On December 19, Christians of the Eastern Rite celebrate St. Nicholas Day. This holiday is especially awaited by children who are looking for gifts from the saint under the pillow or in the sock..
history of the holiday.
Saint Nicholas is also called Nicholas the Pleasant or Nicholas the Wonderworker.. He lived in 270-345 AD.
According to legend, Nicholas was the son of wealthy parents Feofan and Nona.. For a long time they did not have children, but they were able to beg for a son, promising to dedicate him to God.
[see_also ids\u003d"
The name of the saint can be found among the bishops who took part in the First Ecumenical Council, held in 325..
It is believed that Saint Nicholas performed many miracles during his lifetime.. One of them saved the hometown of Mirra from starvation..
The first mention of the veneration of the saint dates back to the 6th century, when Emperor Justinian built the church of St. Nicholas in Constantinople.. Later, they began to read Nicholas the Wonderworker in Greece, Italy, Germany and Bulgaria, as well as in Ukraine.
The celebration of December 19 is associated with the day of the death of Archbishop Myr of Lycian Nicholas.
The tradition of giving gifts on this day is connected with the story of the saint.. It is believed that he, being a bishop, saved several girls from dishonor.. Those lived in poverty and had no dowry. The father was going to make them earn by fornication.
Nicholas found out about this story and decided to use his father's inheritance. For three nights, he made his way to the girls' house and threw a piece of gold into the room where they slept..
What not to do on a holiday.
Do not work at home on holidays.
It is forbidden to clean, iron, wash, as well as sew, knit and embroider.
On this day, you can not refuse to help those in need, on a holiday you need to be kind and merciful.
On St. Nicholas Day, you can’t swear, quarrel, conflict and wish others harm. Parents should not yell at their children.
Can't borrow money. On the contrary, on a holiday, debts must be returned..
The holiday falls during the period of Advent, so only fasting dishes should be served on the table..