St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (c. 275–342) is one of the most venerated saints in Christianity. According to legend, he was born around 275 in Patara, a city in Lycia (modern-day Turkey). His parents, Theophanes and Nonna, were wealthy and devout Christians. From his earliest years, Nicholas displayed extraordinary piety; it is said that as an infant, he stood for three hours in the baptismal font glorifying the Holy Trinity.

After receiving an education, Nicholas moved to Myra in Lycia, where his uncle, a bishop, ordained him a priest. Upon the death of his parents, Nicholas inherited a substantial fortune, which he distributed among the poor. The most famous legend tells of his assistance to three impoverished sisters: under cover of night, he secretly left gold in their home on three occasions to provide dowries and save them from dishonor (cf. Acta Sanctorum, December).

His ministry began during the persecution of Christians under Emperors Diocletian and Maximian. To avoid arrest, Nicholas became a hermit but later returned to Lycia, where he was appointed bishop of Myra following the death of his predecessor. Tradition attributes his attendance at the First Ecumenical Council of 325, though early sources do not confirm this.

St. Nicholas also destroyed pagan temples, and numerous miracles are associated with his life. He died around 342, and his relics were transferred to Bari, Italy, in 1087.

Iconography

St. Nicholas occupies a significant place in Ukrainian iconography, with depictions spanning all periods of its development. His icon is traditionally placed in the northern part of the Deesis row in the iconostasis. In the 15th century, St. Nicholas’ image also appeared in the Prayer row.

In 15th–16th century icons, St. Nicholas is often portrayed full-length, sometimes accompanied by narrative scenes from his life. Typical depictions show him with short hair and a rounded beard (long hair appears in 18th–19th century icons), holding the Gospel in his left hand and blessing with his right. He is dressed in a phelonion and omophorion, characteristic of an archbishop. From the 16th century, his phelonion began to feature crosses (polystavrion), later embellished with floral designs.

The imagery often includes miniature figures of Christ with the Gospel and the Theotokos with the omophorion near his head. Narrative icons illustrating his miracles, such as saving sailors or the translation of his relics, are also widespread.

Iconographic traditions adapted St. Nicholas’ image to the cultural context of the time, evident in the costume details, decorative elements, and stylistic features. For instance, in the 18th century, icons began to depict him wearing a mitre and holding a scepter.