OUR PATRON SAINT
Saint Nicholas, the Wonderworker
Archbishop of Myra
Saint Nicholas lived during the reign of Saint Constantine the Great and reposed in 330 AD. As a young man he desired to espouse the solitary life. He made a pilgrimage to the Holy City, Jerusalem, where he found a place to withdraw to devote himself to prayer.
It was made known to him, however, that this was not the will of God for him, but that he should return to his homeland to be a cause of salvation for many. He returned to Myra and was ordained Bishop. He became known for his abundant mercy; providing for the poor and needy and delivering those who had been unjustly accused.
He was present at the first Ecumenical Council of the 318 Fathers at Nicaea in 325 AD. Upon hearing the blasphemies that Arius brazenly uttered against the Son of God, Archbishop Nicholas struck him on the face. Since the canons of the Church forbid the clergy to strike any man at all, his fellow Bishops were perplexed as to what disciplinary action was to be taken against this Hierarch whom all revered.
In the night, our Lord Jesus Christ and our Lady Theotokos appeared to some of the Bishops informing them that no action was to be taken against Archbishop Nicholas since he had acted not out of passion, but of extreme love and piety.
The Dismissal Hymn for Holy Hierarchs, The Truth of Things Hath Revealed Thee to Thy Flock, was written originally for Saint Nicholas. He is the patron Saint of all travelers, and of sea-farers in particular. He is one of the best known and loved Saints of all time.
Apolytikion of Nicholas the Wonderworker in the Fourth Tone
A model of faith and the image of gentleness, the example of your life has shown you forth to your sheep-fold to be a master of temperance. You obtained thus through being lowly, gifts from on high, and riches through poverty. Nicholas, our father and priest of priests, intercede with Christ our God that He may save our souls.
Kontakion of Nicholas the Wonderworker in the Third Tone
Saintly One, (St. Nicholas) in Myra you proved yourself a priest; for in fulfilling the Gospel of Christ, venerable One, you laid down your life for your people and saved the innocent from death. For this you were sanctified as One learned in divine grace.