Dec. 6th – St. Nicholas – The Wonderworker and Bishop of Myra «

Dec. 6th – St. Nicholas – The Wonderworker and Bishop of Myra

December 6, 2011 at 8:02 am Leave a comment

Once upon a time ( about 1700 years ago) there lived a little boy. He was the son of wealthy and deeply orthodox parents. But a terrible decease took his parents away while the boy was young. Who can imagine such tragedy in the life of a child? The boy did not despair, he went to live with his uncle, and he knew that his Father in Heaven is watching over him along with his parents. That little boy kept growing up with great love and service for the Lord. He became a tonsured reader in the Church, then a priest, then a Bishop….That little boy, who was now a young man, understood that true wealth is not found in gold coins and possessions, but only in kindness, love for our Lord and one another. So, he took all of the gold that his parents had left him, and little by little, gave it away to others. He did so secretly, not asking for credit or recognition, or even a ‘Thank you”. He knew that the Lord and the Most Holy Theotokos were pleased with his actions, and his heart was filled with even more love and joy from giving… He knew that the only one we must keep in our hearts, answer to and obey is God. That young bishop never had children of his own, yet he loved and protected everyone else’s children near and far ( much like another Bishop who visits camp every week during the summer). He was tender and kind, but knew how to be tough when needed, drawing obedience through love, rather than demands and orders ( much like all parents are to their children, and much like the counselors and staff in camp). He was an example of servant to the Lord ( much like camp’s volunteers and all adults become during camp to serve the Lord and his children by doing whatever job is needed). He resisted the temptation of wealth( much like everyone who make donations for camp)……..

Surely by now you have figured out who this person is… Holy Hierarch Saint Nicholas – Wonderworker and Bishop of Myra …or…the real Santa Claus. Blessed Feast Day and a Happy Name’s Day to all who cary his name. This holiday season, in the hustle and bustle of shopping, decorating and partes, let us not forget who the real St. Nick is and what example he gave to everyone for living a truly satisfying and happy life.

The following are some wonderful links , including articles and podcasts presentations for parents and children to share. Also, enjoy the old Russian folk song about St. Nicholas, sang in Russian and English on this You Tube Clip.