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| Icon, showing St Nicholas, and Lord Jesus and Theotokos alluding to Divine Intervention , that was said to had allowed St. Nicholas to take participation in Council of Nice. Note how he holds the Bible, another common motive in St. Nicholas iconography |
The Archbishop of Myra, the Wonderworker, as
alternatively reffered, St Nicholas, is
a widely venerated and worshiped Saint.
Both by Catholics, Orthodox, as well as some other Christian groups . We
can say with certainty he was a 4th century spiritual figure, but
the exact date of his birth and exact year
of his death cannot be claimed with certainty . The name Nicholas ( form Greek “nike” and
“loas”) could be translated as “victory of the people” [1] or more accurate
“victorious for the people” . A benefactor and protector of the meek and needy,
Saint Nicholas earned worldwide fame and
served as inspiration of the mythical figure of Santa Claus.
However, actual,
factual information about the life of St Nicholas are little and scattered. The most commemorated event among Christian
folk is his death ( 6th or 19th December depending on the
Calendar ) but at least two more dates are dedicated to St.
Nicholas , May 9th the day when his relic were transferred, and July 29th which is the day that
commemorates it’s date of birth [2]
Hagiography
Saint Nicholas was born in Province Lycia, Asia Minor, in the city of Patara, form
wealthy and pious parents , whose names
differ depending on source . In
Orthodox Christianity, they were most known as Teophanus and Nonna. Even as a young man, he was expressing great
gifts or sympathy and empathy, and was egger towards Christian spiritual tradition, he was pious
and kind . He went with pilgrims to Egypt, and was subsequently consecrated as
Archbishop , near the end of the IV
centur y . He was first taught Christianity by his namesake uncle and
they got to seminary school
together, all that occurring
before him becoming and archbishop of course.
St Methodius,
Patriarch of Constantinople had
written a hagiography of Saint Nicholas, somewhere in middleage , but readily admitted that due to lack of sources, many of St
Nicholas related information, may simply
be part of body of legend/s related to this Saint. The legend
of St Nicholas, giving away some of his inheritance for the dowry of
three unfortunate daughters, is the most historically supported one.
He was imprisoned during the persecutions of Diocletian and
released by Constantine after his ascension to emperor. Nicholas was noted for
his defense of Orthodoxy against the Arian s . [3] But even while being imprisoned St Nicholas
was said to had taught and spread the word of Lord voraciously. Upon liberation he of course continued to do
the same, and was even for life considered a Saint, by many pious people, that
prayed to him while he was alive! [4] Furthermore, according to Christian
legends and lore, he was able to hear
and head all the prayers directed
to him even while alive!
Many sources place St Nicholas on Council of Nice, as
participant , even though he is not
listed in official documents of this
council. It is speculated that it was so due
his act of slapping the Arian, an heretic, which he did out of the passion
with which he defended the true
teachings of Christianity. Nevertheless
he can historically be placed in Nice, at the time Council was held.
Legends and Lore
The host of legends is surrounding St Nicholas’s life and
miracles, but probably the most famous, and one historically supported is one
regarding poor man from Patara, and his three daughters. The old mad had no ways of procuring
dowry for them, and back than it pretty much meant they would not be able to get
married. Taking in consideration that they were poor, the most likely
fate that was expecting these girls would be becoming prostitutes. Some version of the legend even
say their dad was getting ready to sell them into slavery. St Nicholas upon hearing of this, gave girls three bags of golden coins (
according to some version three larger lumps of gold ) and he did it secretly, wanting to remain
anonymous in his benefaction. In any case, girls were saved from the unfortunate future, threatening to become their doom. Many version of the legend speak
of St Nicholas throwing gold down the
chimney ( sounds familiar ? lol ) and doing so for three consecutive nights.
According to some versions of the legend the third girl , had hung her socks
insided of the chimney to dry them, and the gold feel in one of them, and when the girl took of the
sock, and found the gold, she was thrilled . This had more than likely lot to
do with the modern day custom of
hanging the socks up by the fireplace on Christmas eve.
 |
| Artistic depiction of legend according to which St. Nicholas had ressurected the three unfortunate boys |
`St Nicholas was, and is associated with sailors and sailing
and is therefore a patron of such. While he was
alive, he was known to travel a lot from one place to other quite often, and a common mean of
transpiration for him was ship. Many
legends speak of him delivering sailors and ships from storms and sinking.
After his liberation by emperor Constantine, St Nicholas decided to itinerate the holy places and
monasteries and during his traveling to
mount Athos, he saved a ship from
sinking via means of prayer. Once, traveling to Lycia, St Nicholas hired a men
to take him with his prow ( ship ) there, and paid him as much as the men
asked. The men was scrupulous and
ordered sailors not go to Lycia
afterall, while of course, keeping the money. At the points powerful
winds rose and turned the ship
in direction of Lycia. No matter how
hard the sailors tried to get their initial course back, the wind would
overpower them easily, so in the end the ship made it to Lycia, and St Nicholas
disembarked safely and promptly. [5]
Another legend
speaks of some pirates, whose ship got caught in the
storm, on their way back from Egypt.
