St. Nicholas

“The Navy remains the continuator of these traditions, namely, Greek sovereignty in the Aegean. And it also remains the guarantor of the sovereignty and sovereign rights of Hellenism at sea,” Nikos Dendias said, during his address at the Naval Cadet School, on the occasion of the celebration of St. Nicholas, patron saint of the Navy.

Today, the Orthodox Church celebrates the memory of St. Nicholas of Myra, known as the Wonderworker, with a holiday widely referred to as St. Nicholas Day or in Bulgaria: "Nikulden"/"Никулден". One of Christianity's most venerated saints, St. Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors, fishermen, and maritime professionals, including captains, engineers, and dock workers.

St. Nicholas, standing white and bright in the heart of Manhattan, is crafted entirely from Pentelic marble. It serves as a reminder of resilience, located just a few steps from the site where, 23 years ago, one of the darkest days in U.S. history was written in blood. Yet, it conveys that light will always conquer darkness.

Bulgarians across the country observed the Day of Saint Nicholas on December 6, known as Nikulden, commemorating the revered figure of St. Nicholas of Myra. Originating from Patara in Asia Minor in the 3rd century, St. Nicholas led a pious life, aiding the destitute and weak while embodying the principles of faith and truth.

The white-bearded Christian saint whose acts of generosity inspired America's secular Santa Claus figure is known worldwide - but Saint Nicholas' origin story is not.

The legends surrounding jolly old St Nicholas - celebrated annually on December 6 - go way beyond delivering candy and toys to children.

WHO WAS ST NICHOLAS?

An excavation team has unearthed the exact place of the tomb of Saint Nicholas, also known as "Santa Claus," and the floor on which he walked, inside the St. Nicholas Church in the southern province of Antalya's Demre district.

The liturgy was supposed to be held on the occasion of Savior's Day.
"This morning around half past five, the clergy from the church of St. Nicholas started to serve the holy liturgy on the occasion of Savior's Day in the Church of Christ the Savior in Pristina, however, after the policeman identified us, he forbade us to unlock the church," says Father Stanisa.

Thousands of Bulgarians have a name day today, sailors and bankers celebrate as well, the Church honors St. Nicholas the Miracle Worker of Myra. St. Nicholas Day is also the day of the Bulgarian city Burgas.

The name means "winner", name day celebrate people with the names: Nikola, Nikolay, Nikolina, Nikoleta, Nina, Kolyo and their derivatives.

The reaction, at least those from the educational community, was mostly caused by the attitude of epidemiologist and member of the Crisis Staff Dr Predrag Kon, who warned that the winter break should begin before St. Nicholas, which is celebrated on December 19, because that is the period when gastarbeiters enter our country, as they come from European countries where the delta strain reigns.

The opening of St. Nicholas was one of the highlights of the twelve-day official visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the United States