The Holy Church glorifies today the Holy Hierarch and Wonderworker Nicholas, the Archbishop of Myra in Lycia. The church hymns speak of him as the provider for the hungry, the guardian of those suffering trouble at sea, and the speedy helper of all who are in trouble and sorrow. The holy God-pleasing saint lived at the end of the 3rd and the beginning of the 4th century, but the memory of him has survived until now. People all over the earth honor him and resort to him as a speedy intercessor in prayer and helper in every need and trouble.

The holy saint of Christ Nicholas was famous for his mercy, compassion and help to the afflicted. Stern, austere and taciturn in appearance, he was known for utmost kindness, a tender heart and compassion to all who grieved and suffered. He always hastened to the aid of those who called upon him. These and many other virtues, including righteousness, charity, and piety that graced him at his lifetime, they teach us even today how to live a God-pleasing life. That is why he is especially loved and revered among people, not only the Orthodox, but also the non-Orthodox Christians and non-Christians alike. Many churches were built in his honor in the Russian lands, his very name is favored among the Orthodox Russians, and boys are often called in his honor in Christian families.

In the Seraphim-Diveyevo monastery, the sketes and metochions, six altars were consecrated in honor of St. Nicholas. On the evening before the feast, the All-Night Vigil was held in the Trinity and Kazan Cathedrals. Today’s liturgy was celebrated at every altar dedicated to St. Nicholas, as well as services were held in the Kazan, Trinity and Transfiguration Cathedrals in the monastery proper. Besides, paraklesis with water-blessing service was held in the Kazan Cathedral.