"Indreptator credintei si chip blandetilor, invatator infranarii te-a aratat pe tine, turmei tale, adevarul lucrurilor. Pentru aceasta ai castigat cu smereniea cele inalte, cu saracia, cele bogate. Parinte Ierarhe Nicolae, roaga pe Hristos Dumnezeu sa mantuiasca sufletele noastre."

(Troparul Sf Nicolae)

 

Saint Nicholas of Myra

Among the Greeks and Italians he is a favourite of sailors, fishermen, ships and sailing. As such he has become over time the patron saint of several cities maintaining harbours. In centuries of Greek folklore, Nicholas was seen as "The Lord of the Sea", often described by modern Greek scholars as a kind of Christianised version of Poseidon. In modern Greece, he is still easily among the most recognisable saints and December 6 finds many cities celebrating their patron saint. He is also the patron saint of all of Greece.

Today, saint Nicholas is still celebrated as a great gift-giver in several Western European countries.

The holy person of St. Nicholas is a popular subject portrayed on countless Eastern Orthodox icons.