On May 22, the Russian Orthodox Church commemorates one of the most beloved and revered saints in Russia - Nicholas the Ugodnik. On this day, his relics were transferred to the Italian city of Bari from the Lycian Myra. People call May 22 the Day of Spring Nikola.
Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker
May is rich in church festivities. This month marks the commemoration day of one of the most revered saints - Nicholas the Wonderworker. Scant information about the life of St. Nicholas has reached us. It is known that he was born about 250 in a wealthy Christian family living in the Lycian city of Patras. From infancy, Nikolai performed various miracles. They testify that at the time of baptism, as an infant, he stood for several hours on his feet. And in adolescence, Nicholas decided to devote himself to serving God. During a pilgrimage to Palestine, Nicholas the Wonderworker managed to tame a terrible sea storm, save a ship and resurrect one of the dead sailors, and also bring back to life 3 little boys killed during a famine by the innkeeper.
The day of the funeral of Nikolai Mirlikisky on December 19 is also the day of his memory. This day is popularly called Winter Nicholas.
Upon returning to his homeland, thanks to his devoted service to the Christian faith, Nicholas received the archbishop's rank and entered the history of Christianity under the name of Nicholas of Mirlikia, that is, Nicholas of Myra of Lycia. He lived to a ripe old age and died in Myra around 350.
However, they began to honor Nicholas the Wonderworker only 800 years later.
Transfer of the relics of St. Nicholas to Bari
In 1087, the Saracens raided the eastern regions of the Roman Empire. They devastated both Lycia, the homeland of Nicholas the Pleasant, and the city of Myra, where his episcopal see was, and where Saint Nicholas was buried.
The city of Bari was located in the south of Italy, in Puglia, which has long been inhabited by Greeks. In the 11th century, power in Apulia belonged to the Normans, who did not interfere in the religious life of the local population. One of the priests of the city of Bari had a vision in which Saint Nicholas appeared to him and ordered him to be reburied in Bari.
Nicholas the Pleasant should pray for a successful marriage, the happiness of children, deliverance from material needs and diseases, as well as for the accomplishment of a miracle.
Immediately, the inhabitants of the city equipped 3 ships that delivered the relics of Nicholas the Wonderworker from Myra of Lycia to the city of Bari. On May 9, 1087 according to the old style (or May 22 according to the new), the relics in a richly decorated shrine were solemnly placed in the Church of John the Baptist in Bari. And after 3 years, the church of St. Nicholas was erected in the city, where the relics of the saint were transferred.
May Nikolin's day was considered a kind and cheerful holiday in Russia. The people said: "Call your friend and your foe to Nicholas - all friends will be there." Many signs are associated with this day. For example, rain on Nikola is considered a great grace.
