Nativity of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker

Commemorated on July 29.

On July 29, the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates the Nativity of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, the Bishop of Myra in Lycia, who is one of the most revered saints in Russia.

In addition to the two main holidays dedicated to Saint Nicholas, celebrated on December 6 (the saint's blessed repose) and May 9 (the transfer of his holy relics to the city of Bari), there are other days when the Church remembers the God-pleaser Nicholas.

The Feast of his Nativity was not very widely known in Russia, but in 2004, with the blessing of Patriarch Alexis II of Moscow and All Russia, the celebration of the Nativity of Saint Nicholas was revived.

Troparion

In truth you were revealed to your flock as a rule of faith,
an image of humility and a teacher of abstinence;
your humility exalted you;
your poverty enriched you.
Hierarch Father Nicholas,
entreat Christ our God
that our souls may be saved.

Kontakion

You revealed yourself, O saint, in Myra as a priest,
for you fulfilled the Gospel of Christ
by giving up your soul for your people,
and saving the innocent from death.
Therefore you are blessed as one become wise in the grace of God.