The temple and relics of Nicholas the Wonderworker in Bari (Italy)

The beautiful town of Bari is located in the region called Apulia. This area was founded in the 5th century BC. The city still has architecture of different centuries, which adds to it a special color. Another feature is that these lands have seen numerous saints. It is here that their relics are kept, Catholic cathedrals are located, and Orthodox churches are also being built. To a greater extent this is the city of Bari in Italy. The relics of Nicholas the Wonderworker found refuge on this land. As it turned out, the saint is revered not only by Christians, but also by Catholics. Nicholas the Wonderworker is the patron saint of orphans, of all travelers imprisoned in captivity, relieves sudden death, as well as serious illnesses.

The story of the relics of the saint in Bari

Until his death, Nikolai Sadnik served as bishop in one of the churches of the city of Myra. Even during earthly life, this saint was considered a healer and protector of all the helpless. After his death, his relics were placed in the temple. When several Orthodox people were healed, the temple became the center of pilgrimage. But at that time the city was raided by Muslims, it was a direct threat to the preservation of the integrity of the relics. It was decided to transport the remains of Nicholas the Savior to a safer place. In the world went to the Barian merchants, who managed to take the relics to the city of Bari (Italy). The relics of Nicholas the Wonderworker arrived in the harbor and found themselves on safe land.

Feast of St. Nicholas in Bari

The very next day, in solemnity, the remains were located in the church of St. Stephen. Since that time, the celebration of the day of the transfer of the relics takes place every year. This event is still remembered. On this day the city has a special atmosphere. Residents are satisfied with the whole idea. Several hundred people are changing clothes and playing an event centuries ago.

Many seek to visit St. Nicholas in Bari on this particular day. The holiday is incredibly revered in Italy, in addition, it is known in Russia, Bulgaria and Serbia. To date, part of the relics is in Turkey, because during transportation the Barians could not collect the smallest remains. Also, some of the relics are in Venice, they got there during the crusade. There are several points of view regarding this event.

Salvation or theft?

For example, the Barians and representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church believe that the relics were really saved, at that time it was the most rational decision. But the Greek church has a completely different opinion. Such an act is regarded as theft. As it turned out, the relics of Nicholas the Miracle-Worker are myrrh-streaming, they have an incredible miraculous effect. The people who took over the transportation of the relics, opened the coffin and discovered a strange phenomenon. The skeleton of Nicholas the Miracle-Worker was immersed in an unknown liquid, which was also fragrant. Orthodox people call this phenomenon "peace", but Catholics - "the manna of St. Nicholas."

The Church of St. Nicholas in Bari

The construction of the temple was started in 1087, this year the relics of St. Nicholas were transported to Bari (Italy). From that day the city became a kind of fortress of Nicholas the Wonderworker. The people living here considered the presence of relics on earth as a real miracle. The construction of the temple was planned in the heart of the village. Already in a short time over the city the dome of the temple was adorned, which became its most striking adornment. Upon completion of the construction, the church became the real center of most historical events. It was in these walls that Peter Amiensky himself preached. Here it was reported on the crusade, church fees were held, and a decision was made to unite the Western and Eastern churches. There is a conjecture that the church was erected on the site of the governor's palace, because of this the decoration of the church is rather contradictory.

Architecture

To date, the temple is slightly shifted relative to the center, because the city was actively built. The Abode of St. Nicholas is located at the Adriatic Sea. The temple is a beautiful building of two rooms - the lower and upper church. In the upper church there is the tomb of the prelate.

The basilica of St. Nicholas in Bari belongs to more ancient buildings, this is indicated by the decoration of the monastery and wall paintings. The ceiling of the temple is supported by 26 majestic pillars, which are made of natural marble.

The shrines of the monastery

In the right corner of the temple is a special column, it is made of red marble and is called the miracle pillar. There is a belief that this column was brought to the temple by Nicholas the Wonderworker himself. Pilgrims are simply put to it with pleas for help and healing. The cancer was placed below the floor level and covered with special plates. There is made a hole so that the priest can gently descend and gather myrrh. For the same purpose, for a convenient collection, the tomb is set at an inclination.

Access to this shrine can be provided on arrival with a group of pilgrims and receiving the blessing of the rector of the church.

In the right corner of the monastery is located the so-called treasury. It is here that everyone can thank St Nicholas the Wonderworker in Bari and leave gifts for the temple and the tomb. Also in this corner there are miraculous icons, to which you can apply with any requests. One of the most valuable gifts is the icon of Nicholas the Wonderworker himself. It was this image that was donated by the Serbian king Uros III, who managed to restore his sight within these walls. In the same corner you can see the relics brought from the Crusades. Here are stored the relics of the Apostles Thomas and Jacob, as well as the most holy shrine - the spike of the crown of Jesus.

In the upper church there is a majestic statue in honor of St. Nicholas. For preservation, the statue was covered with a glass dome. Under him, parishioners write notes with requests. Every year on May 9, the statue is taken to the city with a solemn procession. Feast of the transfer of the relics is considered one of the most important in the city. Not only Catholic services, but Orthodox services are held in Bari (Italy). The relics of Nicholas the Wonderworker are eager to see everything.

The Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas in Bari

Nicholas is one of the most revered saints of Russia. Russian Orthodoxy together with Nicholas II made several attempts to restore the church in the World. Unfortunately, all these attempts were unsuccessful. Based on this, it was decided to create a Russian courtyard in the territory of Bari (Italy). Thanks to this, the relics of Nicholas the Miracle-Worker became available to Russian pilgrims. The money for this building was collected by the whole country. A special gathering was established, which could be made on the feast of St. Nicholas. The biggest contribution was made by the royal family, thanks to this, the necessary building was built.

Already in 1914 they opened an orphanage for Russian pilgrims. The building is designed for 30 people, but there were times when more people settled here. Unfortunately, in 1937 the building passed into the possession of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. But in 2009 the building was again transferred to the ownership of Russia.

Pilgrimage to Bari to Nicholas the Wonderworker

According to historians, the pilgrimage of Orthodox people to these places began in the XV century. In the XIX century, frequent guests were representatives of the royal family and other figures of culture and politics of the Russian Empire. Throughout all these centuries, people have seen a huge number of miracles, which really were a reality. Thanks to this, believers come here daily. You need to visit this temple at least once in your life. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Italy (the city of Bari) gives special favor to his guests. Many wonderful stories are told by pilgrims from around the world about the miraculous changes after visiting this monastery. Some have found health, others have found love. But the main gift that St. Nicholas can give is faith.