Canon to Saint Nicholas
the Wonderworker
With the usual entrance prayers for all canons.
Tropar’, Tone 4.
As a rule of faith, an image of meekness and a teacher of temperance the Lord revealed thee to thy flock, in the truth of things; therefore, thou didst attain the heights by humility and riches by poverty. O our father and hierarch Nicholas, entreat Christ our God that our souls be saved. (Twice)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages, Amen.
Bohorodičen, Tone 4.
The mystery hidden from eternity and unknown to the angels was made manifest through thee, O Theotokos, unto those upon the earth: God incarnate in an unconfused union, Who willingly for our sake accepted the Cross. Whereby, having raised up the first-formed man, He saved our souls from death.
Tone 2
Ode I, Irmos.
In the depths He of old drowned the whole host of Pharaoh, their power transformed and overthrown; and the Word, having taken flesh, hath destroyed transgression and sin: the Lord most glorious, for He hath been glorified.
Refrain: O Hierarch of Christ, Nicholas, pray unto God for us. (Bow)
O crowned one before the throne of Christ, most wise Nicholas, standing before Him with the angelic hosts: grant unto me illumination, enlightening my soul that hath been darkened, that, praising thee, I may rejoice in thy most blessed memory.
Refrain: O Hierarch of Christ, Nicholas, pray unto God for us. (Bow)
O crowned one before the throne of Christ, most wise Nicholas, standing before Him with the angelic hosts: grant unto me illumination, enlightening my soul that hath been darkened, that, praising thee, I may rejoice in thy most blessed memory.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
The Lord, who glorifieth all those who glorify Him, hath given thee as a refuge to the faithful, delivering from misfortunes and troubles those who flee to thy protection, O Nicholas, and who call upon thee with faith and love, O most glorious one.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages, Amen.
Bohorodičen.
Having instilled in me the desire to be equal to the Creator, the all-wicked serpent did seize me as a captive; but through Thee, O Most Pure One, was I called, and truly deified. For thou, O Mother of God, gavest birth to Him who deified me.
Katavasia.
Deliver Thy servants from troubles, O Saint Nicholas, for to thee do we all flee in God, to the swift helper and fervent intercessor, and supplicant to the Saviour for our souls. (With prostration)
Lord, have mercy. (Three times, with bows)
Ode III, Irmos.
The wilderness hath blossomed as the lily of the Lord: the barren Church of the nations, by Thy coming; from her was my heart made firm.
Refrain: O Hierarch of Christ, Nicholas, pray unto God for us. (Bow)
O blessed Nicholas, thou who wast shown to be a teacher acceptable to the Faith, thou savest those who flee unto thee from cruel calamities and bitter death.
Refrain: O Hierarch of Christ, Nicholas, pray unto God for us. (Bow)
O blessed Nicholas, thou who wast shown to be a teacher acceptable to the Faith, thou savest those who flee unto thee from cruel calamities and bitter death.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Cleanse Thy servants, and grant remission of sins, as God Who bestoweth gifts, through Nicholas Thy favored servant, O Most Merciful One.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages, Amen.
Bohorodičen.
O thou who hast manifold intercessions, still thou the turmoil of my soul, O Most Pure One, and nourish my life, thou who hast borne God; for from thee hath my heart been strengthened.
Katavasia.
Deliver Thy servants from troubles, O Saint Nicholas, for to thee do we all flee in God, to the swift helper and fervent intercessor, and supplicant to the Saviour for our souls. (With prostration)
Lord, have mercy. (Three times, with bows)
Sedalen, Tone 8.
Having ascended unto the height of virtues, by divine labors, O father, thou hast illumined with the radiance of thy wonders all the shepherds of the world; and in times of assault thou art shown to be an unconquerable defender of thy children. Wherefore, having gloriously conquered the enemy, thou hast driven away the flood, and saved thy children from death, O Nicholas. Pray Christ God to grant remission of sins unto those who with love honor thy holy memory.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages, Amen.
Bohorodičen.
As the only Virgin among women who gave birth to God in the flesh without seed, all generations of mankind call thee blessed. For the Fire of the Godhead dwelt within thee, and thou didst nurse as an infant the Creator and Lord. Wherefore both the angelic and the human race worthily glorify thy most pure Nativity, and with one voice cry unto thee: pray Christ God to grant remission of sins unto those who worthily hymn thy glory.
Ode IV, Irmos.
Having come forth from the Virgin, neither angel nor mediator, but Thou Thyself, O Lord, wast made flesh and didst save me, the whole man. Wherefore I cry unto Thee: Glory to Thy power.
