Residence of St. Nicolas – in Lviv to December 21
Perhaps there is no a single person in Ukraine who in his or her childhood did not receive gifts form St. Nicolas, did not write letters or heard of a good grandfather who perform miracle and make all wishes of children come true. Today you can not only write letters but also touch him in real life or come to visit him or come “at the reception”, because from now he has a residence in Lviv as well.
St Nicolas welcomes his guests in a wooden hut in the old Znesinnia park. You can meet him at home every day until December 21, and after this date he goes to the world travel. He is a patron not only children, but also travelers and fishermen.
So if you dream to give your kids unforgettable tale for winter holidays, go to the Lion City up to December 21, because later you will be forced, perhaps, fly to faraway Lapland to visit Santa Claus.
Who is the mysterious benefactor?
According to the description, Saint Nicolas is in many ways similar to Santa Claus. He is the same wizard who bring presents to children during the night of "his" holiday. But few know that this holiday has the real life story of a man who lived in the third century AD.
According to legend, Nicolas was born in the city of Patara in Lycia. Beginning from his childhood, he was kind and very sympathy person, he always helped those in need, not thinking about his own wealth. As the saying goes, Nicolas traveled lots to holy places, visited Jerusalem, after that the Lord gave him a mission to help and give gifts for well-behaved children. For this reason people consecrated him a saint.
It is believed that Nicolas comes to children not alone but with rather interesting accompaniment. He always visits children with two angels and two devils. Angels tells Nicolas about good behavior of children and devils reveal all children's tricks for the whole year.
When we celebrate this holiday?
Orthodox Christians celebrate this holiday on December 19, and Catholics observe it on December 6, considering the difference between the Julian and Gregorian calendars which are used by these two branches of Christianity.
What is happening in this day:
- On the night before the holiday, Nicolas (but in most cases parents) puts gifts under the pillow or into children's socks. Sweets are usually gifts in this day.
- It is believed that before the holiday you make a cherished desire, Saint Nicolas will surely grant a wish.
- It is believed that St. Nicolas holiday is the last day in the year where you can return debts in order to the following year will be rich and happy.
- Saint Nicolas is also the patron of fishermen and sailors. Usually, they turn to him during sailing and asking for generous catch and good weather.
Residence's address
- Lviv, Znesinnia park,
- 70, Staroznesenska Str.
Olga Mosjondz
