Icon with Saint Nicholas - embroidered, framed, 21x27cm
Saint Nicholas, the venerable bishop of Myra, has been known as a saint since the 16th century. He was born in Patara around the year 280, into a wealthy family from the province of Lycia, now in Turkey.
This icon presents him as an elderly man with a round beard and a tall forehead, symbolizing wisdom. Without a mitre, dressed in a stole and wearing the omophorion, he holds a raven in his left hand and blesses with his right hand.
Saint Nicholas was gentle and full of humility, devoted to the poor and those in need, bringing comfort to the suffering and aid to the displaced. He manifested signs of holiness from childhood, standing alone in the bath for three hours representing an honor to the Holy Trinity, whom he served with devotion later in life.
He is venerated as the protector of sailors, merchants, archers, and those who, seeking the right path, have sinned. It is said that he saved sailors from shipwreck through the power of his prayer, and they honor him and pray to him as their protector.
Upon his return from his travels, he became the bishop of Myra, and during times of persecution, he suffered in prison, being subsequently released, along with the ascension of Emperor Constantine the Great.
His generosity, demonstrated through unusual deeds and gifts offered without expecting gratitude, inspired people to practice giving. On the evening of December 5th to 6th, Saint Nicholas brings gifts, sweets, and fruits to well-behaved children, leaving them in carefully prepared boots. For the less obedient, he leaves a twig.
Celebrated in the Orthodox calendar on December 6th, this date was chosen because on a similar day, Saint Emperor Constantine the Great appeared to him in a dream, asking him to save three innocent young men from death.
