Nicholas the Wonderworker is the most revered among Orthodox people. During his lifetime he helped people, and after death they pray and ask for help. Saint Nicholas died in the city of Mira, where he was buried. Italian merchants decided to secretly take the relics to Italy. Where are the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker kept now?
Miracles of the Saint
It is difficult to list all the miraculous deeds of the saint; there are very many of them.
However, most of them are inscribed in the history of Cyprus, and therefore are not subject to doubt. Many believers consider the resurrection of mother and daughter to be the most incredible act of Spiridon during his lifetime. After all, raising a person from the dead was not possible for every one of the currently revered saints. The wonderful story goes like this. One day, a grief-stricken woman came to the shepherd and brought him the corpse of her daughter. The girl drowned a few days ago, her lips and skin turned blue, and her body itself was already numb. The woman fell to her knees and begged the saint to help her. Spiridon tried to calm his mother down and promised to do everything possible. The woman left, and the saint began to pray fervently near the girl’s body. After some time, her skin turned pink, she began to breathe and opened her eyes. A few minutes later, a completely healthy baby was already playing in the meadow.
However, the girl’s mother, not really believing in the miracle, did not receive good news and died of a broken heart. Then Spiridon raised the woman from the dead, watching with a smile the happy family reunion.
The holy shepherd was known for his wisdom and generosity. He was famous for the fact that he never refused to those in need, but he always said that they could take from him as much as they needed. Many people asking for grain or money from Spiridon were convinced of this; their fingers simply released an extra coin or grain.
The holy elder lived to be seventy-eight years old and left this world on December twelfth.
The battle has just ended. They won because they could not help but win.
The people dance and sing ditties.
I went to the conversation and asked: “Where are you going to get married?” And I, a girl, answered: “It’s not you who will take me.” And this is a turn-off for a guy trying to woo the girl he likes. The one for whom this ditty is intended knows that it was the girl who refused him. But others don’t need to know who this unfortunate person is. Quite tactful. Drolya long, winding - Just breaking brooms, - He took me to the conversation, Couldn't kiss. When a guy really falls in love with a girl, he is embarrassed not only to kiss, but even to approach and talk to her. Some people cannot overcome this psychological barrier at all, so they marry people they don’t love. But this girl seems to understand the guy’s condition and is trying to help the guy overcome this barrier with her mocking ditty. And the guy seems to be tall, handsome and the girl clearly likes him. It’s not for nothing that she calls him droley (darling). Stay a while, girlfriends, with my uncle: I asked to go to the gazebo - He sent me to the bed. And this singer decided to complain about her father (father), who does not allow her to go to conversations. Most likely, she is still too young, and her father is simply afraid for her, that someone will seduce the young girl. But the complaint expressed at the conversation is an appeal to society. The girl hopes that the rural community will stand up for the girl, who probably violated her father’s ban and came to the conversation in defiance. I'm offended today. With great annoyance: They didn’t let me in for the conversation. They didn't give me any horses. This ditty is also a complaint about parents who did not allow me to ride a horse to the conversation. Apparently I had to walk. Most likely, her boyfriend from a nearby village sings. But you can also understand your father. A horse is needed to plow and carry hay, and not to ride around in conversations. Girls will listen to such a ditty and decide that this guy is not worth marrying. He's kind of stupid and lazy. I found something to complain about. What a hero - he came to the conversation on foot. A.V. Galanin.
Bryusov Lane in Moscow, Church of the Resurrection of the Word and its shrines.
Mar 7 2017
In one of the wonderful corners of old Moscow is Bryusov Lane. It runs from Tverskaya Street to Bolshaya Nikitskaya, but despite such a short length, it has an incredibly rich history. Tenement houses and apartment museums of the creative intelligentsia (artists, composers, conductors, pianists) are still preserved here.
Church of the Resurrection of the Word in Bryusov Lane.
Walking along the alley you can see memorial plaques on buildings where celebrities previously lived. Currently, many houses are federal architectural monuments and are under state protection.
At the corner of Bryusov and Eliseevsky lanes there is a monument to Mstislav Rostropovich, and opposite it stands the Church of the Resurrection of the Word on Uspensky Vrazhek.
“Resurrection of the Word” means that the Church is Resurrection, and “on the Assumption Vrazhek”, because there used to be a ravine in this place.
The outside walls are decorated with icons and each one has fresh flowers.
Many Orthodox rituals are performed in the Temple.
From Tverskaya metro station to the Temple is just 10 minutes on foot.
The Church of the Resurrection of the Word was able to preserve various shrines from surrounding churches that were closed during Soviet times. And at present, especially revered shrines are the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Seeking the Lost” and the revered image with the relics of St. Spyridon.
The image of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost” is loved by Muscovites and guests of the capital; it is often called “the pearl of the faithful of Moscow.” This is a miraculous icon; people pray to it in case of illness, drunkenness, and ask for happiness in marriage and prosperity. Many, through their prayers, receive help; this is clearly evidenced by the number of thanksgiving offerings from believers with which the icon is richly decorated (chains, rings, crosses). Marina Tsvetaeva and Sergei Efron celebrated in front of this icon.
I wrote about Spiridon of Trimifuntsky and his shoe, kept in Moscow, in the Danilov Monastery here. In the Temple of the Resurrection of the Word, he is depicted on a richly decorated icon, in the center of which there is an opening ark, and there is a particle of the holy relics of Spyridon of Trimythous.
Believers consider this Saint to be an assistant in work matters, the patron of homes, they pray to him in illness, as well as people going on trips. And, of course, he helps everyone. Many stories can be read on the Internet telling how he helped miraculously. Spiridonushka also helped our family in solving a housing issue that we could not solve for a long time. With prayer to him and Matronushka of Moscow, everything was resolved successfully!
Divine services are held daily in the Temple. Their schedules are on the official website of the Temple.
In 2021, the Church of the Resurrection of the Word was restored; today it can surprise many with its splendor.
The inside of the Temple is small, but with high vaults.
There is calm and tranquility inside. One can feel that the Temple has been prayed over for many years.
