In celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Orthodox Church in Thailand, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia has graciously bestowed a particle of the sacred relics of St. Nicholas to the St. Nicholas Cathedral in Bangkok. Displayed permanently at the Cathedral, from November 26, 2024 onwards, in a beautifully carved bronze and silver container, devotees of the Church and interested Thais alike can behold this significant and cherished Christian relic.
St. Nicholas, also known as Nicholas of Bari, was an early Christian bishop of Greek descent during the time of the Roman Empire. Because of the many miracles attributed to him, he is also known as Nicholas the Wonderworker. Over the centuries, in various cities and countries around Europe, St. Nicholas has been revered as the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves, brewers, toymakers, children and students as well as unmarried people. His legendary habit of secret gift-giving gave rise to the folklore of Santa Claus or "Saint Nick".