Saint Nicholas Day!
The Church of St. Nicholas
St. Nicholas' Home City of Myra in the Roman Empire
(Modern Demre, Turkey)
Image Courtesy: Dick Osseman
Photo taken: March 2011
We don't know the name of the first church - dating from the 3rd century - to have been located at this site; that is, the actual church in which St. Nicholas himself served as bishop of Myra from around AD 268. Obviously, it wasn't dedicated to him until sometime after his repose in around AD 345. It's been estimated that the first building in which he officiated was destroyed by the Saracens. It was rebuilt by Emperor Constantine IX (1042-1055). This emperor was also responsible for the restoration of the Church of the Resurrection - more commonly known in modern times as, The Church of the Holy Sepulcher - in Jerusalem. A similarity between the two can be seen. (But this is only because the rebuilt Church of the Resurrection in Jerusalem - for all its beauty today - is not anywhere near as lovely or grand as that commissioned by Constantine the Great in around 326!)
Church of the Resurrection
Jerusalem
Image courtesy: Wikipedia
Church of St. Nicholas, Myra
Image Courtesy: Dick Osseman
Photo taken: March 2011
Icons of Nicholas of Myra
Written on the Wall of the Church of St. Nicholas in Myra
Image Courtesy: Dick Osseman
The Above Depicts the Well Known Account of Bishop Nicholas Saving an Innocent Man.
Below, St. Nicholas Saving Men from Being Shipwrecked
Below, St. Nicholas Saving Men from Being Shipwrecked
Image Courtesy: Dick Osseman
Two Grand Entrance Shots of the Church of St. Nicholas
Image Courtesy: Dick Osseman
Nicholas of Myra
Beloved Giver of Christian Joy, Love and Truth to All the World!
Artist: Priest Pefki (Mt. Athos)
And Another of the Beloved Saint...
Image Courtesy: Wikipedia
Artist: Writes "Own work"
Date: May 8, 2010
Happy St. Nicholas Day!
Note: Many thanks to Dick Osseman for the use of his magnificent photos. Visit his site - you will be in for a treat! And as always many thanks to Wikipedia!
Note: Many thanks to Dick Osseman for the use of his magnificent photos. Visit his site - you will be in for a treat! And as always many thanks to Wikipedia!
31 comments:
Happy St. Nick day to you too :)
I loved the icon of St. Nicholas saving the men from being shipwrecked!
Stunning Icon.
A Happy St. Nicholas Feast Day to you and your loved ones.
Blessings and prayers,
Ann
Ann, thanks so much for all the history and gorgeous photos you find to share with us. Blessings of the day xx
Well, St Nicholas' Day was certainly made just for you, wasn't it?! I often wonder what took you down this road, to discovering all the Churches named after St Nicholas - ?
OHYEAH!!!!!!!! Now this is going WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY back, and the further you go, the more I LOVE IT!!!! Ann dearest, your visit is a joy, and let me tell you that your comment made my day. Blogging for me has been a safe haven to begin my writing; I don't know if the "literary" critics would be so kind as you fine friends would be with my "poetry", but having you all be so lovely and reading my words is just a blast. I have always relied heavily on photos to help LIFT my words and now I am finding that the photos are a prompt to give me ideas. One day on a separate space, I hope that my words will stand totally alone.
Thank you for opening that door for me with that one single comment.
BISOUS! Anita
I like the 2 icons very much!
This was such a lovely post with the help of those wonderful photos. Xronia polla Kai tou xronou! Na se Kala!
And, Happy St. Nick day to you, too! Lovely pictures today in celebration. :)
Interesting history and wonderful photos that's for sure. And a joyous Christmas season to you and yours, Ann. :)
An interesting post, I also posted about San Nicola in Italy today.
what a wonderous place . It occurs to me that over the years we have lost so many talents , looking at the incredible works or art and architexture
Great shots of a wonderful - colourful church.
What a special church! Thanks so much for sharing! Happy St. Nick's day!
Happy St. Nicholas Day, Ann! I noticed the day and had to come say hello. Hope you are well. Happy Holidays!
Oh Ann...that you for sharing with us all the photos and Happy St. Nicholas Day (one day late). How beautiful and divine!
Blessings for a lovely Christmas Season filled with hope and love.
Love, Rebecca
Another beautiful St. Nicholas structure...I love the pic looking down the long hall.
Please whisper 'meow good buddy' in Edward's ear!!
Hugs Madi and Mom
Happy St Nicholas day to you Ann! Thank you so much for not only sharing these amazing pictures but also for teaching me so many things about this amazing saint! It has been a real treat going on these virtual journeys with you!
Thanks again for sharing your special post with my readers too. I am sure that so many have learned so much from you!
Blessings and best wishes,
Natasha.
Just linked to your Blog on the Community of Catholic Bloggers here: http://communityofcatholicbloggers.blogspot.com/2011/12/st-nicholas-and-christmas-all-year.html
God bless.
I just found your blog- well done!
Gosh thats beautiful. Wouldn't you just love to go there and see it in person. My friend went to Turkey, she said it was wonderful..
Happy St Nicolas Day..
A beautiful church Ann and great photos.
As you know, St. Nicholas is revered in The Netherlands (my birthplace) as Sinterklaas.
Such a beautiful church. Love the stone work surrounding the entrance archway.
Maureen
this is a beautiful one!
I love all the arches and stone work in this beautiful church!
Late again!!! But it is a wonderful post no matter when I arrive. Thank you! Cathy
Just stopping by to say Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Hugs,
Betsy
it would be so wonderful to travel to Turkey to see this beautiful church! I wish you a happy and holy Christmas Ann! xo
I am learning so much from your blog. Your information on St. Nicholas is very interesting. Keep up the good work. Happy Holidays!!
I want to wish you and your family a MERRY CHRISTMAS and the best New Year! I hope Mr. Edward is doing well.
xoxoxo,
Dorothy
My Christmas wish for you, my friend
Is not a simple one
For I wish you hope and joy and peace
Days filled with warmth and sun
I wish you love and friendship too
Throughout the coming year
Lots of laughter and happiness
To fill your world with cheer
May you count your blessings, one by one
And when totaled by the lot
May you find all you've been given
To be more than what you sought
May your journeys be short, your burdens light
May your spirit never grow old
May all your clouds have silver linings
And your rainbows pots of gold
I wish this all and so much more
May all your dreams come true
May you have a Merry Christmas friend
And a happy New Year, too .. xoxo
My Christmas wish for you, my friend
Is not a simple one
For I wish you hope and joy and peace
Days filled with warmth and sun
I wish you love and friendship too
Throughout the coming year
Lots of laughter and happiness
To fill your world with cheer
May you count your blessings, one by one
And when totaled by the lot
May you find all you've been given
To be more than what you sought
May your journeys be short, your burdens light
May your spirit never grow old
May all your clouds have silver linings
And your rainbows pots of gold
I wish this all and so much more
May all your dreams come true
May you have a Merry Christmas friend
And a happy New Year, too .. xoxo
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