Don’t be surprised if you see famous media figures in this Temple. They are people too, they also want to come to the Temple, pray, light candles for health and peace. And in the house next to the Temple lives the artist Nikas Safronov.
This place is amazing, but as soon as you leave the Temple and turn from the quiet Bryusov Lane onto the noisy Tverskaya, you again find yourself in the Moscow whirlpool of events...
Friends, in the capital, on Taganka, there is the Intercession Convent, where the flow of people who want to venerate the Matrona of Moscow does not stop. I wrote more about this place here. After the Temple on Uspensky Vrazhek you can head there.
You can read real stories of help from Spiridonushka on the website of the Temple of Spyridon of Trimifuntsky in Lomonosov, and there you can also ask Spiridon for help by writing a note, which the ministers will print out and place next to his icon and shoe. Miracles will not keep you waiting. Believe!
Have a nice day everyone and good luck!
By Irina Yarovaya • Russia • • Tags: Moscow, Russia
St. Nicholas churches as milestones of Russian History: St. Nicholas Bely and others
Attentive readers, and on my thread - Thank God! – there are such people, and there are quite a few of them; you have already noticed that each time I slightly change the name of the cycle. Either the “St. Nicholas” churches, or the “Nikolinskie” ones, by the way, one can just as legitimately use the term “Nikolaevskie”... The reason is simple - the website censor does not allow materials with a name that has already appeared in the publications of this author. So you have to somehow get out...
Glorious city of Serpukhov!
A fortress city, a reliable outpost of the Moscow Principality both during the Tatar-Mongol invasion and at the time of the Lithuanian-Polish intervention.
The first mention of it (1399) dates back to the reign of the Moscow prince Ivan Kalita (1288-1340, reign: 1322-1340), however, an ancient settlement on the site of present-day Serpukhov - judging by excavations - existed already in the 10th century, at the dawn of its formation Russian state.
Serpukhov also managed to visit the capital city of the appanage principality - the possession of the sons and grandsons of Ivan Kalita.
In 1374, under the appanage prince Vladimir Andreevich the Brave (1353-1410, reign: 1358-1410), the construction of the Serpukhov Kremlin began. Prince Vladimir is one of the main characters of the Battle of Kulikovo, who acted with his fellow citizens as part of the Ambush Regiment, which largely determined the outcome of the battle.
Serpukhov residents also took an active part in the events of 1610-1613; they fought courageously in the First Militia of P.P. Lyapunov, and in the Second Militia of the merchant K.M. Minin and Prince D.M. Pozharsky.
In 1552, the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was first mentioned, then still wooden, but located in the very center of the city. In 1649, a stone building was erected in its place, and in 1713, through the diligence of clerk Mikhail Popov, construction began on a new cathedral made of sugar-white limestone, which is why the people nicknamed this temple “Nicholas the White.”
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From 1833 to 1857, a major reconstruction of the temple was carried out in the Russian Empire style according to the design of architects I.T. Tamansky and F.M. Shestakova.
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The building material for it was brick, but in memory of its “former” - “white” - greatness, the building was plastered with a thick layer, and the same white limestone was used in the decorative elements.
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In 1924, Patriarch Tikhon came to the temple, who awarded the temple the status of a cathedral.
Five years later, the temple was closed and partially destroyed. The parish resumed its work in 1995, and 10 years later the cathedral was re-consecrated after a major restoration.
The bell installed on the belfry of the temple was cast in the Yaroslavl region in 2003, and is a rare alloy of bronze (an alloy of copper and tin), silver and, again, copper. Its weight is as much as five tons, and its beat (“tongue”) weighs 150 kg!
Among the temple relics, the icon of the Mother of God “Helping Childbirth” occupies a special place.
It remains to add that photographs kindly provided by their author, our blogger Alina Ukhanova, were used as illustrations for this fragment of the essay. All other illustrations in the essay are taken from open sources.
Moscow new building, residential area Biryulyovo…
The history of this church, or one might even say “church,” bears little resemblance to the history of those temples that we talked about earlier. And this story only confirms the great truth: “The ways of the Lord are mysterious!”...
The overwhelming number of churches in Soviet times were either completely destroyed or desecrated, partially destroyed and “repurposed”.
The decision to build this wooden cemetery church in Biryulyovo (next to the station of the same name) was made by the Moscow City Council “itself” in 1924. Its rector is priest Fr. Vasily (Konardov) was arrested and shot in 1937 (buried at the Butovo training ground), but despite the reprisal against the rector, the parish continued to operate. From the early 40s of the last century until the day of his death in 1956, the parish was headed by mitred Archpriest Nikolai (Perekhvalsky). Soon after his death, the temple completely burned down. At the time of the so-called “Khrushchev’s thaw”, the authorities, of course, did not allow the restoration of the temple (the question remains: was it not with her assistance that that devastating fire broke out?). But - again - parish life continued, and services were held in the former church gatehouse, which was secretly converted into a house of worship!
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Since 1997, the Orthodox Education Center of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker began operating at the temple. A spacious new church building is being erected.
One of the temple shrines is the icon of the Mother of God “Quick to Hear”, and on the territory of the temple there is the grave of the schema-nun of the Filimonovsky Prince-Vladimir Monastery Seraphima (Ushakova, 1875-1950), often visited by pilgrims.
Mother Seraphima is one of the most revered seers (the existence of a feminine gender from the word “seer” is disputed by many, but such a word is in Ushakov’s dictionary) of the twentieth century, she is considered the patroness of all residents of Biryulyov, and she is often called Serafima Biryulyovskaya...
One of the first readers of this essay asked me - on what principle do I select “objects” for description? You can answer this way. The basis (“objects of inspection”) of the trip were those churches in the name of St. Nicholas, with which fate somehow connected me (and this is not excessive pathos, but a statement of facts). I learned about some St. Nicholas churches while working on this material; readers suggested something to me. For a believer, there can be nothing accidental in such work!
Today, out of almost forty thousand Russian churches (the figure is very approximate, the fact is that “temples” include prayer houses, house churches, and in general all premises where the Liturgy can be celebrated (according to church requirements), almost 25 %(!) consecrated in honor of the Saint and Wonderworker Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia! And this is an absolute record (if such a definition can be applied to our case!), despite the fact that in Rus' there are almost a thousand (!) variants of initiations! It is clear that in order to describe and even briefly characterize the history of all St. Nicholas churches in the country, a multi-volume publication will be required...
