"Lord, in You I have hoped" - The Dormition of St. Nicholas and the Transfer of his Holy Relics

The Dormition of St. Nicholas (http://agiooros.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=4923&sid=2c546795ad21f415b74a72e0e3602fdf)

   

The Dormition of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
"After the end of the First Ecumenical Council, the Saint [Nicholas] came back to his See, where for five years he tirelessly continued to teach the word of God while always ensuring works of charity. In the year 330, however, he arrived at the end of his terrestrial life. Before his dormition, however, his biographer indicated that he raised his eyes to the sky and saw the holy angels who came to receive his soul, with a firm faith said:

«Lord, in You have I hoped».

A few moments before he passed, he was heared to whisper:
«Into Your hands Lord, do I commend my spirit.» and left on the earth the memory of a man of firm faith and infinite love."
(http://agiooros.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=4923&sid=2c546795ad21f415b74a72e0e3602fdf)

Another icon depicting the Dormition of St. Nicholas, with him enthroned (http://www.art.solidarity.gr/index.php?option=com_photo_v&type=pictures&lang=el)

   

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit
Doxastikon in Tone 6.
Lovers of feasts, let us assemble and with songs of praise hymn the ornament of Hierarchs, the glory of the Fathers, the fount of wonders and greatest helper of believers, as we say, Hail guard, august leader and immovable pillar of the people of Myra. Hail brightly shining beacon, who irradiate with your wonders all the ends of the earth. Hail divine joy of the afflicted, and most fervent defender of the wronged. And now, all-blessed Nicolas, do not cease to intercede with Christ God on behalf of those who ever honour with faith and love your joyous and all-festive memory.

(http://www.anastasis.org.uk/6_december.htm)

The Dormition of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (http://www.srpskoblago.org/Archives/Pec/exhibits/StNicholasChurch/Nave/SouthPartOfVault/IMG_1687_l.html)

   

The Transfer of the Relics of St. Nicholas from Myra - Celebrated variably on May 9th, May 10th, and May 20th

"In the eleventh century the Byzantine Empire was going through some terrible times. The Turks put an end to its influence in Asia Minor, they destroyed cities and villages, they murdered the inhabitants, and they accompanied their cruel outrage with the desecration of churches, holy relics, icons and books. The Mussulmen also attempted to destroy the relics of St Nicholas, deeply venerated by the whole Christian world.

In the year 792 the caliph Aaron Al'-Rashid sent Khumeid at the head of a fleet to pillage the island of Rhodes. Having lain waste this island, Khumeid set off to Myra in Lycia with the intent to rob the tomb of St Nicholas. But instead he robbed another tomb standing alongside the crypt of the saint. Just as they succeeded in committing this sacrilege, a terrible storm lifted upon the sea and almost all the ships were shattered into pieces.

The desecration of holy things shocked not only Eastern, but also Western Christians. Christians in Italy were particularly apprehensive for the relics of St Nicholas, and among them were many Greeks. The inhabitants of the city of Bari, located on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, decided to save the relics of St Nicholas.

In the year 1087 merchants from Bari and Venice went to Antioch to trade. Both these and others also proposed to take up the relics of St Nicholas and transport them to Italy on the return trip. In this plan the men of Bari commissioned the Venetians to land them at Myra. At first two men were sent in, who in returning reported that in the city all was quiet. In the church where the glorified relics rested, they encountered only four monks. Immediately forty-seven men, having armed themselves, set out for the church of St Nicholas. The guards, suspecting nothing, showed them the raised platform, beneath which the tomb of the saint was concealed, and where they anointed foreigners with myrrh from the relics of the saint.

At this time the monks told them about an appearance of St Nicholas that evening to a certain Elder. In this vision St Nicholas ordered the careful preservation of his relics. This account encouraged the barons, they saw an avowal for them in this vision and, as it were, a decree from the saint. In order to facilitate their activity, they revealed their intent to the monks and offered them money, 300 gold coins. The guards refused the money and wanted to warn the inhabitants about the misfortune threatening them. But the newcomers bound them and put their own guards at the doorway.

They took apart the church platform above the tomb with the relics. In this effort the youth Matthew was excessive in his zeal, wanting to find the relics of St Nicholas as quickly as possible. In his impatience he broke the cover and the barons saw that the sarcophagus was filled with fragrant holy myrrh. The compatriots of the barons, the priests Luppus and Drogus, offered a litany, after which the break made by Matthew began to flow with myrrh from the saint's sarcophagus. This occurred on April 20, 1087.

Seeing the absence of a container chest, the priest Drogus wrapped the relics in the cloth, and in the company of the barons he carried them to the ship. The monks, having been set free, alerted the city with the sad news about the abduction of the relics of the Wonderworker Nicholas by foreigners. A crowd of people gathered at the shore, but it was too late.

On May 8 the ships arrived in Bari, and soon the joyous news made the rounds of all the city. On the following day, May 9, 1087, they solemnly transported the relics of St Nicholas into the church of St Stephen, not far from the sea. The solemn bearing of the relics was accompanied by numerous healings of the sick, which inspired still greater reverence for God's saint. A year afterwards, a church was built in the name of St Nicholas and consecrated by Pope Urban II.

Icon depicting the translation of the Holy Relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (http://www.srpskoblago.org/Archives/Pec/exhibits/StNicholasChurch/Altar/SouthPartOfVault/IMG_1759_l.html)

   

This event, connected with the transfer of the relics of St Nicholas, evoked a particular veneration for the Wonderworker Nicholas and was marked by the establishment of a special Feast day on May 9. At first the Feast day of the Transfer of the Relics of St Nicholas was observed only by the people of the city of Bari. It was not adopted in the other lands of the Christian East and West, despite the fact that the transfer of the relics was widely known. This circumstance is explained by the custom in the Middle Ages of venerating primarily the relics of local saints. Moreover, the Greek Church did not establish the celebration of this remembrance, since they regarded the loss of the relics of St Nicholas was a sad event.

The Russian Orthodox Church celebration of the memory of the Transfer of the Relics of St Nicholas from Myra in Lycia to Bari in Italy on May 9 was established soon after the year 1087, on the basis of an already established veneration by the Russian people of the great saint of God, brought from Greece simultaneously with the acceptance of Christianity. The glorious accounts ot the miracles performed by the saint on both land and sea, were widely known to the Russian people. Their inexhaustible strength and abundance testify to the help of the great saint of God for suffering mankind. The image of St Nicholas, a mighty wonderworker and benefactor, became especially dear to the heart of the Russian people, since it inspired deep faith and hope for his intercession. The faith of the Russian people in the abundant aid of God's saint was marked by numerous miracles.

