When the saint learned of the grievous fate of the young maidens, he made his way to them at night home and left a bag of gold for the eldest of the daughters, which became her dowry. Exactly 12 months later, Nikolai repeated the same thing, only this time he left the money from the middle of the sisters. Somehow their father found out that the Sinner helped their family, and decided to repay him. Then the man hid in the room of his youngest daughter and waited for Nicholas to come. According to one version, he still saw the wonderworker, but he did not accept any thanks. It should be noted that he was considered a zealous warrior of the Church of Christ. Sources say that he sizzled idols and pagan temples mercilessly.

The relics of Nicholas the Wonderworker

During his long life, Nikolai the Sad man committed many brave and noble deeds. Some believe that it was for his services that God granted him many years of life, indeed, the miracle worker died at a very old age. Today the relics of St. Nicholas are kept in the basilica of St. Nicholas (Bari), but not in full. 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 abducted. 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 Nicholas's relics and transported her to Bari, but the remaining fragments remained in the grave. People brought the remains to Venice, where the next church was erected.

Appearance of the feast of St. Nicholas

Today in many cities and countries there is a church of St. Nicholas, which anyone can visit. And it's no surprise that people happily go to this place. Some are looking for support, others are consolations, and some simply want to thank the saint for the help. After all, for a long time Nicholas the Wonderworker is considered the patron of ordinary people, innocent, slandered, weak.

In honor of such a great man in our time is celebrated the day of St. Nicholas. How did people come to this? It all began with the day of the transfer of the relics. At that time, only residents of Bari, who had the honor to keep the remains of the saint, celebrated this holiday. In other countries, it was not considered genuine and was not taken seriously. However, on the lands of great Russia the saints were always honored, and the rumor about the feast of St. Nicholas spread very quickly. The Orthodox Church set the date - May 9. Since then, namely, since 1087, people celebrated the feast of the great and revered saint of God.

To date, the festival is celebrated several times a year. But for the representatives of the Russian people, he is associated with the date of December 19. In addition, this day is considered a children's holiday, as Nicholas brings gifts to his little friends under the pillow (of course, if they have behaved all year long).

Modern holiday dates

So, in our time there are several dates of the holiday of St. Nicholas. The first one is December 6 (19). Earlier it was believed that this is the day of the miracle-worker's death, but today it is an ordinary children's holiday, which is associated with sweets and new toys, fabulously appearing under the pillow of the child. The second date is May 9 (22). This holiday was celebrated from 1087, when the remains of the saint arrived in Bari. And, finally, on June 29 (August 11) - the birth of Nicholas.

Sacred place of St. Nicholas in the hearts of the Russian people

On the lands of the Russian Empire, the name of the miracle-worker was always venerated. In addition, the icon of Nicholas the Slyther did not hide from the curious and believing eyes, which meant a lot to every person. This is the reason for the huge number of temples and works that were dedicated to this person. Until the twentieth century, the name Nicholas was one of the most popular when naming babies. People believed that when they called the boy, they subconsciously give him a piece of holiness and masculinity of the wonderworker.

Icon of St. Nicholas the Savior

It has already been noted more than once that people loved Nikolai the Sinner and idolized, he was approached 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, it was of great importance. But what was the meaning of the icon? Why did people think and continue to think that it is able to heal, help and protect?

The symbol of protection, nobility and justice in Russia was Nikolai the Sinner. The icon, the meaning of which has been repeatedly described and explained, became the embodiment of the miracle-worker after his death. They turn to her when she needs help, she actually helps believers. And it does not matter whether the person is rich or poor, what his religious preferences or skin color, the influence of the icon is immense.

Meaning of the Miracle-Worker Icon

Icon of St. Nicholas "works" for each person in different ways. But there is a theory about what it all the same means. According to many scholars, it is a symbol of the protection of the people. This is the meaning of it. It is believed that the icon is able to heal, relieve the ills, create real miracles and even does not matter whether the believer is a person or not. Thus, the meaning of deciphering is very simple - a talisman that helps people. Of course, many preferred to worship the original icon. Today, the image of a saint can be purchased in many places, but from this the influence of a 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 Nikolai the Savior

Long since the prayer before the icon was considered a guarantor of the protection of man and people, about which he asks for the image of a saint. Therefore, it is always recommended to pronounce it to make the action stronger. In fact, there are a huge number of prayers to Nicholas the Sinner. 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 illness or trouble and so on. But still there are seven basic prayers that every person can learn. Then, uttering them before 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 has magical power. She can not only fulfill a person's request, but also answer some questions. Sincere prayer is endowed with an inexplicable power that can heal, rid itself of mental or bodily diseases, and become enlightened, unite in a legal marriage with your loved one and forget about quarrels. In addition, the icon has energy that solves life problems, from small to large. No icons of Russia, except those dedicated to the Virgin, did not occupy such an important place in the hearts of the Slavic people, as the image of St. Nicholas.

Interesting Facts

Each person can meet his icon of St. Nicholas. This is due to the fact that the holiday is celebrated on different days of the calendar. Thus, there is an icon of "Nikola Winter" and "Nikola Veshnego." The first was depicted in the bishop's miter, and the second with his head uncovered. Therefore, we should not assume that the icons are different, and people on them also differ. No, both of them have the same meaning and miraculous influence on people.

Among other things, Nicholas is also the patron of the Orthodox Gypsies. Also an interesting fact is that for some the miracle worker is Santa Claus. All because, according to one of the legends, when Nikolay left bags to poor girls, and their father wanted to meet him and thank him, he foresaw 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 the St. Nicholas Day is celebrated in the Diocese of Ryazan. This celebration is celebrated locally and in honor of the image of the wonderworker. In the Slavs, the archbishop is often associated with God himself. He occupies an important place in the hearts of believers and always helps them cope with ailments and failures. In Russia there live representatives of the Buddhist people - the Buryats. They identify Nikolai the Savior with the deity of prosperity and longevity. Kalmyks, in turn, included the miracle worker in the pantheon of the spiritual masters of the Caspian Sea.

St. Nicholas

Strange as it may seem to some unbelievers, but the icon of St. Nicholas really works. In our time there is evidence for this, because their stories are shared by ordinary people who prayed for the image of the wonderworker. So, for example, placing an icon in the car, many escaped from serious accidents or deaths as a result of a dangerous incident. Others share their impressions of the power of healing. For many women, the image of the saint helped to find love and happiness. St. Nicholas the Savior (an icon whose meaning is treated as a guardian, a symbol of protection, grace, etc.) was first depicted in about 1325.

A place to "talk" with the saint

Finally, I would like to note that there is a place where you can always pray and "talk to the wonderworker" - this is the chapel of Nicholas the Sinner. But you can ask for help from a saint at home, before his face or without an icon. The main thing is to do this with good intentions, a pure soul and sincerity.