Holiday Card

Icon of St. Nicholas the Wonder-Worker, tempera on wood with gilt silver cover, Moscow, 1897. Gift of Mr. John H. Harris.

The Library chose a Russian icon of St. Nicholas from the University's collections for this year's holiday card. The Greek word eikon, which literally means image, is equated with the early Christian practice of worshiping or praying to a holy person through a painted depiction. The use of icons gradually became an integral part of the celebration of the liturgy in the Orthodox Church. This icon of St. Nicholas the Wonder-Worker is based on 17th century prototypes and was probably made for personal devotion.

Saint Nicholas, bishop of Myra in Lycia in the fourth century A.D. and patron saint of Russia and Greece, was venerated for his kindness and generosity. The patron saint of seafarers, scholars, and children, he inspired the legends worldwide of, to name but a few: Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Aghios Vassilis, Julemanden, Gaghant Baba, SinterKlaas, Papa Noël, Père Noël, Joulupukki, and Basbouschka.

The icon can be seen in Carroll Parlor on the first floor of the Healy Building.