A significant body of literature was compiled about him very early in Russian writings. Accounts of the miracles of St Nicholas done in the Russian land were recorded at an early date. Soon after the Transfer of the Relics of St Nicholas from Myra to Bari, a Russian version of his Life and an account of the Transfer of his holy relics were written by a contemporary to this event. Earlier still, an encomium to the Wonderworker was written. Each week on Thursday, the Russian Orthodox Church honors his memory in particular.

Numerous churches and monasteries were built in honor of St Nicholas, and Russian people are wont to name their children after him at Baptism. In Russia are preserved numerous wonderworking icons of the saint. Most renowned among them are the icons of Mozhaisk, Zaraisk, Volokolamsk, Ugreshsk and Ratny. There was no house or temple in the Russian land in which there was not an icon of St Nicholas the Wonderworker.

The significance of the intercession of the great saint of God is expressed by the ancient compiler of the Life, in the words of whom St Nicholas "did work many glorious miracles both on land and on sea, aiding those downtrodden in misfortune and rescuing the drowning, carried to dry land from the depths of the sea, raising up others from corruption and bringing them home, liberating from chains and imprisonment, averting felling by the sword and freeing from death, and granting healing to many; sight to the blind, walking to the lame, hearing to the deaf, and speech to the mute. He brought riches to many suffering in abject poverty and want, he provided the hungry food, and for each in their need he appeared a ready helper, an avid defender and speedy intercessor and protector, and such as appeal to him he doth help and deliver from adversity. Both the East and the West know of this great Wonderworker, and all the ends of the earth know his miracle-working."

(taken from: http://ocafs.oca.org/FeastSaintsViewer.asp?FSID=101336)

   

Icon of the Dormition of St. Nicholas (Icon courtesy of www.eikonografos.com, used with permission.)
   

And though the translation of St. Nicholas' relics is not celebrated as commonly in the Greek tradition (perhaps because of the sadness at such a loss, perhaps because many perceive that they were stolen, etc.), certain places in Greece do commemorate this feast. Most notably, many Orthodox of the Greek islands of the Ionian sea have both a special devotion to St. Nicholas and to this feast, most of all because they know that the Holy Relics had to have passed them on their way to Italy. The following info is an amateur translation from a Monastery of Strophado website, in which they outline the basis for their celebration of "The Passing-by of the Relics of St. Nicholas" on May 10th (taken from: http://imagd.blogspot.com/2008/05/blog-post.html):

 

"St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycea in the region of Asia Minor, is closely linked to our island [Zakynthos], because of the passage of the remains [Holy Relics] through the Ionian Sea, during the long journey from being transferred from Myra to Bari, Italy, in the spring of 1087.

Towards the end of 11th century, Myra saw the devastation from the incursions of the heathen Turks. According to tradition, Saint Nicholas appeared in sleep to a pious priest of the town of Bari and stressed the necessity to transfer the remains. Thus, Clergy and People of the region, with three ships, left for Myra, where without much difficulty they received the Holy Relics of the Saint, which remained buried for more than seven centuries, taking them to the "safety" of the West. They reached Bari on the 20th of May, when the relic was accepted with tears of emotion. There, later, was built a magnificent temple, where they were placed.

During this journey they must have passed the Ionian islands. It certainly is not historically documented which island they stopped at, but it is certain that the passage was recorded in the consciousness of pious people of Zakynthos. So, from then until now, this Passage is celebrated on the 10th of May, allegedly the day "St. Nicholas [who] Passed-by."

Thus, even though there are may be various emotions, opinions and disagreements about the fate of St. Nicholas' Remains, as Christians we can thank Christ our God for giving us such a great intercessor, who "passes-by" constantly to help and heal so many throughout the world. Even in the United States we have witnessed the Grace of Christ and the Relics of St. Nicholas work many healings, show forth weeping icons, and perform many miracles for the faithful. Until St. Nicholas' dying breath, he hoped and put his trust in the Lord. May we learn to have such hope in the Lord, and in the protection and help of His Saints.
      

Icon of St. Nicholas (by G. Gabala, from the Museum of Zakynthos) (taken from http://imagd.blogspot.com/2008/05/blog-post.html)

   
Apolytikion in the First Tone (amateur translations below)
Come let us all piously praise with hymns, the veneration of the divine relic of the blessed Shepherd, crying to him joyfully: Help us who faithfully praise you, we who are in all kinds of dangers, O Hierarch Nicholas. Glory to Christ Who glorified you, praising you with hymns, and Who radiantly showed you forth as our boast and an example of holiness.

Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone
Though you descended into the grave, O Nicholas, yet you visit us who hymn you, and you, as an intercessor towards God, grant to the faithful you entreat you, speedy help, O leader and Hierarch of the people of Myra.

Oikos
Open my mouth, O God my Savior, and fill it with divine wisdom, that I might be strengthened to worthily hymn the Great Teacher among Hierarchs, the Shepherd and Leader of the people of Myra, he who was truly innocent, undefiled, and blameless in all things, the protector of widows, the Father of orphans, the entreater for sinners, the savior of the innocent, and the guide and protector of those who sail the seas. And through the divine passage of his relic, he sanctified the world. But being astonished by the multitude of his divine graces, I cry to him with faith: Protect and preserve the world through your intercessions, O leader and Hierarch of the people of Myra.

Synaxarion
On this day [either May 9, 10, or 20] we celebrate the Passage of the Sacred and Holy Relic of our Father among the Saints, Nicholas Archbishop of Myra of Lycia, the wonderworker.

Megalynarion
With befitting words, let us all faithfully praise the holy passage of your body, O divine Nicholas, and may you protect those who call upon you from every danger, unharmed.
   
For the full service of the feast of the Translation, or the Passing of the Holy Relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (May 10th, written by St. Nikodemos of the Holy Mountain): http://full-of-grace-and-truth.blogspot.com/2015/05/service-for-translation-of-relics-of-st.html
  

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, enthroned (source)

   

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us!