By the way, in terms of dedications, the St. Nicholas churches are followed by the Pokrov churches - the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary - about 8%, then the Life-Giving Trinity - about 7.5%, the Icon of the Mother of God of Kazan - a little more than 7% and, finally, the Archangel Michael - 5.5% and Assumption - 5%...
Let's get back on the route...
We have already talked about the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Nice... According to available data, the Russian Orthodox Church abroad has the most churches dedicated to the Myra of Lycia archpastor!
Our story about the metochion of the Russian Orthodox Church in Sofia - the Church of St. Nicholas, the former embassy church in Bulgaria...
The history of the construction and consecration of this church bears the imprint of difficult Russian-Bulgarian relations at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries.
After the end of the Russian-Turkish War of 1877-1878, when the Russian army was closer than ever to conquering the straits and Constantinople, but was stopped by the opposition of England and Austria, the Russian diaspora in Bulgaria increased significantly, represented mainly by representatives of the “humanitarian mission” , military experts and traders. And it was decided to build a church for the increased number of potential parishioners. On the site of the demolished market mosque in 1882, the metropolitan authorities allocated 1,800 square meters for construction. meters, and fundraising began for the construction of the temple. Initially, the foundation of the new church was planned for 1902, but for political reasons, it took place only 5 years later. The celebration was attended by Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich (1847-1909), father of the future Emperor in exile Kirill Vladimirovich (1876-1938), Tsar of Bulgaria Ferdinand I (1861-1948) and heir to the throne, future Tsar of Bulgaria Boris III (1894-1943) .
The temple was built according to the design of academician of architecture, restorer and historian of Russian architecture Mikhail Timofeevich Preobrazhensky (1854-1930). By 1911, the construction of the building was largely completed, but finishing work continued for several more years. The bells for the belfry are a gift from the Sovereign Emperor Nikolai Alexandrovich...
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The consecration of the temple took place in November 1914, and a year later Bulgaria entered the First World War on the side of the Central Powers. This decision was preceded by two Balkan wars. The first is the war of the Balkan Union (Bulgarian Kingdom, Kingdom of Greece, Kingdom of Serbia, Kingdom of Montenegro) against the Ottoman Empire from September 1912 to May 1913. This war brought Victoria to the union, but the results (primarily territorial acquisitions) turned out to be a “bone of discord” for the victors, and the Second Balkan War was already a war of the former allies against Bulgaria, which seized the most extensive lands from the “Turkish inheritance.” The war lasted only one month - from June to July 1913, Bulgaria capitulated, and under the Bucharest Peace Treaty lost significant territories. However, the desire for revenge did not leave Ferdinand the First, and therefore he used the shot in Sarajevo to declare war on Serbia, knowing full well that, by virtue of international treaties, Russia would side with Serbia, and, therefore, an attack by the Bulgarian army on Serbia would mean a declaration of war the Russian Empire itself.
In the Highest Manifesto, signed by Emperor Nicholas II on October 5, 1915, addressed to all subjects of the Russian Empire, it was proclaimed: “Insidiously prepared from the very beginning of the war, and yet seemingly impossible, Bulgaria’s betrayal of the Slavic cause was accomplished: the Bulgarian troops attacked the bleeding in the fight against the strongest enemy our faithful ally Serbia. Russia and the great powers allied to us warned the government of Ferdinand of Coburg against this fatal step. The fulfillment of the long-standing aspirations of the Bulgarian people - the annexation of Macedonia - was ensured by Bulgaria in a different way, consistent with the interests of the Slavs. But the secret selfish calculations instilled by the Germans and the fratricidal enmity towards the Serbs prevailed. Bulgaria, our one and only faith, which had recently been freed from Turkish slavery by the brotherly love and blood of the Russian people, openly took the side of the enemies of the Christian faith, the Slavs, and Russia. The Russian people will greet with bitterness the betrayal of Bulgaria, which was so close to them until the last days, and with a heavy heart they draw a sword against it, leaving the fate of the traitors to the Slavs to the just punishment of God.”
In those same days, Nikolai Alexandrovich wrote: “If someone had told me that the day would come when I would sign a declaration of war on Bulgaria, I would have considered such a person a madman, and now, however, this day has come. The Bulgarian king deceived his subjects, but I believe: the consciousness of Slavic unity will sooner or later turn the Bulgarian people against the deceiver.”
During the war, most of the Russians were evacuated from Bulgaria, the Russian clergy also left, and services in the Nikolinsky Church stopped. Their resumption is associated with the deployment of the Russian diplomatic mission of General A.I. to Sofia in January 1920. Denikin, but three years later the property of the temple was sealed by the Bulgarian Ministry of Religious Affairs. However, until 1933, the temple formally belonged to the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad (ROCOR), but in the winter of 1934 it completely came into the possession of the Sofia Metropolitanate of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
In the summer of 1946, the temple was returned to the ROCOR, under the authority of Archbishop Seraphim (Sobolev, 1881-1950, canonized 02/03/2016, before canonization by the ROC (MP), was canonized by the Bulgarian Church), administrator of the parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in Bulgaria. And since the fall of 1952, the temple has the status of a metochion of the Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate.
Archbishop Seraphim was buried in the same church; residents of Sofia and all of Bulgaria, and Russian pilgrims flock to the shrine with his relics...
Returning to the fate of Ferdinand I and his son, let me remind you that after the defeat in the First World War, Ferdinand abdicated in favor of his son and went to the Coburg estate (the Bulgarian king belonged to the Saxe-Coburg-Gotha dynasty) in the north of Bavaria in Germany. His son, Boris III, despite the pro-German policy of his government and repeated contacts with A. Hitler, did not officially enter World War II and did not send troops to the Eastern Front. However, in agreement with the Third Reich, its army captured part of Romania and part of Macedonia with access to the Aegean Sea back in 1940. After the sudden death of Boris III, he was succeeded by Tsar Simeon II (born 1937), who reigned from 1943 to 1946. According to the results of the national referendum, the monarchy in Bulgaria was abolished, and Simeon II left the borders of the Fatherland. He spent his emigration time mainly in Spain. In 2001, he returned to his homeland, where the coalition he created, the National Movement of Simeon II, won the parliamentary elections, due to which the former monarch headed the Bulgarian government until 2005. But subsequently, the party of Simeon II steadily lost its authority (perhaps due to the poorly carried out restitution of land property, thanks to which Simeon himself turned out to be the largest landowner in his homeland), and after in 2009, as a result of the parliamentary elections, his party could not even overcome the 4% barrier, the former monarch resigned from the post of chairman of his movement...
