Today, Orthodox believers honor the memory of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker.
Among the people, this celebration is called the Nativity of St. Nicholas.
In Rus', on this day it was customary to look after one's own home. It was necessary to keep it clean and tidy inside.
Nicholas the Wonderworker was born into a family of pious Christians, Theophanes and Nonna. They, in turn, lived in Patara.
The birth of the future healer took place on August 11, 270. Since the spouses Theophanes and Nonna could not conceive a child for a long time, they decided to dedicate their firstborn to God.
This circumstance probably left its mark on the child, since from childhood he began to show an incredible interest in religion.
At an older age, Nicholas was noticed by the Bishop of Patara, who appointed the young believer as a reader, and soon made him a priest himself.
When Nicholas's parents died, he distributed his property to the poor and went to Jerusalem.
While sailing on the ship, the Miracle Worker was able to calm the raging storm and thereby save the ship's passengers.
In Rus', Nicholas was a revered saint even before he was baptized.
What you can't do on the Nativity of St. Nicholas
On this day, many people followed certain rules:
- did not refuse those asking for help;
- did not engage in heavy physical work;
- did not clean or work in the garden.
It was on August 11 that it was considered a grave sin to commit ungodly acts, namely, to make money transactions. Otherwise, according to beliefs, one could bring poverty upon oneself.
What can you do on the Nativity of St. Nicholas
Today it is recommended to go to church for worship.
In addition, one should engage in good deeds, such as giving alms to a beggar.
It is also worth setting the table for a good dinner and treating your loved ones.
