Friends!

I congratulate all of you on the St. Nicholas Day! Today, more than ever it is necessary to believe that miracle happens. And it is quite close. I'll tell you some interesting facts about the holiday.

Nicholas was born in Minor Asia in the wealthy family. Even from an early age he felt his purpose - to serve God.Young man was a scientist, so he moved to Miru, to continue training. His uncle bishop ordained him into a priest. There is a version that the family of Nicholas was associated with fishing, so he is considered as the patron saint of sailors and travelers. But mostly he is known as Nicholas, protector of children, orphans and the common people.

His inherited Nicholas gave to the poor. There are many legends about other his good works. For example, one day he decided to help the three sisters, whom no one wanted to marry because of poverty. At night, Nicholas threw three bags of gold coins into the pipe flue to save their lives. He helped to others, secretly carried to homes warm clothes and toys for children, medicine for the sick people. For this sincere help he was elected a bishop. During a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, at the request of Nicholas sea calmed. Through his prayer revived sailor, who felt from the mast and crashed to death. And it is only a small part of the miracle stories about St. Nicholas.

On the Ukrainian land people started to revere this saint long ago. The 9th rule of the Charter of Kiev Metropolitan George (1072), mentioned that the feast day of St. Nicholas was communion. Back in the 10th century in Przemysl rotunda was dedicated to St. Nicholas. Later in the Askold grave lord Olmo built him a church. In Lviv, the church of St. Nicholas was built in the 13th century.

St. Nicholas Day was celebrated in Western Ukraine from the 19th century. There tradition remained even in Soviet times. But in Kiev, the first official mention of it was in 1990 - then staged a celebration for 700 children from large families.

Friends! I am sure all of us find this day extremely enjoyable. In the morning you had time to entertain your children,because of that you have high spirits. Do not forget to congratulate those, who do not have parental attention. We have to do good deeds and try to contribute the fulfillment of dreams of others.

"Oh, anyone who loves Nicholas,
Oh, one who believes Nicholas,
So St. Nicholas
Just give them profit;
Nicholas! "