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Where are the relics of Spyridon of Trimifuntsky in Corfu?
Not a single monastery is located on Greek lands - the temple where the relics of St. Spyridon are kept, one of a whole galaxy of Orthodox places in Greece and the island of Corfu. As a local attraction, temples are distinguished by the fact that many of them are located in villages, high cliffs, or even on a separate island, like the famous Athos. In other words, getting to the shrine is not always easy and simple.
But a pilgrimage trip to Corfu to Spyridon of Trimifuntsky will not be difficult at all. After all, the cathedral, erected in honor of the righteous and healer Spyridon, is located right in the center of Kerkyra, i.e. capital of the island. Corfu International Airport is located nearby, so you will be in the city within 20-30 minutes after arrival. And in the capital itself, the landmark of the monastery will be the bell tower, which can be seen literally from anywhere in the city.
The relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker: where they are, how to venerate them
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In Orthodoxy there are a number of saints who are revered by believers most of all. Among them is St. Nicholas, whose image is found in almost every home next to the faces of the Mother of God and Jesus Christ. Also, in any temple you can find the face of a saint, kiss him and say a prayer to him. In addition, every believer turns to him with his most cherished desires and hopes for the creation of a miracle, because it is not for nothing that he is called the Wonderworker.
History of the saint's shoes
In the shrine where the saint’s body is laid, he now rests dressed in expensive bishop’s vestments. Every six months the ritual of re-vetting the saint is performed. And this is not just a ceremony, but a necessity.
Saint Spyridon has to be changed because his vestments are deteriorating and his shoes are especially worn out. Because the saint of God travels all the time, going around those who call on him, giving his miraculous help to everyone who asks.
Two servants unlock the raku with two keys simultaneously. But, as they say, sometimes the cancer is not unlocked. They believe that the saint is not there at this time, he walks on the ground. We have to wait.
It has been documented that the shoes specially made for the saint’s feet - soft red velvet shoes, or as they sometimes say - slippers, over time have creases and scuffs. Therefore, the old pair is taken off and new shoes are put on.
After replacing the slippers with new ones, the worn-out shoes are cut into small pieces right in the temple and distributed to everyone. These tiny pieces of fabric, packed in small envelopes, and equipped with the blue seal of the Kerkyra Church, are called filahto - shrine.
And this is the most desired reward and blessing from the saint for every pilgrim.
Temple life
The Church of St. Spyridon in Corfu is open to visitors at any time of the day, so that everyone who suffers can pray, as well as mentally turn to the holy wonderworker and patron saint of the heavens of Corfu. Four times a year, holy relics are opened and taken out of the temple for the procession of the Cross (litany). This is done according to the Orthodox calendar on the following dates:
- Palm Sunday holiday;
- day of Holy Saturday;
- 11th August;
- first Sunday in November.
These days, the never-empty temple is surrounded by crowds of pilgrims. They want to witness the ceremony with their own eyes and become part of it.
During his lifetime, Saint Spyridon was very sympathetic to the suffering, especially the poor. After his death, he began to patronize everyone and contribute in every possible way to those who prayed to him. In illness and poverty, believers call on Saint Spyridon, and he responds to their prayers, helping and calming their troubled hearts.
11th century Temple of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Nizhny Arkhyz
If you are in the Caucasus and Arkhyz, get acquainted with the monuments of the Alan settlement - a historical complex. The cathedral church of the Alan diocese has withstood centuries and has become a place visited by tourists from all over the world.
St. Nicholas Church in the Alan settlement
A thousand years ago, architects used sandstone slabs to build a Christian shrine. They held the stone together with lime mortar. In the room there is a preserved reservoir - a baptismal chamber.
Perhaps you know and have even visited other temples named after a revered saint. I will be glad if you write a couple of lines about them.
History of Saint Spyridon
Today, all the monasteries of Corfu fade a little in the shadow and glory of the Cathedral of St. Spyridon. People's faith in the miraculous power of this saint is so strong that in Kerkyra the elder is considered their protector and is called nothing less than “patron of the Mediterranean.” It is all the more surprising that the island of Corfu has not been associated with the name Spyridon of Trimifunt for centuries.
As church chronicles say, Spiridon was born in the village of Askia in Cyprus. The exact date of birth has not been established, but it is assumed that it happened around 270. There is no information left in the legends about the parents, childhood and youth of the righteous man. It is only known that as a boy he tended sheep and goats, and was distinguished from his peers by his excessive obedience, piety and compassion for the troubles of others. The young man built his lifestyle in the likeness of the acts of the Old Testament righteous:
- He learned meekness from the prophecies and biographies of King David.
- Spiridon cultivated cordiality and kindness in himself, relying on the image and actions of Jacob.
- The acts of the Prophet Abraham taught the boy responsiveness, openness and readiness to help every wanderer.
This imitation was expressed not only in character strengthening, but also in real actions. In Spiridon's house, many people found warmth, food, shelter, mental and material support. As a reward for good deeds and the desire for righteousness, the young man received the gifts of foresight, healing and exorcism.
Later the man was gifted with great love. In his youth, he married an honest, chaste girl and the couple had a daughter. Spiridon independently baptized the girl and gave her the name Irina. But soon tragedy befell the young family: the wife died, and the man was left alone with a small child. Although Spiridon heavily mourned the loss of his wife, he still did not become despondent, but continued his service to God and people.
In the mid-320s, the righteous man was elected bishop of the small Cypriot town of Trimifunt. In this position, he performed many good deeds and always tried to be a positive example for his flock. Despite his respectful post and long years, he worked honestly, helping to herd sheep and harvest grain. At the same time, he donated a significant part of his income to help those in need, leaving himself only modest means for food.