St. Nicholas tearing-down the idols

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, detail, by Alevizakis (source)

  
More details from the life of St. Nicholas not included in the main post (taken from http://www.hismercy.ca/content/ebooks/The.Life.of.St.Nicholas.the.Wonderworker.pdf)

"So St. Nicholas tended the flock entrusted to him, the rational sheep of Christ. But the envious evil serpent, never ceasing to incite war against the servants of God and not enduring the flourishing of piety among the people, raised persecution against the Church of Christ through the impious emperors Diocletian and Maximtan.[13] At this same time, from these emperors an order was sent all over the empire that Christians must renounce Christ and worship idols. Those who did not submit to this order were compelled to it by confinement in prison and severe tortures and, finally, given over to execution. This storm breathing evil, by the fervor of the zealots of darkness and ungodliness, soon reached also the city of Myra. The blessed Nicholas, who was the leader of all Christians in this city, freely and boldly preached the piety of Christ and was ready to suffer for Christ. For this he was seized by impious torturers and confined in prison together with many Christians. He remained not a little time, bearing severe suffering, enduring hunger and thirst and an overcrowded dungeon. He led his fellow prisoners on the word of God and quenched their thirst with the water of piety; confirming in them faith in Christ God, strengthening them on an indestructible foundation, he persuaded them to be firm in the
confession of Christ and to suffer eagerly for the truth.

 

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (source)

 

By this time Christians again were given freedom, and piety shone forth, like the sun alter dark storm clouds, and like some calm coolness after a storm. For Christ the Lover of mankind, looking upon His inheritance, annihilated the ungodly, casting down Diocletian and Maximian from the imperial throne and destroying the power of the adherents of Hellenic impiety. By the
appearance of His Cross to Constantine the Great, to whom He was pleased to entrust the kingdom of Rome, the Lord God "raised up a horn of salvation"[14] for His people. The Emperor Constantine, recognizing the One God and placing all his hope in Him, conquered all his enemies by the power of the precious Cross and ordered all temples of idols to be destroyed and Christian temples to be restored, and dispelled the vain hopes of his predecessors. He liberated all confined in prisons for Christ, and honoring them with great praises as courageous warriors, returned these confessors of Christ each to his fatherland.

At this time also the city of Myra again received its shepherd, the great bishop Nicholas, who had been deemed worthy of the crown of martyrdom. Bearing in himself the Divine grace, he, as before, healed the passions and ailments of people, and not only of the faithful, but also the unbelievers. Because of the great grace of God that dwelt in him, many glorified him and were astonished at him and all loved him. For he shone with purity of heart and was endowed with all the gifts of God, serving his Lord in holiness and righteousness.

At that time there remained still many Hellenic temples, to which impious people were attracted by devilish suggestion and many inhabitants of Myra remained in perdition. The archbishop of the Most High God, animated by Divine zeal, visited all these places, destroying and turning into dust the temples of the idols and purifying his flock from diabolical defilement. Thus fighting with evil spirits, St. Nicholas came to the temple of Diana,[15] which was very large and richly adorned. presenting an agreeable dwelling for demons. St. Nicholas destroyed this polluted temple, leveled its high edifice to the ground and the very foundation of the temple, which was in the earth, he scattered in the air, taking up arms more against the demons than against the temple itself. The evil spirits, not enduring the arrival of the servant of God, uttered doleful cries, but, vanquished by the weapon of prayer of the unconquerable warrior of Christ, St. Nicholas, they were forced to flee from their habitation."

Fresco of St. Nicholas tearing-down the temples of the idols, from Decani Monastery (http://www.srpskoblago.org/Archives/Decani/)

The Life of St. Nicholas Archbishop of Myra the Wonderworker

Icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra of Lycia - Commemorated on December 6th (by G. Gabala, from the Museum of Zakynthos; taken from http://imagd.blogspot.com/2008/05/blog-post.html)

  

"Life of St Nicholas the Wonderworker - Commemorated 6th / 19th December

'The truth of things hath revealed thee to thy flock as a rule of faith, an icon of meekness, and a teacher of temperance; for this cause, thou hast achieved the heights by humility, riches by poverty. O Father and Hierarch Nicholas, intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.'

So reads the troparion of St Nicholas, hierarch of the Church of Myra in Lycia (now Demra in Turkey), known as 'wonderworker' and 'father' throughout the Christian world. He is beloved in the Orthodox Church, and indeed far beyond, for his kindness, almsgiving and aid, meted out both during his earthly life and after. As one of the multitude of English lives of the saint joyously proclaims, 'he is one of the best known and best loved saints of all time.' And in another: 'The name of the great saint of God, the hierarch and wonderworker Nicholas, a speedy helper and suppliant for all hastening to him, is famed in every corner of the earth, in many lands and among many peoples. In Russia there are a multitude of cathedrals, monasteries and churches consecrated in his name. There is, perhaps, not a single city without a church dedicated to his honour.'

[Also, in the tradition of the Orthodox Church, while every day of the week signifies a different generic celebration besides that of the specific date (e.g. Monday is the Holy Angels, Tuesday Saint John the Forerunner, etc.), Thursday is dedicated to honor the Holy Apostles and Saint Nicholas. Thus, when there is no major feast hymns to the Apostles and St. Nicholas are chanted every Thursday. This is one more indication of the reverence which the Holy Fathers have for the Saint.]

Childhood and early life

St Nicholas was born (c. 270) in the the region of Lycia (southern Asia Minor), in the city of Patara. His parents, Theophanes and Nonna, were both pious Christians, and being childless until his arrival, consecrated Nicholas to God at his birth (the name Nicholas meaning 'Conqueror of nations'). His birth considered by both an answer to their prayer, and especially the prayer issued during Nonna's illness, his mother was said to have been healed immediately after giving birth. Nicholas would always remember his parents' love and devotion to God, and in his later years promised to come to the aid of those who remembered them in their prayers.

Various traditions recount signs of Nicholas' future glory as 'wonderworker' (Gr. thaumatourgos), apparent already in his earliest childhood. One recalls that as an infant in the baptismal font, Nicholas stood on his feet for three hours in honour of the Trinity. Another proclaims him a childhood faster, not accepting milk from his mother until after the conclusion of evening prayers on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Fresco of the Birth of St. Nicholas(http://www.srpskoblago.org/Archives/Pec/exhibits/StNicholasChurch/Altar/SouthPartOfVault/IMG_1764_l.html)

His later life revealed that Nicholas had from a young age been absorbed in the study of the Church's sacred scriptures. He thrived on reading divine texts, and earned a reputation as a devoted youth who often would not leave the church, reading the sacred texts late into the night.

