Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker: The Generous Bishop of Myra - Life, Miracles, and Prayers

Introduction: Who Was Saint Nicholas?

Saint Nicholas of Myra, known as "the Wonderworker," is one of the most beloved saints in all of Christendom. His extraordinary generosity, miraculous interventions, and tender care for children, the poor, and those in distress have made him a universal symbol of Christian charity. While the secular world has transformed him into "Santa Claus," the Orthodox Church venerates him as a powerful intercessor, a defender of the faith, and a model of episcopal holiness whose miracles continue to this day.

Early Life and Calling

Birth and Childhood

Saint Nicholas was born around 270 AD in Patara, a port city in Lycia (modern-day Turkey), to wealthy and devout Christian parents, Theophanes and Nonna. His parents had prayed for many years for a child, and when Nicholas was born, they dedicated him to God. From infancy, Nicholas showed signs of holiness - tradition holds that he stood upright in his baptismal font and that he fasted on Wednesdays and Fridays even as a nursing infant, taking milk only once on those days.

Orphaned and Generous

When Nicholas was still young, a plague swept through the region, taking the lives of both his parents. He inherited their considerable wealth but remembered Christ's words: "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven" (Matthew 19:21). Nicholas dedicated himself to using his inheritance to help those in need, particularly doing so in secret to avoid vainglory.

Famous Miracles and Acts of Charity

The Three Daughters

The most famous story of Saint Nicholas's generosity involves a poor nobleman who had three daughters. The man had fallen into such poverty that he could not provide dowries for his daughters, and in desperation, he was considering selling them into slavery or prostitution.

When Nicholas heard of this tragedy, he took action. On three separate nights, he secretly threw bags of gold through the window of the man's house (some traditions say down the chimney, where they landed in stockings hung by the fire to dry - the origin of the Christmas stocking tradition). Each bag provided a dowry for one daughter, saving all three from a terrible fate and allowing them to marry honorably.

When the father discovered Nicholas's identity after the third gift, he fell at the saint's feet in gratitude. Nicholas made him promise not to tell anyone, saying, "Thank not me, but God, who has provided for your daughters."

Saving Sailors from Shipwreck

Sailors caught in a terrible storm off the coast of Lycia cried out, "Saint Nicholas, help us!" Immediately, Nicholas appeared on the ship, took control of the rigging, and calmed the storm. When the sailors reached port and went to the church to thank God, they recognized Nicholas as the bishop - the same man who had appeared on their ship. This miracle made him the patron saint of sailors and all who travel by sea.

Saving the Three Innocent Men

Three innocent men were falsely accused and condemned to death. The night before their execution, Saint Nicholas appeared in a dream to the emperor Constantine, warning him of the injustice. The emperor investigated and found the men innocent, releasing them. This miracle established Nicholas as a defender of the unjustly accused.

Multiplying Grain During Famine

During a severe famine in Myra, Nicholas learned that ships loaded with grain for the emperor were in the harbor. He asked the sailors to give some grain to the starving people, promising that when they reached Constantinople, they would find their cargo intact. The sailors agreed, and miraculously, when they arrived at their destination, the full amount of grain was still in their holds, while the people of Myra had enough to plant and eat for two years.

Bishop of Myra and Defender of the Faith

Episcopal Consecration

When the Bishop of Myra died, the bishops of the region gathered to elect a successor. In prayer, they received a revelation that the first man to enter the church the next morning named Nicholas should be consecrated bishop. Nicholas, who had come early for prayer, was chosen and consecrated, though he protested his unworthiness.

At the Council of Nicaea

In 325 AD, Saint Nicholas attended the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, called to address the Arian heresy which denied the divinity of Christ. When the heretic Arius blasphemed against Christ, Nicholas was so filled with zeal for the truth that he struck Arius across the face. For this breach of decorum, Nicholas was temporarily stripped of his episcopal vestments and imprisoned.

That night, Christ and the Theotokos appeared to several bishops in dreams, asking why they had imprisoned Nicholas. When they went to his cell, they found him vested again, with Christ giving him the Gospel book and the Theotokos placing the omophorion (bishop's stole) on his shoulders. The bishops released him and restored him to his see, recognizing that his zeal, though excessive, came from love of Christ.

Persecution and Imprisonment

During the persecution under Emperor Diocletian, Nicholas was imprisoned and tortured for his faith. He encouraged his fellow prisoners and continued to preach Christ even in chains. When Constantine became emperor and ended the persecution, Nicholas was released and returned to his flock.