Spyridon was very zealous about observing church ceremonies and Holy Scripture. When this was required, the bishop also showed justified anger: greedy and greedy merchants, careless priests, as well as other people who committed unrighteous acts fell into disgrace.
The elder died in 348. According to legend, he foresaw his death and wished to die in prayer. The expression of love for God and people became the last words of the saint. The incorrupt body of the elder was buried in the Church of the Holy Apostles in Trimifunt.
In the 7th century, the Arabs attacked Crete, and the holy relics were forced to be transported to Constantinople. The remains were kept there for several centuries. And when the Turks attacked Byzantium in the 15th century, the servant of the local temple took the relic to Epirus. After staying there for a couple of years, the monk decided to move to a safer place, and so in 1456 the relics of St. Spyridon of Trimythous ended up in Corfu. And a century later, in 1589, a temple was erected on the island in honor of the righteous man, to which pilgrims and tourists flock today.
The miraculous deeds of St. Spyridon
Even during his lifetime, the righteous man was accompanied by the glory of his miraculous power. More famous than others is the case when the saint clearly proved the Unity of the Great Trinity. At that time, the Arius heresy became popular, which rejected the divine origin of Christ and the symbol of the Trinity. Saint Spyridon appeared at the council examining the case and gave a speech. In defense of the Christian symbol, he showed the crowd a brick, which immediately split into fire that came out upward, water that poured down, and clay that remained in the elder’s hands. The people were amazed and unanimously recognized the rightness of the righteous man.
The history of the transfer of the relics of the Lycian saints
In 1095, Pope Urban II declared the First Crusade against the Saracens, in which Western rulers took part, calling themselves crusaders. Venice did not remain aloof from the Crusade, but took part in it in its own special style. Before setting off on the campaign, Pietro Badoaro, Patriarch of Grado, and Bishop Enrico of Castello, son of the aforementioned Doge Domenico Contarini, bade farewell to the troops and fleet in the temple of San Nicolò. At the same time, the patriarch turned to Saint Nicholas with a prayer so that he would help Christian weapons in the battles against the infidels and would be pleased to bring his relics to Venice.
Under the command of Giovanni Michell, son of Doge Vitale, the Venetians headed towards Jerusalem through Dalmatia and Rhodes, where a skirmish with their enemies, the Pisans, took place, ending in victory for the islanders. When they reached the Lycian shores, Bishop Contarini wished to take the relics of St. Nicholas in order, as the chronicler says, “to increase the patrons of his homeland.” In general, their main goal, judging in part by the words of Patriarch Badoaro, spoken before the departure of the crusaders, was to steal the relics of St. Nicholas, since they were clearly in no hurry to go to Palestine.
Cloud City. A city floating in the planet's atmosphere
Lando Calrissian's famous "city in the clouds" from Star Wars seems like a pretty interesting idea for science fiction. However, could planets with a very dense atmosphere but a harsh surface be a suitable platform for the survival and even prosperity of humanity? Experts from NASA believe that this is indeed possible. And the most suitable candidate for the role of such a planet in our solar system is Venus.
The Langley Research Center studied this idea at one time and is still working on spacecraft concepts that could send humans to the upper atmosphere of Venus. We have already written that building a giant station the size of a city will be a very difficult task, almost impossible, but finding an answer to the question of how to keep a spacecraft in the upper atmosphere may be even more difficult.
Again, one of the advantages of Calrissian's flying city is constant access to clean and fresh air, which can be completely forgotten if we are talking about real conditions and in particular the conditions of Venus. In addition, special spacesuits will have to be developed, wearing which people will be able to go down and replenish supplies of materials on the hellish surface of this planet. Du has a few ideas about this:
Overall, the Cloud City idea doesn't look right at all from many angles.
Who is Nicholas the Wonderworker
There is information that immediately after the death of the saint, myrrh began to emanate from the relics of Nicholas the Wonderworker, after which lines of pilgrims flocked to him.
He has several names, but he is best known as the Miracle Worker. He is considered the patron saint of orphans, travelers and prisoners. Children know this saint very well, because it is him they wait for with gifts before Christmas. His most famous Christmas gift was the dowry he gave to the three daughters of a bankrupt rich man. Thus, they were able to find worthy husbands. Many people say that it was a Christmas miracle. And he is considered the prototype of Santa Claus.
People turn to him in prayers in order to:
- pacify the warring parties
- create a miracle
- heal from diseases,
- protect from unnecessary death,
- save innocently convicted people, etc.
About pilgrimage and tourism on the island. Corfu
Many travel agencies offer pilgrimage trips. There are also companies that deal exclusively with pilgrimages. The island of Corfu is one of the most popular resort islands off the Balkan coast, as well as the most important religious center of Greece. On this small miracle island today there are more than 400 temples and chapels, 26 monasteries.
Thousands of tourists come to the island to see how Easter is celebrated in Corfu.
Additional Information! They say that when Mary Magdalene saw the empty tomb of Jesus after the crucifixion, she dropped the clay pot from her hands in surprise. Therefore, the inhabitants of Kerkyra (the capital of Corfu) are now symbolically repeating the events that preceded the resurrection.
The holiday begins with a religious procession with the relics of Spyridon of Trimifund. The Greeks value him very much, because Saint Spyridon of Corfu can help everyone who turns to him, regardless of their religion. During the procession, island residents, according to established tradition, throw clay vases and pots from windows and balconies.
In the evening, islanders and visitors gather in the central square and in local churches. Around midnight, the island's Metropolitan takes the Holy Fire out of the temple and distributes it to everyone waiting.
Easter
Everyone everywhere greets Easter with the words: “Christos Anesti - Aliphos Anesti!”, which in Greek is “Christ is Risen - Truly Risen.” After this, the city on the island plunges into the celebration of the long-awaited bright holiday.
On the island of Corfu, pilgrims often go to the site of the victory of the Russian fleet over the French. This happened under the leadership of Admiral Feodor Ushakov, who was canonized in the Russian Orthodox Church.