Refrain: O Hierarch of Christ, Nicholas, pray unto God for us. (Bow)
With the rays of blessed purity, O holy one, thou wast a bearer of light, enlightening the ends of the world; standing before all, and saving those who with faith flee unto thee.
Refrain: O Hierarch of Christ, Nicholas, pray unto God for us. (Bow)
As thou didst once appear, O Nicholas, and save the youths from destruction, so now also save us from every circumstance, and from assaults and calamities, O most blessed one.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
With the radiance of virtues thou art glorified, O thou most rich in God; for thou didst become an imitator of contempt for this present age. Thou savest those who call upon thee, who with reverence and with love glorify thee.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages, Amen.
Bohorodičen:
Never was the Creator of all ages made flesh of any creature save thee; and He saved me, the whole man, as an infant. Wherefore we the faithful glorify thee, O Theotokos.
Katavasia.
Deliver Thy servants from troubles, O Saint Nicholas, for to thee do we all flee in God, to the swift helper and fervent intercessor, and supplicant to the Saviour for our souls. (With prostration)
Lord, have mercy. (Three times, with bows)
Ode V, Irmos.
O Christ God, Thou illumination of those who lie in darkness, and salvation of those without hope: unto Thee, the Morning Light, both earth and heaven lift their eyes. Enlighten me with Thy radiance, for apart from Thee we know no God.
Refrain: O Hierarch of Christ, Nicholas, pray unto God for us. (Bow)
By thy God-like manner of life, O thrice-blessed one, thou didst enlighten those condemned to die by the unjust sword; thou didst appear and deliver those who call upon Christ, apart from Whom we know no other God.
Refrain: O Hierarch of Christ, Nicholas, pray unto God for us. (Bow)
By thy God-like manner of life, O thrice-blessed one, thou didst enlighten those condemned to die by the unjust sword; thou didst appear and deliver those who call upon Christ, apart from Whom we know no other God.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Now beholding in the heavens the glory that is offered, and the ineffable divine radiance, thou hast enlightened me, granting enjoyment of this effulgence. Cover me by thine intercession, O servant of Christ, for evermore.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages, Amen.
Bohorodičen.
That He might seek His own honored image, buried beneath the corruption of passions, He Who is the hidden essence of heaven appeared in the flesh from the Virgin unto those who call upon Him; for apart from Him we know no other God.
Katavasia.
Deliver Thy servants from troubles, O Saint Nicholas, for to thee do we all flee in God, to the swift helper and fervent intercessor, and supplicant to the Saviour for our souls. (With prostration)
Lord, have mercy. (Three times, with bows)
Ode VI, Irmos.
Held fast in the abyss of sin, calling upon the unsearchable mercy of Thy compassion, unto Thee I cry: from corruption, O God, raise me up.
Refrain: O Hierarch of Christ, Nicholas, pray unto God for us. (Bow)
A crown of victories, O Nicholas, was worthily placed upon thy brow, for thou wast proven a mighty conqueror; save those who call upon thee.
Refrain: O Hierarch of Christ, Nicholas, pray unto God for us. (Bow)
A crown of victories, O Nicholas, was worthily placed upon thy brow, for thou wast proven a mighty conqueror; save those who call upon thee.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Save me, O blessed one, who am dead in sins, and tossed by the turbulence of passions, now sinking beneath them, guiding me to the haven of the divine will.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages, Amen.
Bohorodičen.
In thee I have set my hope as the cause of my salvation; thee have I appointed as my intercessor, a life firm and unshaken.
Katavasia.
Deliver Thy servants from troubles, O Saint Nicholas, for to thee do we all flee in God, to the swift helper and fervent intercessor, and supplicant to the Saviour for our souls. (With prostration)
Lord, have mercy. (Three times, with bows)
Kondak, Tone 3.
In Myra thou wast shown to be a hierarch, O Saint Nicholas, for in the fulfilment of Christ’s Gospel thou didst today offer up thy life for thy people, and didst save the innocent from death; therefore, thou wast sanctified and wast revealed to be a great initiate of the grace of God.
Ikos.
Let us now hymn with songs the shepherd and teacher of the people of Myra, that by his prayers we may be enlightened. For he was revealed wholly pure, incorrupt in spirit, offering unto Christ a sacrifice without blemish, pure and acceptable, having been cleansed in soul and body; a true defender and champion of the Church, and a great bearer of mysteries of the grace of God.
Ode VII, Irmos.
From the golden image set upon the plain of Dura, the three youths turned away, taking no heed of the godless command; but cast into the midst of the flame, they were refreshed and sang: Blessed is the God of our fathers.
