The Virgin Nativity Cathedral
Section of Southern Lengthwise Nave. South View

Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra

Dionisy's frescoes. Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra

(c.280-c.350) born in the city of Patara in Lycia (Asia Minor). In his youth, he was ordained deacon and at 28, presbyter and later, archbishop. During the persecution of Christians by Diocletian he was put to prison with other Christians. In 325 he took part in the I Ecumenical Council that was convened to condemn the Arian heresy. During his life he performed numerous miracles: saved the drowning in the sea, delivered from prison and captivity. He died peacefully at a very old age. His relics remained intact in the Cathedra Church of Myra in Lycia and exuded myrrh. Even after his death he continued to perform miracles. In 1087 the relics of St. Nicholas the Miracle-worker were abducted and transferred to Italian town Bari where they repose today. Feast day: 6 (19) December and 9 (22) May.