If we talk about the spiritual content of pilgrimage trips to Greece, they usually follow the paths of the apostles across the European part of the continent. This component is the main part of the tour. The Church of St. Spyridon is a mandatory part of a pilgrimage tour to Corfu. The duration of such a trip is from 3 to 8 days (the price also depends on this). A trip that lasts a week usually includes a vacation on the seashore and additional excursions if desired (they are paid separately).
Note! It is advisable to clarify the address of the hotel provided by the tour operator so that you can get to it if you get lost during an independent walk around the island. A map or a random passer-by can save you
The first day on the island always begins with the Morning Liturgy at the relics of St. Spyridon of Trimythous. The further schedule contains a number of pilgrimages to other temples in the city of Corfu. Excursions are usually accompanied by an Orthodox Russian-speaking guide.
Content
Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker is called the wonderworker.
Such saints are especially revered for the miracles that occur through prayers to them. Since ancient times, Nicholas the Wonderworker was revered as an ambulance to sailors and other travelers, merchants, unjustly convicted people and children. In Western folk Christianity, his image was combined with the image of a folklore character - “Christmas grandfather” - and transformed into Santa Claus (Santa Claus translated from English - Saint Nicholas). Santa Claus gives children gifts for Christmas. Nikolai Ugodnik was born in 270 in the town of Patara, which was located in the region of Lycia in Asia Minor and was a Greek colony. The parents of the future archbishop were very wealthy people, but at the same time they believed in Christ and actively helped the poor.
As his life says, from childhood the saint completely devoted himself to the faith and spent a lot of time in church. Having matured, he became a reader, and then a priest in the church, where his uncle, Bishop Nicholas of Patarsky, served as rector.
After the death of his parents, Nicholas the Wonderworker distributed all his inheritance to the poor and continued his church service. In the years when the attitude of the Roman emperors towards Christians became more tolerant, but persecution nevertheless continued, he ascended the episcopal throne in Myra. Now this town is called Demre, it is located in the province of Antalya in Turkey.
People loved the new archbishop very much: he was kind, meek, fair, sympathetic - not a single request to him went unanswered. With all this, Nicholas was remembered by his contemporaries as an irreconcilable fighter against paganism - he destroyed idols and temples, and a defender of Christianity - he denounced heretics.
During his lifetime the saint became famous for many miracles. He saved the city of Myra from a terrible famine with his fervent prayer to Christ. He prayed and thereby helped drowning sailors on ships, and brought unjustly convicted people out of captivity in prisons.
Nikolai Ugodnik lived to a ripe old age and died around 345-351 - the exact date is unknown.
The relics of Nicholas the Wonderworker have been kept in Venice on the Lido Island since 1099. The “Venetian part” of the saint’s relics is the part that the Barians did not have time to take away in a hurry when they took the main part of the relics from Myra in 1087. Performing Orthodox services at the relics of St. Nicholas on Lido Island has already become a good tradition for Orthodox believers. However, Orthodox believers in Venice and pilgrims come to the Basilica of St. Nicholas throughout the year to perform private prayer.
At first, the saint’s relics rested in the cathedral church of the city of Myra in Lycia, where he served as archbishop. They streamed myrrh, and the myrrh healed believers from various ailments.
In 1087, part of the saint’s relics was transferred to the Italian city of Bari, to the Church of St. Stephen. A year after the rescue of the relics, a basilica was erected there in the name of St. Nicholas. Now everyone can pray at the relics of the saint - the ark with them is still kept in this basilica. A few years later, the remaining part of the relics was transported to Venice.
In honor of the transfer of the relics of St. Nicholas the Pleasant, a special holiday has been established, which in the Russian Orthodox Church is celebrated on May 22 in the new style.
Miraculous power
Over the long years of his life, St. Spyridon performed many miracles, which many believers have heard about. The most striking examples include the following:
- One day Bishop Spyridon went to meet Emperor Constantine at the Council of Nicea. On the way, he stopped for the night in a small village. There was a large group of Arian adherents there. They decided to stop the bishop and beheaded the horses. Having discovered the dead bodies in the morning, Spiridon ordered the coachman to put the heads to the bodies and began to pray. Soon the horses came to life and he was able to continue on his way.
- Upon arrival at the cathedral, the bishop amazed everyone once again. He picked up a baked clay brick. The fire from it entered the body of the miracle worker, and the water flowed out onto the ground, leaving only soft clay. He explained that the brick represents the unity of three components (clay, water and fire), and likewise the Holy Trinity consists of the Holy Spirit, God and the Son.
The main day in Corfu
In Greece, the solemn celebration of the saint's memorial day takes place on December 12 (Orthodox Greeks live according to the New Julian calendar).
Interesting fact
On this day, in addition to the festive Divine Liturgy, a religious procession is held with the honorable remains of Bishop Trimifuntsky - a litany. This is truly an international Christian holiday. The day before, December 11th, a vigil is celebrated. In the Corfu Cathedral, after the liturgy, the clergy carry the ark with the honest remains of St. Spyridon to the pulpit.
On December 12, choral prayer singing flows throughout the church: glorification and magnification of the great saint of God. The holy relics are transferred to a special gilded reliquary with a small glass window, through which the bishop is visible up to his shoulders. According to ancient Greek tradition, a truly grandiose, majestic procession begins.
Festive bells ring over Kerkyra, solemn marches of brass bands thunder, and church chants flow. The streets of the island capital are filled with a colorful sea of flowers, the houses are decorated with flags. The city is immersed in an atmosphere of celebration and joy: everyone’s beloved bishop is walking.
Procession with the relics of St. Spyridon of Trimythous in Corfu
Under a special gold-woven canopy, the reliquary with the relics of the saint is carried on a special stretcher by four priests. He is held vertically on his shoulders like a functioning hierarch on the episcopal throne, who watches his large flock through a special glass window.
The solemn procession is attended by bishops, Greek clergy, mayors, a military brass band, a church choir, soldiers, veterans and schoolchildren. The ceremoniously dressed candle bearers carry huge candles with a circumference of more than 15 cm in special sword belts. At the beginning of the column are ancient banners and lanterns. The movement of the procession takes place with stops, during which the Gospel, litanies and prayers are read.
