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Inseparable from the liturgical tradition, religious
art is seen by Orthodox Christians as a form of
pictorial confession of faith and a channel of
religious experience. Because the icons provide
direct personal contact with the holy persons
represented on them, these images were objects
of veneration, in either a public or private
setting, and were even believed to have the
ability to heal.
Saint Nicholas, who lived in the 4th Century, is
the patron saint of Russia, as well as children,
scholars, virgins, sailors, and merchants. The
accounts of his life are confused and historically
unconfirmed. According to tradition, he was a
native of Patara, formerly a city in the ancient
district of Lycia, Asia Minor. Nicholas entered the
nearby monastery of Sion and subsequently
became archbishop of the metropolitan church
in Myra, Lycia. At the end of the 11th century
some Italian merchants transported his remains
from Myra to Bari, Italy, where his tomb is now a
shrine. Legend tells of his surreptitious gifts to
the three daughters of a poor man, who, unable
to give them dowries, was about to abandon
them to prostitution. From this tale has grown
the custom of secret gifts on the Eve of Saint
Nicholas. Today, he is traditionally associated
with modern Christmas celebrations.
- (CK.0587)
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