Old-style Orthodox Christians celebrate Saint Nicholas

Chisinau, 19 December /MOLDPRES/ - The Old-style Orthodox Christians today celebrate the Saint Hierarch Nicolas, called the Wonderworker, also regarded as symbol of charity, generosity and good deeds, the protector of children, widows, orphans, soldiers and sailors.   

The holiday is important for believers and is marked with Red Cross in the ecumenical calendar.

The Saint Hierarch Nicolas was born in the region of Lycia in a family of good believers. His uncle was a bishop and advised his parents to direct their son to service for the Church. Nicholas became priest, living in fasting and prayers, with fear of God.    

After the death of his parents, Saint Nicolas inherited a big wealth, from which he donated a lot to the poor, helping people in need. ‘’Saint Nicolas passed away after living a long life, during which he made a lot of good deeds. Chrism sprang from his relics and many miracles have taken place since then,’’ more sources said.   

The holiday is honoured by a lot of Christian who bear the name of St. Nicolas. In Moldova, there are over 50,000 people marking their name day on the day of Saint Nicolas. There are about 46,650 men with the name Nicolae. There are also 10,100 women bearing the name Nicoleta, in the honour of St. Nicolas. And over 200 women are registered as Nicolina.