Fresco depicting St. Nicholas going to school (http://www.srpskoblago.org/Archives/Pec/exhibits/StNicholasChurch/Nave/SouthPartOfVault/IMG_1689_l.html)

Such activity soon came to the attention of the local bishop, Nicholas' uncle (his father's brother), also called Nicholas. Seeing his nephew's fervour for the Christian life, this elder Bishop Nicholas of Patara tonsured him reader, and later ordained him priest. At Fr Nicholas' ordination, the elder Bishop Nicholas remarked:

'I see, brethren, a new sun rising above the earth and manifesting in himself a gracious consolation for the afflicted. Blessed is the flock that will be worthy to have him as its pastor, because this one will shepherd well the souls of those who have gone astray, will nourish them on the pasturage of piety, and will be a merciful helper in misfortune and tribulation.'

Fresco of St. Nicholas being Ordained as a Priest from Decani Monastery(http://www.srpskoblago.org/Archives/Decani/)

  

The newly-ordained Fr Nicholas' special charge as assistant to the bishop of Patara was the instruction of the faithful, a unique and uncommon role, given his young age.

The ministry of Fr. Nicholas
Nicholas approached his duties as priest and teacher of the faith with the same fervour his uncle had witnessed in him during his childhood. Despite his youthfulness, many of the faithful considered him an elder, and his ability to respond to questions of the faith in love and wisdom earned him the deep respect of those in the city. He was noted in particular for the fervency of his prayer and kind-hearted nature, and the attention to charitable work that characterised his priestly ministry. Following the injunction of Christ, Fr Nicholas sold his possessions and, following his parents deaths a few years after his ordination, distributed his inheritance to the poor and afflicted, who would often seek him out for assistance.

 

St. Nicholas saving the three poor girls and their father (source)

 

In one of his most well-known acts of selflessness as a young priest, Fr Nicholas reacted to the intention of a wealthy businessman of Patara who had fallen on hard times and lost his fortune. Desparate, the man had determined to sell the bodies of his three daughters in order to raise funds for the family. Hearing of the plan (in some accounts, through a divine revelation), Fr Nicholas called by his home in secret during the night and threw an offering of gold—three hundred coins wrapped in a handkercheif[1]—through the man's window. Convinced of the goodness of the gesture, though unaware of the identity of his benefactor, the man used the funds to arrange for his eldest daughter to be married honourably to a nobleman. Later the man arose to find the act had been repeated; and eventually, a third time. In each instance, the priest made his offering secretly, attempting to conceal his works of charity.[2]

Fresco of St. Nicholas saving the Three Maidens from Decani Monastery (http://www.srpskoblago.org/Archives/Decani/)

  

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

Following the example of his bishop, who had made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land a few months before, Fr Nicholas requested to travel to Jerusalem himself, to visit the holy places of the city. Icons today continue to recount the miraculous nature of his voyage there by ship, during which a great storm arose (Nicholas having earlier predicted that it would). Seeing in a vision the devil climbing aboard the ship, Nicholas warned the crew and prayed for the salvation of the craft and its occupants, and the sea shortly calmed.

Icon of St. Nicholas saving those in danger at sea (Icon courtesy of www.eikonografos.com used with permission)

  

Arriving in the Holy Land, Nicholas made his pilgrimage of the holy places in Jerusalem, especially Golgotha where Christ was crucified.[3] Overcome by the reality of these places where the incarnate Son of the Father had walked and acted, Nicholas determined to retreat into the desert to live a life of solitude. But he was stopped by a divine voice, which forbad this course and urged him to return home. This he did, though still longing for quiet and the solitary life. Having been moved by his experiences on Mount Sion in Jerusalem, he entered the monastic community of Holy Sion in Lycia (which had earlier been founded by his uncle); but again, the Lord made known to him that this was not to be his path. The voice of the Lord is said to have come to him: 'Nicholas, if you desire to be vouchsafed a crown from me, go and struggle for the good of the world. This [monastery] is not the vineyard in which you shall bring forth the fruit I expect of you; but turn back, go into the world, and let my Name be glorified in you.'[4]

Desirous above all to follow the command of God, Nicholas departed the brotherhood of Holy Sion and moved to Myra.

Consecration to the episcopate
Shortly after his arrival in Myra, the elder Archbishop of that city, a certain John, died. There was some discussion as to who should succeed him as the chief bishop of the region, the local synod of bishops desirous that the new archbishop should not be an individual chosen by men for the office, but one revealed by God. One of their eldest number beheld a vision of the illumined Christ, who indicated that the old bishop should go into the church, for the one who was first to enter it that night—who would be called Nicholas—was he who should become the new archbishop.

The elder bishop went to the church to await Nicholas' arrival, in obedience to the vision. When Fr Nicholas arrived, the bishop stopped him.

'What is your name, child?' he asked.God's chosen one replied, 'My name is Nicholas, Master, and I am your servant.'The bishop took St Nicholas immediately to the other bishops and exclaimed, 'Brethren, receive your shepherd whom the Holy Spirit himself anointed and to whom he entrusted the care of your souls. He was not appointed by an assembly of men but by God himself. Now we have the one that we desired, and have found and accepted the one we sought. Under his rule and instruction we will not lack the hope that we will stand before God in the day of his appearing and revelation.'[5]

Detail of Fresco of St. Nicholas being ordained to the Episcopy

(http://www.srpskoblago.org/Archives/Decani/)

Nicholas was consecrated to the episcopacy during a tumultuous time in the life of the Church in Lycia. The persecutions under the emperor Diocletian (284-305) effected that region deeply, and for a time, Bishop Nicholas was imprisoned with other Christians for refusing to bow down and worship the idols of the imperial cult. He was remembered later for the exhortations he delivered to his fellow prisoners, urging them to endure with joy all that the Lord lay before them, whether chains, bonds, torture or even death.

Bishop Nicholas' imprisonment came to an end with the ascension of Constantine to the throne in the early fourth century. He returned to his flock in Myra, which received him with joy, and resumed his episcopal work. He was known as a great ascetic, as he had been since his childhood, and for his gentleness and love. But his kind-hearted spirit was also one of zeal, and with the new freedoms offered under the peace of Constantine (following the 'Edict of Milan' in 312), he was known to travel through his city, visiting pagan temples and overthrowing their shrines and idols.

Icon of the Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council (taken from: http://www.vlasiostsotsonis.com/main.php?go=toix)

  

The First Ecumenical Council, Nicaea 325

In the year 325, a great council of bishops, the largest in the history of the Church, was held in the city of Nicaea under the patronage of Emperor Constantine, who had, since his miraculous vision of the cross at Milvian bridge, himself converted to Christianity. This synod, which in later years would come to be known as the First Ecumenical Council (commemorated on the seventh Sunday after Pascha), was attended by over three hundred bishops from throughout the Christian world, to establish various canons of order for the growing Church, affirm the faith, and combat heresy. In particular, the teachings of Arius, a presbyter in Alexandria, were addressed and condemned by the council, which formulated a statement of faith that, with later refinements at Constantinople in 381, became the Creed of the Church.

