Novena to St. Nicholas

Novena to St. Nicholas:
Say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on 27 November and ending on 5 December, the eve of the Feast of St. Nicholas.

All-praised and all-honored hierarch, great wonderworker, Saint of Christ, Father Nicholas, man of God and faithful servant, man of love, chosen vessel, strong pillar of the Church, most-brilliant lamp, star that illumines and enlightens the whole world. Thou art a righteous man that did flourish like a palm tree planted in the courts of the Lord; dwelling in Myra thou hast diffused the fragrance of myrrh, and thou pourest out the ever-flowing myrrh of the grace of god.

By thy presence most-holy Father, the sea was sanctified when your most-miraculous relics were carried to the city of Bari, from the East to the West to praise the name of the Lord.

O most-superb and most-marvellous wonderworker, speedy helper, fervent intercessor, good shepherd that saveth the rational flock from all dangers, we glorify and magnify thee as the hope of all Christians, a fountain of miracles, a defender of the faithful, a most wise teacher, a feeder of the hungry, the gladness of those that mourn, clothing of the naked, healer of the sick, pilot of those that sail the sea, liberator of prisoners, nourisher and protector of widows and orphans, guardian of chastity, gentle tutor of children, support of the aged, guide of fasters, rest of those that labor, abundant riches of the poor and needy.

Hearken unto us that pray unto thee and flee to thy protection. Show thy mediation on our behalf with the Most High, and obtain through thy God-pleasing intercessions all that is useful for the salvation of our souls and bodies. Keep this holy habitation, every city and town, and every Christian country, and the people that dwell therein, from all oppression through thy help, for we know that the prayer of a righteous man availeth much for good; and after the most-blessed Virgin Mary, we have thee as a righteous mediator with the All-Merciful God, and to thy fervent intercession and protection we humbly hasten.

Do thou, as a watchful and good shepherd, keep us from all enemies and pestilence, earthquake and hail, famine, flood and fire, the sword and invasions, and, in all our misfortunes and affliction, do thou give us a helping hand and open the doors of God’s compassion; for we are unworthy to look upon the height of Heaven because of the multitude of our sins. We are bound by the bonds of sin and have not done the will of our Creator nor kept His commandments.

Wherefore, we bow the knees of our broken and humble heart to our Maker, and we ask thy fatherly intercession with Him lest we perish with our sins. Deliver us from all evil, and from every adverse thing. Direct our minds and strengthen our hearts in the orthodox Faith, which, through thy mediation and intercession, neither wounds, nor threats, nor plague, nor the wrath of our Creator shall lessen. But vouchsafe that we may live a peaceful life here and see the good things in the land of the living, glorifying the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, One God glorified and worshipped in Trinity, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.