With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, the feast of Saint Nicholas of Myra joyfully began with a Moleben of thanksgiving, with festive Divine Liturgy on Sunday December 16, 2018.
On this day we preached about the life of Saint Nicholas of Myra the wonderworker, that Saint Nicholas was very humble and generous, known for his abundant mercy to all. We talked of his beneficence toward the poor, and his advocacy for those unjustly accused and imprisoned. As a pious hierarch, Saint Nicholas was always concerned for the welfare and the spiritual well-being of his flock. He was known for his deeds of kindness as well as for working miracles on behalf of those in need. Saint Nicholas continues to intercede with Christ, our Merciful Lord, for the Salvation of those who seek his prayers and powerful intercession. He is known as the patron saint of sailors and of children, and also of the Russian land. We venerate his memory, hoping to follow his good example, and ask him to pray for the salvation of our souls.
We also shared with the faithful that Saint Nicholas of Myra helps us during the blessed season of the Nativity Fast to intensify our spiritual lives in order to prepare our souls and bodies for the feast of Christmas!
The faithful venerate the icon Saint Nicholas of Myra and ask help from the saint for their families and Christmas needs:
After the sermon, people were given time to light the candles in front of the icon of Saint Nicholas of Myra the Wonderworker. The faithful were asked to pray to Saint Nicholas in these blessed days of Nativity Fast. Each family was given an icon of Saint Nicholas as a blessing to keep at their homes.
Humble Request to generous donors:
With blessings of His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, I humbly ask you to support the mission’s work in Pakistan. Every year the ROCOR Mission in Pakistan distributes rations and warm clothes among widows and the needy Orthodox families, and small gifts to Orthodox children to share the happiness, joy and blessings of Christmas. This year again with the blessings of God I wish to repeat this event again. Following the teaching of Saint Nicholas of Myra that is abundant mercy and generosity for the poor, please support the mission and share your Christmas joys and happiness with your Orthodox brothers and sisters in Pakistan.
Saint Nicholas of Myra pray for us! Amen.