Deperate, they’ve fallen to their knees praying to St. Nicholas, begging him to save them from what had undoubtedly
awaited them, death in the
sea. St. Nicholas miraculously appeared,
taken the rudder, drove the ship on
safety, and disappeared. When they arrived to the land, they saw their savior and started
thanking him, but St. Nicholas replied
that they should thank the Good Lord, for he ( saint Nicholas ) is
merely sinner and human, like all the rest. He then proceeded to teach
them that there are better
“lifestyles” than being pirates. [6]
He is also known
to have saved up to three innocent man from execution, on
at least two occasions.
Another legend speaks of miraculous multiplication of the
wealth ( symbolic of wealth ) that had occurred , because St. Nicholas promised it will. The
story speaks of famine in Myra (311-312 ) and ship that happened to be at port, at the
moment, which was supposed to deliver
wheat to emperor in Constantinople.
Saint Nicholas asked for some wheat for the starving people, and sailors finaly gave in, though
reluctantly in fear of the emperor’s reaction. They were calmed by the promise
of St. Nicholas that they will be fine, and shall not suffer any kind of loss
for their consideration, and they’ve
later discovered that all the wheat ( extremely large amounts ) they donated was miraculously restored.
Patronage and folk Cult
Relics of St Nicholas are preserved in Italy, in Bari, where
two churches ( one Catholic , one Orthodox ) are erected In his favor. Part of the relics, can be found in Venice (
Lido ) as well.
Miraculous relics
were know in Myra to exude a clear
watery fluid, that smells like Rosewater and is called “manna” ( sometimes also
Myrrh ), and they are continue doing so
in Bari. This liquid is collected each 6th
of December , for the Saint’s
sarcophagus, by clergy of the Basilica, and can be purchased in nearby
shop . Religious folk widely believe it has wondrous healing, and blessing properties.
In Italy, Russia as well as Balkan Peninsula, Saint
Nicholas is piously venerated Saint, and an “every day/thing go-to Saint” , that religious folk confide in. In Albania,
Catholic Albanians even swear in St Nicholas name, although I personally find
swearing using Saint or G’d name being tad disrespectful. People who do it, don’t see it that way
though. In Russia , nearly every Church
and/or Temple/ Monastery have a section dedicated to Saint Nicholas. In Balkan Peninsula ( mainly Serbia,
Montenegro, Macedonia, and possibly some
parts of Bosnia, as well as Diaspora people all over the peninsula ) he is a Saint
worshiped as feast Saint ( a patron saint , celebrated as such on his
feast days by specific families ) and a
namesake Saint of many individual s, although all Orthodox Christians are very keen on
addressing to Saint Nicholas in times of need for healing, deliverance from
trouble, injustice, poverty and so on.
In modern world Saint Nicholas got to be associated with Santa Claus, as he was well-known to be very generous, especially
to the children.
His, secular title of “Santa Claus” might have originated from immigrants of Germanic and Nordic lands
who settled in the United States,
and the image of St. Nicholas, or
"Sinterklaas," as he is known among the Dutch, slowly changed to that
of "Santa Claus" with little tie to the spirituality of Christianity.
[7]
Saint Nicholas is
considered to be patron Saint of sailors, children, student and poor people,
single women, brewers and distillers, unwed mothers, merchants.
Saint Nicholas is said
to be very promptly in answering
to those in need, and with reasonable ,
heartfelt prayers. Russian people often
have home altars dedicated to St. Nicholas, so
when the problem/s arise/s , they
light a candle in front of his image and pray to him. Some among the most creative ways to work
with this Saint, in form of spellwork or folk rituals, or simple prayers are
done on his Feast day 6th/19th December.
·
For example, as a kid I was taught the simple
folk ritual, pretty well known here. The ritual says that on St Nicholas feast
day You have to do three good deeds, than just before midnight write three
wishes on a piece of paper and place
them nearby St Nicholas’s image or
beneath a candle dedicated to him.
·
Another custom, similar in methodology calls for
three oranges , that are symbolic of
gold pieces St Nicholas secretly gifted girls from legend with, to be
given to three people , sometimes alongside socks, or slippers, which are also
considered to be ideal gift for people on St Nicholas’ feast day or
Christmas. It is believed that people on
St. Nicholas should get some new
clothing item to entice the luck , and socks , slippers and shoes were for some
reason believed to be ideal choice.