Thousands of pilgrims, tourists and Orthodox Greeks line the route of the solemn column. Many local residents meet their beloved patron from the windows of their houses or from their balconies. The sick, the possessed, the suffering lie on the road, prayerfully asking the saint for blessings and, if the Lord grants, healing. The saint's reliquary is carried over them.
In this solemn procession the true soul of Orthodox Corfu is revealed. For these few hours, all earthly worries and worries are forgotten, the hearts of believers are filled with spiritual, quiet joy. At this moment, the unshakable faith of many people in the power of the prayers of their beloved bishop is amazingly felt.
At the end of the religious procession, the shrine with the relics of the saint is left open on the pulpit for three days so that all pilgrims can bow to the Cypriot bishop.
ark with right hand
The veneration of the Greek miracle worker in Corfu is constant. In addition to the Corfinians themselves, every day many pilgrims with petitions and thanksgiving visit the Cathedral of Agios Spyridonos.
In Corfu, 4 more great litanies are celebrated throughout the year, when the Greek church especially remembers its heavenly patron:
- on Vaiya Week - Palm Sunday - in memory of the deliverance of the island through the prayers of the saint from a terrible plague epidemic in 1630;
- on Holy Saturday - the oldest tradition of special veneration for saving Corfu from a deadly famine in the 15th century.
- August 11 - in gratitude for the miraculous victory over the Turkish invaders during the Venetian-Turkish War of 1715. Appearing before the invaders with a sword, St. Spiridon put them to flight - the siege was lifted. It has been noticed that it is in this procession that the largest number of believers participate;
- On the first Sunday of November, the Corfinians perform a solemn litany in gratitude for the miraculous help and intercession of the saint during the second plague epidemic in 1673.
How to spend this day for those who revere St. Spiridon
The Russian Orthodox Church commemorates Saint Spyridon on December 25. On this day, many monasteries and churches hold a prayer service with the reading of a canon (or akathist) to the saint. You can order a prayer service and, if possible, honor the memory of the saint with your presence at this service. If desired, if there is an icon of Spyridon of Trimifuntus at home, believers can offer prayers with thanksgiving or petition independently in church or at home. Prayer is an encounter.
Saint Spyridon of Trimifuntsky
As St. John Chrysostom taught, before starting prayer, stand in front of a bright image and close your eyes so that your feelings and thoughts find peace. Perhaps, in order to find the necessary prayerful mood, it is worth placing a candle in front of the icon of the holy saint of God.
How to apply to the remains
If you still decide to visit the temple with the relics of the saint, then you should know how to properly venerate the relics of Nicholas. There are certain unspoken rules for applying to the remains of a saint that every believer should know:
- when approaching the face, the Cross or the Gospel, you should not rush, crowd or push;
- It is advisable to leave bags and packages with someone;
- It is not customary to kiss with painted lips;
- before applying, you need to make 2 bows from the waist, crossing yourself at the same time, and the third one after; This should be done not after kissing, but after anointing.
- when applying it, it is not allowed to kiss the saints on the face.
How do the relics of Saint Spyridon help?
According to the existing canons of the Orthodox faith, asking for monetary well-being and any other material benefits is not acceptable. But there is a patron who helps in resolving financial problems - this is the god-pleasing Spyridon. Despite any doubts of skeptics, this case is truly unique and takes place. The remains of the saint will help you receive protection from the Higher Powers.
A true believer can turn to the Saint in the following situations:
when failure occurred; to resolve housing issues; when resolving legal issues; in gaining love for the Orthodox faith; if a person has encountered material difficulties in his life; when you cannot find a job for a long time; in the successful sale of real estate and more; to end disagreements and soften the heart.
Also read: Prayer for good luck and success in everything to Spiridon of Trimifuntsky
You should also remember that you need to ask for help correctly: first of all, you should put your lips to the shrine, then bow and cross yourself, and only after that say a prayer, but at the same time, the person’s thoughts must be sincere and come from a pure heart. However, spiritual mentors warn that the petition itself should be offered wisely, for the god-pleaser comes to the aid only of those who really need it.
Text of the prayer appeal to the venerable elder:
Watch another video story about miracles from the relics of the saint:
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What are the relics of Spyridon of Trimifuntsky helping with and where are they located?
Interesting read:
Prayers for all occasions in life by Spyridon of Trimifuntsky Prayer for health and health to Spyridon of Trimifuntsky Prayer to Spyridon of Trimifuntsky Prayer for getting rid of debts to Spyridon of Trimifuntsky Akathist to Spyridon of Trimythuntous read 40 days Prayer for help in court cases of St. Spyridon of Trimifuntsky Prayer for prosperity and well-being to Spyridon of Trimifuntsky Help of Spyridon of Trimythuntsky in our days 3 Orthodox prayers to Spyridon of Trimythuntsky Prayer to Spyridon of Trimythuntsky for the fulfillment of a desire Prayer to Spyridon of Trimythuntsky for the sale of an apartment, housing, house Prayer of gratitude to Spyridon of Trimythuntsky Temple of Spyridon of Trimythuntsky in Moscow, Bryusov lane
Tags: Spiridon Trimifuntsky
How the Saint Helps
Using church oil, they make a cross in the sore spots and pray. Many believers know 7 prayers to the Holy Saint. After reading the akathist, true miracles happen, people are cured of terrible diseases. Thanks to the prayers of the Pleasant, the women waited for the birth of their first children.
Also read: Prayer to the Wonderworker Nicholas for trade
Nikolai Ugodnik is a benefactor of sailors and travelers and an assistant in reconciling conflicting parties. Helps those who want to get on the right path. Single women ask for help finding a spouse. Helps children achieve goals in life. Heal from diseases.
Spyridon of Trimifuntsky in Russia. What can you ask a saint for?
The relics of St. Spyridon of Trimythous arrived from Greece to Moscow. The ark with the relics will remain in the capital until October 14.
Every day hundreds of people line up near the Cathedral of Christ the Savior to venerate the saint. What do the believers of Spyridon of Trimifuntsky ask for?
