Residence of St Nicholas opened in Lavra

On 1 December, the Residence of St Nicholas in the Great Bell Tower of the Lavra began its work.

Everyone will have the opportunity to write a letter to the miracle worker. This was reported by the Kyiv Cave Monastery National Conservation Area.

Citizens will have the opportunity to meet St Nicholas in person and take photos as a souvenir. There is also an opportunity to see the festive exhibition ‘Unity of Christmas of Generations’. It was organised by the community of Ukrainian artists and craftsmen.

Kyiv Pechersk Lavra National Reserve

The residence of St Nicholas on the territory of the Great Lavra Bell Tower will be open from 1 to 25 December inclusive, as well as on Saturdays and Sundays. The fairytale space can also be visited on 5, 6, 19 December from 12:00 to 16:00.

The Christmas exhibition will run until 15 January 2025. The ticket price is UAH 150, free for preschoolers.

Who is St Nicholas

St Nicholas is a festive character whom Ukrainians identify with the image of St Nicholas the Wonderworker.
A few days before the holiday, children write him letters with wishes and put them in the mailbox or leave them outside the window. St Nicholas leaves a gift under the pillow or in a sock, thus personifying God’s love.

Photo: Office of the President

Traditionally, St Nicholas Day is celebrated on 6 December, the day of commemoration of St Nicholas the Wonderworker, Bishop of Myra.

St Nicholas the Wonderworker is a Christian saint, and his image is associated with the Christmas holidays. The Christmas tree on St Sophia’s Square, which is considered the main Christmas tree in our country, is traditionally lit by St Nicholas.

St Nicholas Day in Ukraine

St Nicholas Day in Ukraine is celebrated on 6 December. On the eve of this holiday, children write letters to St Nicholas with their wishes.

They put them in the mailbox or outside the window. St Nicholas leaves a gift under the pillow or in a sock for the good children. At the same time, those who have been naughty will receive a caning, which serves as a warning to the child that it is time to think about changing their behaviour.

St Nicholas in Western culture

According to some sources, the modern image of St Nicholas (known as Santa Claus in the United States) was invented by the American writer Clement Clarke Moore in 1823. In his poem A Visit from St. Nicholas, better known as The Night Before Christmas, he first portrayed the wizard as a cheerful elderly elf.

Photo: Pixabay

The writer was also the first to ‘harness’ reindeer to St Nicholas’ sleigh. This history of the holiday is typical for most Western countries. In Ukraine, St Nicholas Day is associated with Christian history and folk customs.

In cinema and music

Many songs about St Nicholas have been recorded. Ukrainian folklore includes the song ‘Oh, Who, Who Loves St Nicholas’.

In 2018, a film directed by Semen Horov called The Adventures of St Nicholas was released. The film tells the story of modern children’s belief in a kind wizard who comes with gifts on the night before St Nicholas Day.

St Nicholas’ residences

St Nicholas residences are being opened in various cities of Ukraine. In particular, you can visit them in Lviv, Kyiv, Bukovel, Dnipro, etc.

Photo: Pexels

St Nicholas is widely believed to live in Lapland. He has an official village of the festive grandfather who took on the features of St Nicholas – Joulupukki. In fact, this place is one of the most visited among tourists in Finland.