·
To increase Your money, particularly If You are
really in need try this simple jar spell
: In a glass jar place some coins, preferably from various currencies ( let’s
say Dollars, Pennies, Euros ) , add 3
smaller Orange or tangerine peels and a handful of wheat. Throw in finally a parchment with Your
request where You have written why You
need money, and If You wish a prayer to St. Nicholas. If You have, add some
Pyrite chips or dust as well, smallest
pinch will suffice. Pray over the
jar. Then close the lid, place a candle atop of the jar, dedicate it to Saint
Nicholas ,and affix image of St.
Nicholas on the outside of the jar. Light the candles and once again
say You prayers. When the candle burns all the way down , place candle
somewhere elevated , yet secluded place near where You spend most time.
A prayer that could be used in working with petitioning
Saint Nicholas may be as follows:
Glorious
Nicholas, my own protector! from that bright throne where thou dost enjoy the
vision of thy God, in pity turn thine eyes upon me; ask for me from God those
graces and helps most seasonable in my present necessities, whether spiritual
or temporal, and especially the grace of . . . . . . if such be expedient for
my eternal welfare. Forget not, glorious and holy bishop, our Sovereign
Pontiff, the holy Church, and this pious city. Bring back to the right way of
salvation those who live steeped in sin, or buried in the darkness of
ignorance, error, and heresy. Comfort the sorrowing, provide for the needy,
strengthen the weak-hearted, defend the oppressed, help the sick; let all know the
effects of thy powerful patronage with Him Who is the supreme giver of all
good. Amen
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
V. Pray for us, blessed Nicholas.
R. That we may made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:
God, Who has honored, and ceasest not daily to honor, Thy high-priest and glorious confessor, blessed Nicholas, with innumerable miracles: grant, we beseech Thee, that, by his merits and prayers, we may be delivered from the fires of hell and from all other dangers. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. [8]
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
V. Pray for us, blessed Nicholas.
R. That we may made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:
God, Who has honored, and ceasest not daily to honor, Thy high-priest and glorious confessor, blessed Nicholas, with innumerable miracles: grant, we beseech Thee, that, by his merits and prayers, we may be delivered from the fires of hell and from all other dangers. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. [8]
Devotional oil for
St Nicholas
Considering the
hagiography of St. Nicholas, I’d make oil devoted to him in this manner:
·
Rinds
or three Oranges ( does not have from
whole Oranges though )
·
Half a
teaspoon of the Wheat ( seeds )· OPTIONAL: Pyrite chips or Gold scrapings
· All in base of Olive oil ( let’s say 20-30ml or around 1 fl oz )
Place the oil on
the Bible, and let it sit for at least three days. If You are to make the oil by warming it in double boiler,
You are to place oil on Bible when
finished. You can scent it with Orange essential oil, and You can add Vitamin E
capsule, or some Benzoin to preserve the
oil.
Giving thanks
I could not find any concrete info on spiritual work with
St. Nicholas, other than mentioned folk
rituals and beliefs and various
Christmas customs and traditions
in modern age. Above given are my suggestions on how to work with the Saint,
and so are the following suggestions for giving thanks :
As we have seen, in
the folk rituals included above St Nicholas likes charity and gift giving, and the Orange fruits are traditionally
associated with him. Hence, You can place some oranges or wheat on his altar,
and donate money to charity, or people in need, anonymously, or bye some poor
kid a toy, visit some orphanage and play
with kids there, and give the small
presents ( like oranges ) and maybe also light a candle for the Saint, after
Your petitions have been fulfilled. You can donate churches and temples dedicated to him.
Check also how to work with St.Barbara the Protomartyr, as another of "december's Saints"
Many Blessings , Shade :)
Check also how to work with St.Barbara the Protomartyr, as another of "december's Saints"
Many Blessings , Shade :)
NOTES:
This article was
written and composed by myself, therefore should You decide to use any part of
it elsewhere, feel free, but do add credits; Shadow of shadows magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com or a direct
link to this post
CREDITS AND
REFRENCES:
[1] Translation as given on Wikipedia’s page on St Nicholas,
here :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Nicholas
[2] according to : http://orthodoxwiki.org/Nicholas_of_Myra
[3] quoted from same source as under [2]
[4] according to teaching of Russian and Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church
[5] Translated , edited and adopted from “Kalendar z a Srecne Dane” ( lit. Calendar for happy days ) by Jasna Jojic Pavlovski, famous Serbian anthropologist and folklorist
[6] As under [5]
[7] According to on Orthodox wiki’s page on St Nicholas, http://orthodoxwiki.org/Nicholas_of_Myra
[8] Prayer is from : http://catholicharboroffaithandmorals.com/St.%20Nicholas.html used for educational purposes without any ill will
IMAGE CREDITS:
First image from: http://www.oystermouthparish.com/resource/st-nicholas.jpg,
other is from :
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