The Orthodox Christians following the old style on May 22 observe the translation of the relics of Saint Hierarch Nicolas from Myra in Lycia to the fortress Bari in Italy. The people also call this feast Saint Nicholas of Summer.
Contacted by IPN, the bishop of Saint Hierarch Nicolas Church of Chisinau Petru Storoja said that Saint Hierarch Nicolas was famous for his good deeds and generosity. The fact that the Mohammedans celebrate this feast is a proof of this. He is the symbol of kindness and honesty.
One of his most famous exploits is that he saved three poor girls. A poor man had three daughters but could not afford a proper dowry for them. This meant that they would remain unmarried and probably, in absence of any other possible employment, would have to become prostitutes. Hearing of the poor man's plight, Nicholas decided to help him. He went to the man’s house under the cover of night and threw three purses filled with gold coins through the window.
He was very faithful and even became bishop of Myra, where he was buried. His relics were then transferred to Bari in Italy, where they continue to be. Saint Hierarch Nicolas is the protector of travelers, widows and unmarried girls as well as of poor girls.
Petru Storoja said that on May 22 it is celebrated the summer day of Saint Hierarch Nicolas Church and the Christians who will come to the church will listen to the Akathist of Saint Hierarch Nicholas, after the liturgical service in honor of this saint.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, in Moldova there are over 47,000 people called Nicolae, almost 35,000 are registered as Nicolai, while 51,000 as Neculai. Also, there are approximately 8,000 women bearing the name of Nicoleta, while 200 are named Nicolina.
