Saint Nikolaos, the Archbishop Myron in Lykia is the protector of sailors and fishermen, the patron not only of those who bear his name; he is also a personal or family protector. The Greek sailors keep icons of St. Nikolaos on shipboard seeking protection from storms. Sailors' wives put icons of Nikolaos into the sea, praying to Saint Nikolaos to bring their husbands safely back to shore. He is the master of the entire submarine realm - fish and water demons - as well as the sea winds. The autumn fishing season ends on this day. The day's catch is to be offered to the saint. Fishermen eat the first fish caught right on the shore, before bringing the rest home.

He is one of the most miraculous and beloved saints of the Orthodox Church. Innumerable churches have been built to honour him and crowds hurry to ask through their prayers for his intervention to God.

Saint Nikolaos was born at Patara, Lykia a village in what is now Turkey around 250AC, by wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian. His parents died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus’ words to “sell what you own and give the money to the poor,” Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. Young Nikolaos divided his property to the poor and devoted himself to the adoration of God.

A holy longing made him board a ship in order to travel to the Holy Land. While the ship was travelling a terrible storm broke out. The passengers and the crew got desperate and expected their death to arrive, sooner or later. But Saint Nikolaos kneeled down and prayed to God with all his heart and the miracle happened. The winds stopped and the sea calmed in a moment. However, a sailor that was on the mast slipped and fell on the deck dead. Everyone was sad that a human soul had been lost. However, thanks to our Saint’s prayers the sailor resurrected as if he had woken up from a deep sleep.

After returning from the Holy Land, he settled in Patara, where he led a pious, modest life. Yet, God honoured him to be elected to the position of the Archbishop, when the Archbishop of Myron in Lykia had died.

Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships. His life was characterized by a deep belief in God and an inexhaustible love for people. That is why he built a hospital, a guest-house, a poorhouse and other charitable institutions in his parish. Not only is he the patron of sailors and voyagers, he is known as the friend and protector of all in trouble or need. St. Nicholas is also the patron and protector of children.

In the difficult years of the persecution of Christians by Dioklitianos, he used to encourage his people vividly. For this reason, he was arrested, put to prison and tortured. Still, he suffered all this for the glory and the love of his Lord, Jesus Christ. After the persecutions were stopped by the emperor Konstantinos the Great, he continues his work in Myra.

In 325AC he took part in the 1st Ecumenical Synod in 2 4- Nikea, Vithinia and fought with strength and courage against all erroneous beliefs of Arios. He defended the Orthodox faith by all means and was called “canon of faith” and “teacher of the Holy Bible”. When he returned from the Ecumenical Synod, he continued to preach till his late years and handed his spirit to God in December 6, 330 Ain Myra and was buried in his cathedral church, where a unique relic, called manna, formed in his grave. This liquid substance was said to have healing powers which fostered the growth of devotion to Nicholas.

His memory is honoured on 6th of December --the anniversary of his death became this day of celebration-- but also every Thursday hymns are sung because this day is dedicated by the Orthodox Church to the Twelve Principles and Saint Nikolaos. On this day a special, family lineage festival is arranged. The traditional meal in each household is based upon a fish dish - a carp in dough - is traditional for the holiday. Carp is regarded as Nikolaos’ servant. There are also two special loaves of bread. The food is blessed at church or at home before being served. After wafting incense over the food, the host raises the bread high, and breaks it in half. One half he keeps, the other is left on the table. It is on Saint Nikolaos’ Day that the table is open to all guests and is not cleared before the day is over. On this holiday - relatives, sponsors and neighbours are invited and a big table is sanctified; the feast day ending up in hymns, songs and fun.

St. Nicholas continues to be a model for the compassionate life.

Tag: Saint Nikolaos