Refrain: O Hierarch of Christ, Nicholas, pray unto God for us. (Bow)
By sharp temptation I am cut off, and grievously assailed, and drawn toward the gates of Hades; as sorrow draws near and I am stricken with grief. Save me by thy prayers, O blessed one, and raise me up to sing: Blessed is the God of our fathers.
Refrain: O Hierarch of Christ, Nicholas, pray unto God for us. (Bow)
By sharp temptation I am cut off, and grievously assailed, and drawn toward the gates of Hades; as sorrow draws near and I am stricken with grief. Save me by thy prayers, O blessed one, and raise me up to sing: Blessed is the God of our fathers.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Illumined by the immaterial rays of the unsetting light, do thou deliver those who are in the darkness of sorrows and afflictions, and guide unto the enlightenment of gladness those who sing: Blessed is the God of our fathers.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages, Amen.
Bohorodičen.
Entreat thine own Son and God, Whom we hymn in two natures, that from the cruel bonds of sin and the serpent’s deceit He may deliver by His precious Blood those who sing: Blessed is the God of our fathers.
Katavasia.
Deliver Thy servants from troubles, O Saint Nicholas, for to thee do we all flee in God, to the swift helper and fervent intercessor, and supplicant to the Saviour for our souls. (With prostration)
Lord, have mercy. (Three times, with bows)
Ode VIII, Irmos.
The God who descended from the fiery furnace unto the Hebrew children, and changed the flame into coolness, Him do all the works of the Lord praise, and exalt Him unto the ages.
Refrain: O Hierarch of Christ, Nicholas, pray unto God for us. (Bow)
Though young, and held fast in the depth of cruel afflictions, we cry aloud: Set us free, O blessed Nicholas; grant release by thy prayers, O mystic guide unto Christ our salvation.
Refrain: O Hierarch of Christ, Nicholas, pray unto God for us. (Bow)
Though young, and held fast in the depth of cruel afflictions, we cry aloud: Set us free, O blessed Nicholas; grant release by thy prayers, O mystic guide unto Christ our salvation.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
A bearer of mysteries beyond the mind of saints, a minister to the heavenly powers, a gift bestowed by God, a faithful high priest, do thou entreat our Savior for the forgiveness of sins, O sacred bearer of mysteries.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages, Amen.
Bohorodičen.
My mind now faints, having fallen into the depth of impiety, for on every side I am ensnared by manifold circumstances; but thou, who art clothed in the light of dispassion beyond all corruption, cover me.
Katavasia.
Deliver Thy servants from troubles, O Saint Nicholas, for to thee do we all flee in God, to the swift helper and fervent intercessor, and supplicant to the Saviour for our souls. (With prostration)
Lord, have mercy. (Three times, with bows)
Ode IX, Irmos.
The Son, God and Lord, born of the Father without beginning, was incarnate of the Virgin; He appeared unto us to enlighten those who were darkened, and to gather those who were scattered. Therefore we magnify thee with all praise.
Refrain: O Hierarch of Christ, Nicholas, pray unto God for us. (Bow)
Enlightened by the eternal grace bestowed by God, and having become manifest as a lamp of piety, thou savest those who are in afflictions, and deliverest those in the depths of the sea, and feedest the hungry, O most glorious and all-blessed one.
Refrain: O Hierarch of Christ, Nicholas, pray unto God for us. (Bow)
Enlightened by the eternal grace bestowed by God, and having become manifest as a lamp of piety, thou savest those who are in afflictions, and deliverest those in the depths of the sea, and feedest the hungry, O most glorious and all-blessed one.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Thou who dost now dwell in Paradise, beholding clearly ineffable glory; from the heavenly choirs thou watchest over thine own singers, delivering them from passions, O God-bearer most glorious.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages, Amen.
Bohorodičen.
We honor in two natures Wisdom, Power, and the Word co-essential with the Father, Whom thou didst conceive of thine own most pure blood, O Mother of God; receiving Him as a living temple, and uniting Him unto thyself without division in the union.
Katavasia.
Deliver Thy servants from troubles, O Saint Nicholas, for to thee do we all flee in God, to the swift helper and fervent intercessor, and supplicant to the Saviour for our souls. (With prostration)
Lord, have mercy. (Three times, with bows)
Dismissal.
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, through the prayers of Thy most pure Mother, and of our holy father Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, the wonderworker, and of all the saints, have mercy upon us and save us, for Thou art good and lovest mankind. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. (Three times)
Final bows.
17 December 2025