Fool-for-Christ · 1576
Nicholas of Pskov
Blessed Nicholas of Pskov, fool for Christ (1576)
New Calendar March 12 Old Calendar March 25
Why they are a saint
A rare fearlessness is a characteristic of fools for Christ. Blessed Nicholas ran through the streets of Pskov, pretending madness, rebuking people for their secret sins and foretelling what would happen to them. When Tsar Ivan the Terrible entered Pskov, the whole town was in fear and dread of the terrible Tsar… The Tsar, learning about this blessed man, who and what he was, visited him in his tiny room. [Ivan was a great lover of external piety.] It was the first week of the Great Fast.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Nicholas of Pskov as a patron when they bear the name Nicholas at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on March 12. Russian Orthodox faithful also honor his as one of their own.
Prayer
O holy Nicholas of Pskov, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.