Day 12

 
As we continue in Archimandrite Vassilios' 1st chapter, we continue to look at the special festal celebrations that take place during the Nativity Fast. In Chapter 5 we look at the two Sundays prior to Christmas. But before we get to that, I would like to take a look at a very special remembrance of our Carpatho-Russian Diocese, the celebration of St. Nicholas Day. The Feast of St. Nicholas falls on December 6/19. He is a saint that is greatly loved by all Orthodox Christians, but especially by the Slavic people. He is the patron Saint of the Carpatho-Russian people. 
 
In our own Diocese, in addition to the normal Liturgical celebration, we also celebrate his Feast with a visit to the children of our parishes on the Sunday before or after his Feast day. We sing the Hymn to Saint Nicholas, "O kto, kto" and he comes to give gifts to all the children. But if we take a moment to look at his life, we can see why he is so revered by so many.
 
It is beyond the scope of this reflection to delve into all the powerful things he did in his life, but let's take a look at just a few:
 
  1. St. Nicholas gave his fortune to the poor and less fortunate. There are many accounts if his almsgiving throughout his life
  2. He was very careful to conceal his charitable works, often helping people in secret or in the dark of the night.
  3. He desired a life of solitude and prayer, but at the urging of God, he continued to serve the Lord in the world.
  4. He was imprisoned during persecutions yet continued to pray for and exhort his flock to endure the persecutions.
  5. He was and continues to be a speedy helper to all who ask him to intercede for them
  6. At the first Ecumenical Council of the Church, he defended the true faith against the heresy of Arianism

As we look at this small example of the pious and dedicated life of this Saint, we can see that, by example, he fits perfectly into the ideals of the Nativity Fast that we find ourselves in. A life of prayer, almsgiving, thanksgiving, endurance and intercession are the hallmarks of his life. And it is these things that we should also strive for during the Fast and throughout our lives. Let one of the verses of our dear St. Nicholas Hymn be on our lips as we work our way to the Incarnation of our Lord:

Nicholas, tearfully we sinners beseech you fervently in our prayers. Help us in our tribulations, comfort every Christian nation. Nicholas, Nicholas.

 
In Christ
Fr. David