“Throughout the centuries, Saint Nicholas has become a symbol of a Christian civilization where generosity holds a central place,” said Patriarch Daniel in his homily on Friday.
“He became popular not because he was highly educated, built extensively, or wrote prolifically, but because he showed great humble and merciful love. He defended the oppressed, the humiliated, and the poor, helping all in need of God’s aid,” the Patriarch added.
“This kindness of Saint Nicholas, his gentleness, compassion, mercy and generosity, make him like God the Good, Merciful Father. That is why the Saviour Himself says: Be merciful, just as your Father in heaven is merciful,” His Beatitude also said.
A Reflection of God’s Merciful Kindness
“Saint Nicholas is a popular and beloved saint because he was merciful and loving. He was not only a benefactor but also reflected God’s goodness in everything he did. He is an icon of God’s compassionate, peaceful, and supportive kindness,” the Romanian Patriarch emphasized.
The Patriarch explained that Saint Nicholas’s name in Greek means “victorious people” or “victory of the people”, symbolizing those who overcome evil through good deeds, respond to malice with forgiveness, and assist the needy.
Saint Nicholas’s Legacy in Bucharest
The Patriarch also recalled that Saint Nicholas holds a special place in the hearts of Bucharest’s residents. In 1600, Prince Michael the Brave donated the saint’s right hand relic to “Saint George – New” Church after achieving the first political unification of the three Romanian principalities.
“As a result, I used to believe that Saint Parascheva had the most churches dedicated to her in Bucharest, with 25. However, I recently found out that Saint Nicholas has 44 churches named after him in the capital,” Patriarch Daniel noted.
He interpreted this as a sign that “the presence of his merciful hand has influenced the hearts and minds of Bucharest’s inhabitants, teaching them that true joy comes not from selfishness and greed but from kindness and generosity.”
A Call to Charity and Spiritual Preparation
“Saint Nicholas teaches through merciful deeds and urges us, especially during winter, to be charitable, combining fasting with prayer and prayer with good works,” the Patriarch advised.
“This is how we prepare for the spiritual birth of Christ in the cave of our bodies and the manger of our souls through frequent confession, Holy Communion, and acts of charity filled with humble love,” he added.
Best Wishes to Name-Bearers
“With over 800,000 Romanians named Nicholas, Nicoleta, and related names, we wish all of them peace, health, salvation, and God’s help, for the glory of the Holy Trinity, the well-being of the Church, and the joy of all,” Patriarch Daniel concluded.
Patriarch Daniel preaching on the feast day of Saint Nicholas, Dec. 6, 2024. Photo: Lumina Newspaper
His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel attended the Divine Liturgy at the St George Chapel of the patriarchal residence to mark the feast day of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker.
Source: Basilica.ro
