The feast of St. Nicholas is traditionally celebrated on December 19. In addition, there is also the summer day of Nicholas, which falls on May 22.
Saint Nicholas and his wonders
Orthodox Christians revere Nicholas the Wonderworker as one of the most important Saints after the Mother of God.
The heart of Nicholas the Wonderworker was always open to people. On the good deeds of the Holy are legends that tell that he helped the poor and disadvantaged, and the kids secretly put coins and food in the shoes behind the door. Nicholas the Wonderworker is the patron saint of drivers and sailors.
According to his prayers, amazing healing took place, even resuscitation from the dead, storms abated in the sea, the wind carried the ship in the right direction. The Church knows many cases when prayerful addresses to St. Nicholas even after his death turned into miracles.
On the day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker it is necessary to please the loved ones with attention and a spiritual gift, to give alms.
St. Nicholas - Catholic holiday
In Europe, Christmas holidays begin on December 6, and Christmas is celebrated on the 25th. And it is on December 6 that the Catholic Church honors St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, the patron saint of young children and travelers.
As early as the 10th century, on this holiday, St. Nicholas Day, pupils of the parish school in the Cologne Cathedral were given sweets. A little later in each house in Germany they began to hang socks and shoes, where St. Nicholas put gifts for obedient children. However, on the eve of the holiday, all the kids tried not to be naughty, so no one is left without presents.
This tradition quickly spread among Catholics throughout Europe. In honor of St. Nicholas Catholics came up with a character such as Santa Claus , who traditionally carries gifts and fulfills the most secret desires.