Detail of icon depicting St. Nicholas striking Arius, from the Monastery of Panagia Soumela, Asia Minor (http://www.monachos.net/forum/album.php?albumid=1&pictureid=525)

St Nicholas was a participant at this council, and is particularly remembered for his zeal against Arius. Having openly combatted him with words, Bishop Nicholas, in a fit of fervour (some accounts indicate he was displeased with Arius' monopolisation of the meeting with his 'constant arguing'), went so far as to strike Arius on the face. Shocked by this behaviour, especially given that the canons forbid clergy from striking any one at all, yet uncertain of how to react to such actions by a hierarch they knew and respected, the fathers of the council determined to deprive Nicholas of his episcopal emblems (traditionally his omophorion and the Gospel book), and placed him under guard. However, a short time later, several of the assembled fathers reported having a common vision: the Lord and His Mother returning to Nicholas his episcopal items, instructing that he was not to be punished, for he had acted 'not out of passion, but extreme love and piety'.[6] This was taken as a sign that the extreme behaviour of Nicholas was nonetheless pleasing to God, who was thus restored to the fulness of his episcopal office. [7]

Icon of St. Nicholas showing Christ giving him the Holy Gospel, and Panagia giving him the omophorion. This vision helped vindicate him to the emperor and his fellow bishops. (Icon courtesy of http://www.eikonografos.com/ used with permission)

  

Nicholas the Wonderworker
St Nicholas' title 'wonderworker' comes from the multitude of reports of miracles that issued forth at his intercession, both during his life and after. The renown of his miraculous acts was widespread in his own lifetime. As he had secretly delivered gold, many years before, to the father of three destitute daughters, so he secretly delivered gold to an Italian merchent (by some accounts, this gold was left miraculously by an apparition of the saint appearing to the merchant in Italy), convincing him to sail to Myra with a shipment of grain. And so by his prayers and deeds, his city of Myra was rescued from a terrible famine.

The people of Myra being saved from famine by St. Nicholas(http://www.srpskoblago.org/Archives/Pec/)

  

One miracle, particularly widely known, was Bishop Nicholas' conversion of the local governor, who had been bribed into unjustly condeming three men to death. The saint approached the executioner, who had already raised his sword to issue the death-blow, and swiftly removed it from his hands. He then approached the governor and denounced his unjust action. This latter, convicted by St Nicholas' words, repented and asked the saint's forgiveness.

Fresco of St. Nicholas saving the Three Men from Execution (http://www.srpskoblago.org/Archives/Sopocani/exhibits/digital/chapel-n,miracles-an/large/sop-cx4j0631.jpg)
  

This episode is remembered as connected directly to another: for three officers of the imperial military were present to see St Nicholas stay this execution, who were later slanderously accused before the emperor, who condemned them to death. St Nicholas appeared to Emperor Constantine in a dream and urged him to reverse this sentence, which the emperor did.

St. Nicholas appearing to St. Constantine the Great in his dreams, fresco from Decani Monastery (http://www.srpskoblago.org/Archives/Decani/)
  

Many times, the saint's prayers were said to have saved those drowning in the sea (just a his prayers had calmed the sea on his own journey, as a young priest, to Jerusalem). Prisoners unjustly condemned prayed to him and were delivered. The poor prayed to him and were provided for. And so Nicholas' reputation as thaumatourgos was established during his life. It continues to this day.

The saint's departure

Living his life in ascetic labour and zealous ministry, St Nicholas fell asleep in the Lord at an old age (d. 6th December 343), by some accounts quite ill. A church was built in his honour by the residents of Myra, in which his relics were kept for many centuries.

[For more on the Dormition of St. Nicholas, and the Transferral of his Holy Relics, see: http://full-of-grace-and-truth.blogspot.com/2008/12/lord-in-you-i-have-hoped.html]

Icon of the Dormition of St. Nicholas (Icon courtesy of http://www.eikonografos.com/ used with permission)

  

Alexei Cominos ascended the throne of the Byzantine Empire in 1081, in which year Asia Minor suffered various attacks and threats of barbarian invasion. St Nicholas' relics at this time remained in his city of Myra. However, a priest in the Italian city of Bari soon beheld a vision in which Nicholas appeared and informed him that he did not wish to remain in a city as barren as the defeated Myra. He instructed the priest to remove his body from the city. After informing the residents of Bari of his vision, three ships were sent to Myra to retrieve the saint's relics.

On their arrival in the city in 1087, the travellers from Bari found the Church of St Nicholas in Myra abandoned, save for the presence of four devoted monks. These led the men to the coffin of the saint, which they had hid to keep it safe from invaders. On opening the coffin, the men found St Nicholas' relics flowing with myrrh which they collected in vials, before securing the coffin and placing it on one of the ships for the return voyage to Bari, accompanied by two of the Myran monks.

The original sarcophagus of St Nicholas, in Myra

Some time later, the ships arrived in Bari, and were met at the port by throngs of the local faithful. A great festal Liturgy was held in in the Church of St John the Forerunner and Baptist, to which the saint's relics were taken in procession. Craftsmen had fashioned an ornate silver box, into which St Nicholas' head and hands were placed, while the remainder of his relics remained in their original coffin from Myra.

A short time later, a large church was built and dedicated to St Nicholas, and the two boxes containing his relics were transferred to it from the Church of St John, where they remain to this day (this event is commemorated on 20th May / 2nd June).[8] Chrism continues to flow from the saint's relics, as it has for centuries.
  

The Holy Relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, treasured by the Holy Monastery of St. Nicholas, Andros, Greece (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOAtfPS7ky2gTm9dTXP5wW3WQR1NZoM6r4SjY5jDuEJzEiPsKtYSXOe05bU5IyeSftTx12ldu7ku_F1wTLgR7gS4_vsCQyuX6hddnr4EqIcLV4bPIttNKY-dd6Gwz2oe0JIQKnDKqhxmY/s1600/346011_1++196--%25CE%25B1.jpg)

  

Veneration of St Nicholas
The famous dismissal troparion for all holy hierarchs, 'The truth of things hath revealed thee to thy flock...', was composed originally for our saint, and it remains his particular troparion to this day. His chief hymns are as follows:

13th Century icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker with scenes from his life, from St. Catherine's Monastery, Mount Sinai (http://pravicon.com/images/sv/s1565/s1565001.jpg)  

  

Apolytikion (Troparion) in the Fourth Tone:

The truth of things hath revealed thee to thy flock as a rule of faith, an icon of meekness, and a teacher of temperance; for this cause, thou hast achieved the heights by humility, riches by poverty. O Father and Hierarch Nicholas, intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.