Prayers for health
Prayer to Saint Spyridon helps to heal from many illnesses, including mental ones. After all, even during his lifetime, the saint knew how to cope with illnesses and even resurrect the dead.
Once, the Emperor of Byzantium, Constantine, who had suffered from terrible headaches for many years, turned to the saint for help. Not a single doctor could save Constantine from suffering. And then the emperor saw a dream in which the bishop healed his pain. The emperor invited bishops from all over Byzantium one after another, and no one could help him recover. And then a beggar came to the palace. The guards wanted to drive him away, and one of the guards hit the tramp on the cheek.
But he only humbly substituted the other. And then the guard realized that he was not dealing with an ordinary beggar. It turned out that in front of him was Bishop Spyridon from the city of Trimifunt. The saint was immediately admitted to the imperial chambers and with one touch of his hand healed Constantine. As a reward, he received a huge amount of money, which he immediately distributed to the poor. Since then, people have believed that turning to the saint helps to cope with various ailments.
Requests for a roof over your head
Saint Spyridon often provides assistance in housing issues - those who want to find a roof over their heads, sell or buy housing, or rent out an apartment pray to him.
The fact is that the saint once saved the island of Cyprus from a flood, which could have left many residents homeless.
At the beginning, there was a severe drought on the island, and the peasants turned to Spiridon with a request to pray for rain. As soon as the bishop finished his prayer, clouds gathered and a heavy downpour began, which in a few days flooded almost the entire island.
And then the saint again turned to the Lord to save the people of Cyprus from inevitable death and ruin. And the rain stopped as if by magic! The houses remained intact, and the fields turned green and began to bear crops.
Help with money matters
Prayer to the saint helps resolve financial issues, achieve justice and repay debts or, conversely, borrow money.
Throughout his life, Spiridon helped the poor - he simply gave away part of his income, and gave the other as an interest-free loan to those in need.
One day a ship owner approached the saint; he wanted to borrow money to equip a ship. The saint immediately gave him the required amount. When the time came, the merchant returned to repay the debt. The saint asked to put the money in the casket, but he himself did not even look to see whether the shipowner really put coins in the casket.
The next time the merchant again turned to Spiridon with the same request, and again it was fulfilled. This was repeated several times, and the sailor always repaid his debts in full, honestly returning all the coins to the chest. One day, the shipowner was overcome by greed and he decided not to return the gold to the box - after all, Spiridon never checked whether the money was there anyway. But when the merchant again asked for money, Spiridon said: “Take the gold in the casket, you yourself put it there.”
And then the deception was revealed - the dishonest merchant had no choice but to admit to the fraud. Spiridon immediately forgave him. Source
Relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
Having reached a very old age, Saint Nicholas peacefully departed to the Lord on December 19 (NS) around the year 345. The body of the Pleasant of God was laid with honor in the cathedral church of the Mir Metropolis.
The relics of Nicholas the Wonderworker were kept incorrupt and exuded healing myrrh, from which many received healings. For this reason, people flocked to his coffin from all over the world. For with that holy world not only physical ailments were healed, but also mental ailments. According to the life of the saint, the relics were in Myra (Myra) in Lycia for several hundred years until they were transferred to Italy.
Transfer of the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker to Bari
More than seven hundred years have passed since the death of the Pleasant of God. The city of Myra and the entire Lycian country were destroyed by the Saracens. The ruins of the temple with the tomb of the saint were in disrepair and were guarded only by a few pious monks.
In 1087, Saint Nicholas appeared in a dream to an Apulian priest of the city of Bari (in southern Italy) and ordered his relics to be transferred to this city.
The presbyters and noble townspeople equipped three ships for this purpose and, under the guise of traders, set off. This precaution was necessary in order to lull the vigilance of the Venetians, who, having learned about the preparations of the inhabitants of Bari, had the intention of getting ahead of them and bringing the relics of the saint to their city.
The nobles, taking a roundabout route through Egypt and Palestine, visiting ports and conducting trade as simple merchants, finally arrived in the Lycian land. The scouts sent reported that there were no guards at the tomb and it was guarded only by four old monks. The barians came to Myra, where, not knowing the exact location of the tomb, they tried to bribe the monks by offering them three hundred gold coins, but due to their refusal, they used force: they tied up the monks and, under the threat of torture, forced one faint-hearted person to show them the location of the tomb.
Broken tomb of St. Nicholas in Myra Lycia
The journey lasted twenty days, and on May 9 (May 22, new style) they arrived in Bari. A solemn meeting was arranged for the great shrine with the participation of numerous clergy and the entire population. Initially, the relics of the saint were placed in the church of St. Eustathius.
The celebration of the transfer of the shrine was accompanied by numerous miraculous healings of the sick, which aroused even greater reverence for the great saint of God. Two years later, the lower part (crypts) of the new temple was completed and consecrated in the name of St. Nicholas, built deliberately to store his relics, where they were solemnly transferred by Pope Urban II on October 1, 1089.
May 22 is the day of the transfer of the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
The transfer of the relics of Nicholas the Wonderworker from Myra Lycia to Bari aroused special veneration of the saint and was marked by the establishment of a special holiday on May 22. At first, the feast of the transfer of the relics of St. Nicholas was celebrated only by residents of the Italian city of Bari. The Greek Church, for example, did not establish a celebration of this memory, because the loss of the relics of the saint was a sad event for it.
The Russian Orthodox Church established the commemoration of the transfer of the relics of Nicholas shortly after 1087 on the basis of deep veneration of the great saint of God. The glory of the miracles performed by the saint on land and sea was widely known. His image of the omnipotent Wonderworker-philanthropist became especially dear to the heart of an Orthodox person, because he instilled deep faith in him and hope for his help.
Where are the relics of St. Nicholas now?
Relics of St. St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in the Basilica of Bari, Italy
To this day, the honest relics of Nicholas the Wonderworker exude blessed myrrh, giving physical and spiritual healing to thousands of Christians from all over the world. Once a year, on the day of the transfer of the relics to Bari, the priests collect the myrrh exuded by the relics. Diluted with holy water, it is then transported by pilgrims to different countries so that Orthodox believers in different parts of the world can receive spiritual and physical healing from the consecrated oil.
