St. Nicholas, known the world over for his miracles, is also specifically known for his depiction on a number of wonder-working icons. Though these miraculous images of St. Nicholas are not as numerous or well-known as the wonder-working icons of the Mother of God, they are clearly worthy of our veneration, celebration, and contemplation. One such is the Mozhaisk image of St. Nicholas. Icons of St. Nicholas of Mozhaisk, which originated in the fourteenth century and are venerated throughout Russia, can be traditional painted icons, wooden reliefs, or free-standing wooden statues. In this depiction, St. Nicholas carries a longsword (sometimes a scimitar or falchion) is his right hand and the city of Mozhaisk in his left. The iconography commemorates St. Nicholas’s miraculous defense of the city of Mozhaisk against the Mongols and, more generally, his role as a fierce protector of the Christian faithful. Though there is a truth to the tender and jovial image of “jolly old St. Nick” shown to us in Western popular culture, St. Nicholas also has a fiery, zealous aspect, most famously manifest in the story of his slapping of Arius. Therefore, whenever we are threatened by enemies and troubles, visible or invisible, let us never hesitate to flee to the protection of St. Nicholas, one of the greatest guardians of Christendom and the Christian faith.
Holy hierarch, father Nicholas, pray to God for us!