Kontakion in the Third Tone :

Saintly One, [St Nicholas] in Myra you proved yourself a priest; for in fulfilling the Gospel of Christ, venerable one, you laid down your life for your people and saved the innocent from death. For this you were sanctified as one learned in divine grace.

[The kontakion for St. Nicholas is also chanted in the service of Holy Unction, along with those of St. James, St. Demetrios, the Holy Unmercenaries, etc.]

St Nicholas is often known as the patron of all travellers, and in particular of those who travel by sea. It is common to pray to him for deliverance from floods, poverty, and misfortunes.

The feast of St Nicholas is kept in the Orthodox Church on 6th / 19th December. His memory is also kept on 9th / 22nd May (commemoration of the transfer of his relics), and 29th July / 11th August (his birth).

Appendix: Veneration of St Nicholas in Russia
Veneration to St Nicholas has always been particularly strong in Russia. This veneration stems from earliest Russian Christian imperial history. In the year 866, the first Christian prince of Russia, Askold (d. 882), was baptised with the name Nicholas by Patriarch Photius. Later, over this same Prince Nicholas Askold's grave in Kiev, St Olga founded the first temple of St Nicholas in the Russian Orthodox Church.

Today, cathedrals dedicated to St Nicholas are found in Zaraisk, Ostrov, Mozhaist, and Izborsk. The church of St Nicholas at Novgorod was also later elevated to cathedral status. Churches and monasteries dedicated to St Nicholas exist in Kiev, Pskov, Smolensk, Galich, Toropetsa, Tobolsk, Great Ustiug and elsewhere. At one point in its history, the city of Moscow alone had over a dozen churches dedicated to St Nicholas, as well as three monasteries in the diocese of the city. Indeed, one of the main towers of the Kremlin is called 'St Nicholas Tower'.

These are but the major churches bearing his dedication. Throughout Russia, village churches dedicated to the saint are abundant, especially near markets or merchant quarters, since St Nicholas has often been taken as the patron of merchants and travellers.

The icon depicted in metal relief at right, 'St Nicholas of Mozhaisk', is especially popular in Russia. It depicts the saint in full stature, bearing a sword in his right hand and a city in his left. This icon commemorates the deliverance of the city of Mozhaisk from an attack, through the prayers of St Nicholas.

Notes
[1] According to another version, he enclosed the gold coins in an old stocking; hence the origin of the tradition of Christmas stockings filled with gifts.

[2] By some accounts, the man and his third daughter stayed up during the night to await their mysterious benefactor, and encountered Fr Nicholas making his gift. Nicholas requested that his identity be kept secret. In this expanded tradition, the father is said to have proclaimed, after receiving St Nicholas' second offering of gold: 'O merciful God, author of our salvation, who has redeemed me by your own blood and now redeems by gold my home and my daughters from the nets of the enemy, do you yourself show me the minister of your mercy and your philanthropic goodness. Show me this earthly angel who preserves us from sinful perdition, so that I might know who has snatched us from the poverty which oppresses us from evil thoughts and intentions. O Lord, by your mercy secretly done for me by the generous hand of your servant unknown to me, I can give my second daughter lawfully into marriage and with this escape the snares of the devil, who desired by a tainted gain, or even without it, to increase my great ruin.' Following this prayer, the identity of St Nicholas is revealed to him on his third visit.

Fresco showing the father of the Three Maidens thanking St. Nicholas, from Decani Monastery (http://www.srpskoblago.org/Archives/Decani/)

  

[3] There is a widespread tradition that, at one of the churches in Jerusalem, the closed doors miraculously opened for the saint, allowing him unhindered entrance to reverence the holy site.

[4] According to some accounts, the message was somewhat more brief: 'Nicholas, this is not the vineyard in which you shall bear fruit for me. Return to the world, and there glorify my Name.'

[5] This is a compilation of the bishop's remarks, taken from several accounts as seems most uniform across them. See the Life of St Nicholas on the OCA web site (see Sources, below); on The Church Messenger site, etc.

[6] From the Life of St Nicholas on the GOARCH web site (see Sources, below).

[7] Accounts of this episode vary. By some, Nicholas was in fact censured and placed under guard, and this act was later reversed upon the vision of various fathers; by others, the vision pre-empted the censure, and Nicholas was not deprived of his episcopal emblems. By yet another tradition, Arius complained of his maltreatment and thus Nicholas was confined, during which time the vision appeared to him, though the omophorion and Gospel book were not apparitions but real. These he showed to the guards the next morning, who reported the miracle. The bishop was then released under orders of the emperor.

[8] It is recognised by almost all sources that St Nicholas' relics remain in Bari. However, a story exists of their transfer to Russia, which some commemorate on 9th / 22nd May. "

(taken from: http://www.stnicholas-oxford.org/parish/docs/51-life-of-st-nicholas-the-wonderworker?title=Life_of_St_Nicholas_the_Wonderworker)

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra of Lycia (http://pravicon.com/images/sv/s1565/s1565010.jpg)

  

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!

The Miraculous Icon of the Theotokos "Of the Three Hands" and St. John of Damascus

"Synaxis of the Icon of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos "Of the Three Hands." [Celebrated June 28th]

Original Icon of the Theotokos "Of the Three Hands" (Icon courtesy of www.eikonografos.com used with permission)

"The great defender of the Orthodox Faith against the Iconoclasts, our righteous Father John of Damascus (See Dec. 4), was slandered to the Caliph of Damascus by the Iconoclast Emperor Leo the Isaurian (reigned 717-741). Saint John was accused of sedition and his right hand was cut off. Having asked for the severed hand, Saint John passed the night in great pain, praying for the aid of the most holy Theotokos."

[The Immaculate Virgin appeared to the sufferer in his sleep, and gazing mercifully at him said: "Thy hand is now whole; sorrow no more". (http://www.balamand.edu.lb/theology/live_of_saint_john_of_damascus.htm)]

"Awaking from sleep, he found that his hand had been miraculously restored, with only a red scar about the wrist where it had been severed, as a testimony to the wonderous healing. In thanksgiving, he had a silver hand attached to the icon to commemorate this great miracle."

