Church celebrates the tranfer of relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
Icon of the Translation of the Relics of St. Nicholas. Photo: open sources
On May 22 (May 9 according to the Julian calendar), the Church commemorates the Translation of the Relics of St. Nicholas of Myra, one of the most revered saints in the Orthodox world.
The Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, who lived in the 4th century, became renowned for his miracles, mercy, and intercession for people. His veneration spread far beyond the Christian East, and thousands of churches around the world are dedicated to him.
After his repose, the saint’s relics rested in the city of Myra, in what is now modern-day Turkey. In the 11th century, when these lands came under threat of Seljuk invasion, Italian merchants from Bari decided to transfer the holy relics to a safer place. They secretly took the relics from Myra and solemnly brought them to Bari, where a special basilica was built to house the shrine.
On this day, festive services are held in Orthodox churches, and the faithful pray to St. Nicholas for help and protection. The saint is especially honored as the patron of travelers, sailors, children, and all those in need of aid.
Among the people, this feast is also known as “Summer St. Nicholas Day,” in contrast to the winter commemoration of the saint celebrated on December 19.
Earlier, the UOJ published an article on unusual facts about St. Nicholas.
Read also
Armenian bishops call on authorities to stop Church persecution
At a meeting in Austria, hierarchs of the Armenian Apostolic Church reaffirmed their faithfulness to Catholicos Karekin II of All Armenians and called on the authorities to stop the persecution of the clergy.
Italian media: Ukrainian authorities persecute the country’s largest confession
The Italian outlet L’Identità reported on mass searches, the arrests of clergy, and the ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which it describes as the largest Church in Ukraine.
Festival marking Orthodox Youth Day held in UOC's Volyn Eparchy
In Lutsk, the UOC’s annual youth forum brought together parish groups, clergy, and participants in a creative program for Orthodox Youth Day.
London mayor switches on festive Ramadan lights
In London, the Muslim mayor inaugurated Ramadan illuminations: a central street was decorated with a “Happy Ramadan” sign and Islamic-style ornaments.
DESS: Ramadan is a time of special closeness to the Almighty
DESS congratulated Ukraine’s Muslims on the beginning of Ramadan.
Jehovah’s witness pastor sentenced in Lviv region for refusing TRC service
A court in Lviv region sentenced a Jehovah’s Witness pastor to five years in prison for unauthorized absence from his unit and for refusing to serve as a TRC cook.