What can and cannot be done on the day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

The closest day of St. Nicholas according to the Orthodox calendar begins on May 22. Those who mark this Orthodox date need to know what Orthodox Christians can and cannot do.

Who is Nikolai Ugodnik

This is one of the most revered saints among the Russian people, to whom believers turn in prayers. He is honored for the incredible mercy that he shows to everyone who turns to him in their prayers.

In the Lives of the Saints, it is reported that he was able to forgive the sins of the ruler of the city, who for money condemned innocent people to death after they sincerely repented. In response to his sincere repentance, Nicholas the Pleasant did not file a complaint against him to the Roman emperor.

At the same time, the saint, as his life indicates, could sharply oppose those who violate the Christian commandments. For example, at the famous Council of Nicaea in 325, against the heretic Arius, hitting him on the cheek. For this he was deprived of the rank of bishop and sent to prison.

However, God stood up for him, and the bishops had a vision in a dream in which the Almighty forced them to release Nicholas the Pleasant to freedom. He earned divine protection for his active rejection of untruth.

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The saint was known as a miracle worker, capable of:

• raise from the dead;
• make the storm at sea subside;
• heal people from deadly diseases.

After his death, believers continued to pray to him, asking for protection and mercy. As a result, a large number of miraculous rescues were recorded after reciting a prayer to the saint. Thanks to this, in many Christian denominations, Nicholas the Ugodnik became one of the most revered saints.

In Orthodoxy, two days are dedicated to him in the church calendar, during which services are held in churches in his honor. In 2020, these are December 19 and May 22. Winter Nikolai is celebrated in December, and spring Nikolai is celebrated in May.

There are traditions among the people according to which it is forbidden to do some things on the day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Believers should know what Orthodox Christians can and cannot do on May 22 and December 19.

In what and to whom does Nikolai the Wonderworker help

On days dedicated to the saint, it is customary to turn in prayers to Nicholas the Wonderworker for help in various problems. He is believed to be very quick to help anyone who asks.

He was revered as their patron by sailors, merchants and travelers, children and unjustly condemned people. During his lifetime, Nikolai the Pleasant had a reputation as an unmercenary and philanthropist, who responded to all the requests of the suffering and always provided assistance to everyone who asked for it.

He also had a reputation as a mentor, sensitive to any untruth and lie. All these traits of the saint's character in the Orthodox tradition turned out to be especially close to ordinary people. Thanks to this, he became the most popular saint to whom believers of different ages and social status turn to prayers.

Even those people who are far from the church turn to him for help. In the Orthodox Church, in addition to the two days dedicated to Nicholas the Ugodnik, when services are held in his honor, they are honored on other days throughout the year.

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In Orthodox churches, the memory of Nicholas the Wonderworker is honored every Thursday, as well as during services on other days of the week. Saint Nicholas the Pleasant became popular in Russia almost immediately after the adoption of Christianity, because he reproduced the Russian type of character as accurately as possible.

The first icons dedicated to him appeared in Russia by the middle of the 11th century. In different historical eras, a large number of temples and monasteries were erected in his honor. Among all the revered saints in Russia, he was considered and is still considered the most important.

Folk traditions and beliefs

A tradition has developed among the people that does not allow certain actions to be performed on the day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. So, what can and cannot be done by the Orthodox on May 22, when St. Nicholas of Spring is celebrated:

1. It is not forbidden to work on this day, but it is recommended to find time to attend services at the church.
2. It is forbidden to refuse help to people. It is believed that those who, on the day of St. Nicholas of Spring, refuse those in need, themselves, together with their loved ones, will endure hardship and live in poverty for seven years.
3. It is necessary to pay off all debts before May 22, otherwise the person will suffer financial failure.
4. It is forbidden to have a haircut on such a day and even take scissors in your hands.
5. It was customary to make a forecast for the future harvest. It was believed that if the day was rainy, the harvest would be good.
6. If you hear the croaking of frogs in the morning on May 22, it means that the oats will be born.
7. On this day, you should not be afraid of trouble, since even the worst enemies will not plot and cause harm.
8. If, on May 22, all empty wallets are folded in a conspicuous place in the house, then Nikolai the Wonderworker will certainly help solve financial problems very quickly.
9. On the day of Nicholas the Pleasant, any desire can come true if you buy his icon and 40 candles in the church. The icon needs to be placed on the table, and around it are candles, which need to be lit one by one. While the candles are burning, you need to make your wish.

The Day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker should be celebrated in a clean house, as it is believed that the saint loves cleanliness and order. It should be clarified what the Orthodox can and cannot do on May 22 to everyone who wants to celebrate the day of remembrance of the saint. This is especially important if a person wants to ask the saint for protection and patronage.

Summarize

1. On this day, you need to give alms to everyone and provide help to those in need.
2. You cannot cut your hair on May 22 and take scissors in your hands, there are other prohibitions.
3. Before May 22, all debts must be paid.
4. It is necessary to attend a service in the church and pray to the saint at his icon.