St. John of Damascus entreating the Theotokos for healing (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpbovWqdUiTbH3MqNVab4F3rkkcZ7cjonpi_NlyScVu9h1rWcmfPWNTVTAbZ1GMeEQG62AmiCzssTCXM1TBCI43qGQP2XnIenZ3gZ3ubfGQ0I6Q5O35ECuXd8LVJKt-u9NDoSRh7f_RZg/s1600/ag-Ioannis-Dam-Peristeri-2010.jpg)

   

[John composed in his soul the hymn: "In thee, O Full of Grace, all creation rejoiceth". This hymn is sung in Church till now at the Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great. (http://www.balamand.edu.lb/theology/live_of_saint_john_of_damascus.htm) (See full text below: "Because of you, O Full of grace...")]

"On becoming a monk in the lavra of Saint Sabbas the Sanctified in the Holy Land, John brought the icon with him. There it remained until the thirteenth century, when it was given to Saint Sabbas of Serbia (see Jan. 14), who brought it to Serbia, where it remained for a time. Later, it was miraculously transported by an unguided donkey that carried it to the Serbian Monastery of Hilandar on the Holy Mountain, Athos, where it remains to this day."

(http://www.goarch.org/chapel/saints/2339)
   

Note: the full service of the Tricherousa Icon of the Theotokos (in Greek), is available here: http://voutsinasilias.blogspot.com/2009/07/12.html.

  

Icon of the Theotokos, "In thee, O Full-of-grace..." (http://www.belygorod.ru/img2/Ikona/Used/0Dionisiy_OTebeRaduetXVIvGTG.jpg)

  

The Great Megalynarion

Because of you, O Full of grace, all creation rejoices, the ranks of Angels and the human race; hallowed Temple and spiritual Paradise, pride of Virgins; from you God was incarnate and he, who is our God before the ages, became a little child. For He made your womb a throne and caused it to become wider than the heavens. Because of you, O Full of grace, all creation rejoices; glory to you.
(http://www.anastasis.org.uk/small_compline.htm)

  

Apolytikion of the Icon of the Theotokos "Of the Three Hands" in the Fourth Tone

From the Palestine, godly-minded Sabbas brought unto us thy ven'rable icon, which is known as Of the Three Hands, O all-holy Bride of God. Wherefore, since the monks of Hilandar now possess it as their boast, they send up hymns of praise and thanksgiving, while crying out with fervour: Rejoice, thou who art full of grace.

Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone

Come, let us worship the famed icon of the Queen of all called: Of the Three Hands, for the fearful marvel which it wrought; and with fervent faith and longing, come, let us cry out: O pure Maiden, keep thy monastery and thy flock from all dangers, tribulations, and adversities, for we cry to thee: Rejoice, thou help and defence of all.

Icon of St. John of Damascus (Icon courtesy of http://www.eikonografos.com/ used with permission)
   

Most-holy Theotokos save us!

The Funeral Hymns of St. John of Damascus

Icon of Christ being prepared for burial (taken from: http://www.eikastikon.gr/xristianika/kris/index_2.html)

Some of the most beautiful hymns of the funeral service were written by St. John of Damascus, who celebrates tomorrow (December 4th). The story behind them, and the texts themselves are very moving:

St. John was once a powerful and wise member of the royal court. He however abandoned all this and became a monk. "Only once did John disobey the instructions that were his rule of life in the monastery. A fellow monk had lost his brother and could not be consoled. Knowing of John's ability to compose music and poetry, he begged him to write a funeral hymn for his dead brother. Because his elder had left the monastery for a few days, John refused, for he had agreed to do nothing without the elder's direction and consent. Finally, however, he felt so sorry for the bereaved monk that he consented, and wrote one of his most beautiful hymns--which has become part of the Orthodox funeral service.

The monk was very moved by the lovely hymn and thanked John for helping him in his grief. But when the elder returned and heard of John's deed, he wanted nothing more to do with him for he had disobeyed his rule. John begged the elder to forgive him, but to no avail. The other monks also petitioned the older monk to take him back, even if it meant giving John a penance. The elder finally relented. He gave him the worst job in the monastery, and also forbid him to write any more hymns. John accepted gratefully and willingly carried out all his duties.

Icon of the Theotokos "Of the Three Hands" through which St. John of Damascus was healed (Icon courtesy of www.eikonografos.com used with permission)
  

One night the elder had a vision. The mother of God appeared to him in a dream and said: "Why have you sealed the spring of fresh water for which the whole world is thirsty? Let it pour freely and comfort those in need. Let John praise God through his songs." The elder then realized that he had dealt wrongly with John and hurried to him, asking forgiveness for his sternness and bluntness. He knelt and bowed low before John to beg his pardon. The talent which had been given to John could now be used to the glory of God." (http://www.stjohnofdamascus.org/home22)
  

Icon of St. John of Damascus by Photi Kontouglou (Icons courtesy of www.eikonografos.com used with permission)
  

The hymns by St. John of Damascus, taken from http://www.goarch.org/chapel/liturgical_texts/funeral2:

Tone I

Where is the pleasure in life which is unmixed with sorrow? Where the glory which on earth has stood firm and unchanged? All things are weaker than shadow, all more illusive than dreams; comes one fell stroke, and Death in turn, prevails over all these vanities. Wherefore in the Light, O Christ, of Your countenance, the sweetness of Your beauty, to him (her) whom You have chosen grant repose, for You are the Friend of Mankind.

Tone 2

Like a blossom that wastes away, and like a dream that passes and is gone, so is every mortal into dust resolved; but again, when the trumpet sounds its call, as though at a quaking of the earth, all the dead shall arise and go forth to meet You, O Christ our God: on that day, O Lord, for him (her) whom You have withdrawn from among us appoint a place in the tentings of Your Saints;yea, for the spirit of Your servant, O Christ.

Another in Tone 2

Alas! What an agony the soul endures when from the body it is parting; how many are her tears for weeping, but there is none that will show compassion: unto the angels she turns with downcast eyes; useless are her supplications; and unto men she extends her imploring hands, but finds none to bring her rescue. Thus, my beloved brethren, let us all ponder well how brief is the span of our life; and peaceful rest for him (her) that now is gone, let us ask of Christ, and also His abundant mercy for our souls.