Repose and Continuing Miracles

Saint Nicholas reposed in peace on December 6, 343 AD, in Myra. His relics immediately began to exude a sweet-smelling myrrh (holy oil) that had healing properties - a phenomenon that continues to this day. His tomb became a major pilgrimage site.

In 1087, Italian merchants took his relics to Bari, Italy, where they remain in the Basilica di San Nicola. The myrrh continues to flow from his relics, and countless miracles of healing, protection, and provision are attributed to his intercession.

Spiritual Significance: The Model of Charity

Saint Nicholas teaches us profound spiritual lessons:

• Secret Generosity: True charity is done in secret, without seeking recognition or praise
• Using Wealth for Good: Material blessings are meant to be shared with those in need
• Defending the Innocent: We must stand up for those who cannot defend themselves
• Zeal for Truth: Love of Christ compels us to defend the faith against heresy
• Care for Children: The vulnerable and innocent deserve our special protection
• Immediate Action: When we see need, we should respond quickly and generously
• Humility in Service: Nicholas always pointed to God as the source of all good gifts

Feast Days

The Orthodox Church celebrates Saint Nicholas on:

• December 6: The primary feast commemorating his repose
• May 9: The translation of his relics to Bari
• Every Thursday: Dedicated to Saint Nicholas and the Apostles

Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of children, sailors, merchants, bakers, travelers, the falsely accused, prisoners, and countless cities and nations including Russia and Greece.

Prayer to Saint Nicholas

O holy hierarch Nicholas, great wonderworker and speedy helper of all who call upon you: You appeared quickly to those who were drowning in the sea, to those who were imprisoned unjustly, and to those who were in poverty and distress. Appear now to me, a sinner, and deliver me from all my troubles and sorrows. Intercede for me before Christ our God, that He may grant me forgiveness of my sins and guide me on the path of salvation. As you secretly gave gold to the three maidens, provide for all my needs, both spiritual and material. As you calmed the storm for the sailors, bring peace to the storms of my life. As you defended the innocent, protect me from all injustice and harm. O great wonderworker Nicholas, pray to God for me, and may I never cease to glorify you and give thanks to God for your powerful intercession. Amen.

Prayer for Children

O holy Nicholas, lover of children and protector of the innocent, watch over [name of child] and keep them safe from all harm. Guide them in the ways of Christ, protect them from evil influences, and help them to grow in wisdom, virtue, and love of God. Amen.

Iconographic Depiction

Saint Nicholas is depicted in Orthodox iconography with distinctive features:

• Episcopal Vestments: Wearing the full vestments of a bishop, including the omophorion (stole) and sakkos (tunic)
• Gospel Book: Holding the Gospel in his left hand, symbolizing his teaching authority
• Blessing Hand: Right hand raised in blessing
• Balding Head with Fringe: Depicted with a high forehead and hair around the sides
• Short Beard: Distinguished by a relatively short, rounded beard
• Christ and Theotokos: Often shown in the upper corners, with Christ giving him the Gospel and the Theotokos the omophorion
• Gentle Expression: His face radiates kindness, wisdom, and compassion
• Three Gold Balls: Sometimes depicted with three gold balls or bags, representing the dowries

Our embroidered icons of Saint Nicholas capture his episcopal dignity and fatherly compassion, creating a beautiful focal point for prayer and veneration.

View Our Saint Nicholas Icons

We offer beautifully crafted icons and prayer cards featuring Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, each made with reverence in our family workshop:

• Saint Nicholas Prayer Card
• 8x11 Saint Nicholas Embroidered Icon
• Saint Nicholas Pocket Icon (2.75x4.5)
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Related Saints and Themes

Saint Nicholas is honored alongside other saints known for charity and miracles:

• Saint Spyridon: Another wonderworking bishop known for miracles and simplicity
• Saint John the Almsgiver: Patriarch of Alexandria renowned for his charity
• Saint Basil the Great: Bishop and theologian who established hospitals and care for the poor
• Saint John Chrysostom: Archbishop known for his eloquence and care for the needy
• The Three Holy Hierarchs: Basil, Gregory, and John Chrysostom, celebrated together

May Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker intercede for us, providing for our needs, protecting us from danger, and leading us to Christ our God. Holy Father Nicholas, pray to God for us!