“Saint Nicholas, the miracle worker” is written in Church Slavonic beneath the image of Nicholas. His legendary kindness and helpfulness make him one of the most popular Christian saints in both Eastern and Western traditions. Orthodox Christians turn to him in various times of need because of the many miracles attributed to him. Icons bearing his image, as well as icons depicting detailed scenes from his life, are therefore very common in Christian Orthodox homes and churches. This makes Nicholas one of the most frequently depicted saints in the Eastern Church, and over the centuries he has become by far the most important saint in Russia.

In this typical rendering, the saint wears the omophorion, a liturgical garment that identifies him as a bishop, around his shoulders. Jesus Christ and the Mother of God (in the two medallions) confirm his episcopal dignity by returning to him the Gospel book and his bishop’s cloak, which he had lost in a theological dispute. Nicholas’ high, furrowed brow and gray hair are seen as signs of his wisdom. With his right hand, he blesses those who pray before his icon for help. The protective function of this icon is further enhanced by the two figures at the edges: the guardian angel on the left and John the Baptist on the right.