But when it comes to historical personages, Demre hit the jackpot. In its previous incarnation, the town was known as Myra and was home to a fourth-century bishop named Nicholas. The beloved clergyman went on to achieve sainthood and become one of the most celebrated figures in both Western and Eastern Christianity, particularly in Russia, where he has long held a special place as a revered heavenly intercessor and protector. Indeed, he is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves, prostitutes, children, brewers, pawnbrokers, unmarried people, and students in various cities and countries around Europe. In much of the world, St. Nicholas, who legendarily had a habit of secret gift-giving, came to embody Christmas generosity and joy in the form of his alter ego, Santa Claus (or in Turkey, Noel Baba, meaning Christmas Father).
THE FAME OF ST. NICHOLAS MADE MYRA AN ATTRACTION FROM THE early days of Christianity, and over the centuries churches were built there to honor him. In fact, this is how Russia came to have a footprint in Myra that has persisted to the present. In 1850, a writer and avid traveler named Andrei Muravyov visited and found the previous Church of St. Nicholas overrun with silt and in a general state of ruin. On returning to Russia, he embarked on a campaign to raise money to fund the church’s restoration. Nicholas, I was tsar at the time – a happy coincidence.
Bu hikaye Russian Life dergisinin January/February 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye Russian Life dergisinin January/February 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Sidewalk Art
The lamentable state of Russia’s roads and sidewalks has long been fertile ground for memes and jokes. Irkutsk artist Ivan Kravchenko decided to turn the problem into an art project. For over two years he has been patching ruts in city sidewalks with colorful ceramic tiles.
Sputnik V: First Place or Long Shot?
The Russian vaccine seems top-notch, but low public trust and a botched rollout remain formidable barriers to returning to normalcy.
the Valley of the Dead
On the Trail of a Russian Movie Star
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
POLAR YOUTH
Misha Smirnov has the day off. There are the traditional eggs for breakfast and the usual darkness out the window.
Russian Chronicles
Russian Chronicles
A People on the Brink
Over the past century, the ancient people known as the Votes has been exiled twice, has seen its language banned, and has faced the threat of having its villages razed. Today, although teetering on the verge of extinction, it holds fast to one of the last rights it enjoys – the right to bear and to say its own name.
Tenders of the Vine
Visiting Russia’s Nascent Wine Region
Restoring the Future
A Small Town Gets a Makeover
Ascending Anik
Here I stand, on the summit of Anik Mountain, drenched to the bone amid zero visibility, driving rain, and a fierce wind.