Tone 3

Vanity are all the works and quests of man, and they have no being after death has come; our wealth is with us no longer. How can our glory go with us? For when death has come all these things are vanished clean away. Wherefore to Christ the Immortal King let us cry, "To him (her) that has departed grant repose where a home is prepared for all those whose hearts You have filled with gladness."

Tone 4

Terror truly past compare is by the mystery of death inspired; now the soul and the body part, disjoined by resistless might, and their concord is broken; and the bond of nature which made them live and grow as one, now by the edict of God is rest in twain. Wherefore now we implore Your aid grant that Your servant now gone to rest where the just that are Yours abide, Life-bestower and Friend of Mankind.

Tone 4

Where is now our affection for earthly things? Where is now the alluring pomp of transient questing? Where is now our gold, and our silver? Where is now the surging crowd of domestics, and their busy cries? All is dust, all is ashes, all is shadow. Wherefore draw near that we may cry to our immortal King, "Lord, Your everlasting blessings vouchsafe unto him (her) that now has gone away. bringing him (her) to repose in that blessedness which never grows old."

  

Icon of St. Sisoes the Great Ascetic before the tomb of Alexander the Great (Icon courtesy of www.eikonografos.com used with permission)

  

Tone 5

I Called to mind the Prophet who shouted, "I am but earth and ash." And once again I looked with attention on the tombs, and I saw the bones therein which of flesh were naked; and I said, "Which indeed is he that is king? Or which is soldier? Which is the wealthy, which the needy? Which the righteous, or which the sinner?" But to Your servant, O Lord, grant that with the righteous he (she) may repose.

Tone 6

My beginning and foundation was the form;bestowing Word of Your commandment; for it pleased You to make me by compounding visible and invisible nature into a living thing. out of earth was my body formed and made, but a soul You gave me by the Divine and Life-creating In; breathing. Wherefore, O Christ, to Your servant in the land of the living, in the courts of the righteous, do You grant repose.

Tone 7

Bring to his (her) rest, O our Savior, You giver of life, our brother (sister) whom You have withdrawn from this transient world, for he (she) lifts up his (her) voice to cry: "Glory to You."

Another in Tone 7

When in Your own image and likeness You in the beginning did create and fashion man, You gave him a home in Paradise, and made him the chief of your creation. But by the devil's envy, alas, beguiled to eat the fruit forbidden, transgressor then of Your commandments he became; wherefore back to earth, from which he first was taken, You did sentence him to return again, O Lord, and to pray You to give him rest.

Plagal of the Fourth Tone

Weep, and with tears lament when with understanding I think on death, and see how in the graves there sleeps the beauty which once for us was fashioned in the image of God, but now is shapeless, ignoble, and bare of all the graces. O how strange a thing; what is this mystery which concerns us humans? Why were we given up to decay? And why to death united in wedlock? Truly, as it is written, these things come to pass by ordinance of God, Who to him (her) now gone gives rest

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

The death which You have endured, O Lord, is become the harbinger of deathlessness; if You had not been laid in Your tomb, then would not the gates of Paradise have been opened;wherefore to him (her) now gone from us give rest, for You are the Friend of Mankind.

Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Virgin chaste and holy, Gateway of the Word, Mother of our God, make supplication that his (her) soul find mercy.

  

Icon of the Holy Resurrection of Christ, Christ descending to Hades to raise the dead (Icon courtesy of http://www.eikonografos.com/ used with permission)

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!

St. Angelis the Neomartyr, the Physician of Argos

Icon of the Prophet Zephaniah and St. Angelis the New Martyr, the Physician of Argos (+1813) - Commemorated on December 3rd (taken from: http://christopherklitou.com/icon_3_dec_zephaniah_prophet_angeles_newmartyr_of_argos.htm)

(The following is an amateur translation/summary of Greek text from http://www.synaxaristis.googlepages.com/3δεκεμβριου, and Witnesses for Christ by Vaporis, the latter of which is an excellent book with translations of the lives of many Neomartyrs for Christ under the Ottoman Turks)

Fervent, silent, and obedient was the pious Angelis, who took up medicine as his profession in Argos [Greece]. In a religious debate with a Frenchman, he sought to defend the Christian faith by agreeing to duel the Frenchman, while only armed with a stick. The Frenchman, in the face of Angelis' faith backed down, and Angelis was declared the winner. Angelis despaired however, because he had decided to witness for Christ. He then abandoned medicine and closed the shop in his house. And suddenly, for unknown reasons, on the Saturday of Lazarus of the year 1813, he denied Christ and became a Muslim! Because he created a scene in a café in Nafplion, and was drunk, the authorities banished him to the island of Chios. Many of his actions seemed strange, and were reminiscent of other "fools-for-Christ". He repented there, and cried every day with tears of repentance in their temples, prayed and gave alms. He also gave reasons to the Turks, seeking martyrdom. Once he went to a Customs House and confessed that he was a Christian. The Turks mercilessly beat him and locked him in irons in the prison in the Castle of Chios. But because he remained steadfast in the Christian confession, he was beheaded on December 3rd 1813.

According to the first source above, St. Angelis is the protector of empirical doctors [i.e. practical, experienced doctors, without scientific knowledge], wrestlers, and those who suffer from psychological problems.

Icon of St. Angelis the Neomartyr, the Physician from Argos, martyred in Chios in 1813 (Icon courtesy of www.eikonografos.com, used with permission.)

Apolytikion for a Martyr - 4th Mode

Thy Martyr, O Lord, in his courageous contest for Thee, received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and Life from Thee our Immortal God. For since he possessed they strength, he cast down the tyrants, and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by his prayers, save our souls since Thou art merciful.

(translation from Holy Transfiguration Monastery and goarch.org)

Απολυτίκιον. Ήχος α`. Χορός αγγελικός.

Χορός αγγελικός Αγγελή Νεομάρτυς, και δήμος Αθλητών, επεκρότησαν άνω, την σην υπέρ της πίστεως, καρτερίαν και ένστασιν, και το πνεύμα σου μετ` ευφροσύνης λαβόντες, ανεβίβασαν, εις ουρανού μετά δόξης, Χριστώ τω Θεώ ημών.

(taken from: http://voutsinasilias.blogspot.com/2008/12/3.html)

Apolytikion for St. Angelis the New Martyr, the Physician - 1st Tone "The choirs of Angels..." (amateur translation from above Greek)

The choir of Angels, O Neomartyr Angelis, and the city of Champions, clap their hands above, at your endurance and steadfastness for the faith, and they receive your spirit, leading it to the heavens with glory, to Christ our God.

St. Angelis the New Martyr, intercede for us!

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!