Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

Welcome to the Church of St Nicholas the Wonderworker!
Pure beauty is this Russian church that dates back to the 20th century and that was built for the Russian citizens of Sofia and their religious needs.

The Archbishop at the time was Seraphim Sobolev, a man who, according to stories told still, was a master of brilliant sermons. The bishop was, just like St Nicholas himself, somewhat of a wonderworker, and people still come to this church to write him prayers in letters, more than 65 years after his death. Let’s explore this beautiful building and home of saints! After entering, can you see the crypt over there? Bishop Seraphim lies buried in there, and people still come here to pay their respect to him by lighting candles or to pray. In the urn beside his sarcophagus you can place a letter directed to the bishop, as do many of Sophia’s Russian Orthodox citizens when asking for his help with cure and healing of all sorts, or students asking for help with difficult exams.

But what about the Saint after whom this church was named, St Nicholas the wonderworker? Baby Nicholas was born in Myra in Lycia and according to a legend he was showing signs of holiness and devotion to God from day one. He didn’t even agree to be breastfed as an infant before his parents had said their prayers and stood up for hours already at his baptism. He studied and became a most devoted priest who always had the best of his people in mind. He saved the poor from committing sins to survive by secretly throwing sacks of gold into their homes at night. He later became the Archbishop of Myra and worked many wonders even during his lifetime. Once he saved three wrongfully condemned men from being executed by stopping the sword of the executioner right on time. He often saved people from drowning in the sea and by prayers saved the city of Myra from hunger. After his passing as an old man, his remains still gave healing to the believers. Transferred in 1087 from the local church in Myra his remnants still rest in Bari, Italy.

All over the world there are churches in honor of St Nicholas, and travelers often consider him their protector during journeys at land as well as at sea. So with the protection of St Nicholas we will now continue our journey to the next stop of our tour.

Photo Russian Church Sofia East Facade by SiefkinDR is licensed under  public domain