The notation Old Style or (OS) is sometimes used to indicate a date in the Julian Calendar (which is used by churches on the "Old Calendar"). The notation New Style or (NS), indicates a date in the Revised Julian calendar (which is used by churches on the "New Calendar").
"AT Myra, the metropolis of Lycia, the birthday of St. Nicholas, bishop and confessor, of whom it is related, among other miracles, that, while at a great distance from the emperor Constantine, he appeared to him in a vision and moved him to mercy so as to deter him from putting to death some persons who had implored his assistance."[6]
This is the feast day of "Cold Nicholas" as he is popularly called in Ukraine, his great festal day as the patron of children in particular. He is a patron of Ukraine and many legends surround his various patronages, including prayers in honour of his seven major miracles mentioned in his Life.[7]
'A flower of the Lord', this virgin became a nun in Rome at the age of ten and then lived for many years until she became abbess, 'the mother of many virgins'.
"At Rome, St. Asella, virgin, who, according to the words of St. Jerome, being blessed from her mother's womb, lived to old age in fasting and prayer."[6]
"AUXILIUS and ISSERNINUS accompanied the great Apostle of Ireland from his own country to the field of his labours, and SECUNDINUS was either one of the party or followed soon afterwards. On the supposition that St. Patrick was born in Great Britain, these holy men also are counted as British Saints. After labouring with success for a certain time, they were sent to Britain, or Gaul, to receive episcopal consecration at the hands of three prelates, according to the sacred canons. There still remains an authentic and interesting decree, signed by Auxilius, Patrick, Secundinus, and Benignus, ordering that appeals from the Primate of Armagh should be carried to the Holy See of Rome."[9]
"In Africa, in the persecution of the Vandals, and under the Arian king Hunneric, the saintly women Dionysia, Dativa, Leontia, a religious man named Tertius, Aemilian, a physician, and Boniface, with three others, who were subjected to numberless most painful torments for the Catholic faith, and thus merited to rank among the confessors of Christ."[6]
While at the First Ecumenical Council that condemned Arianism, St. Nicholas punched Arius in the face and was censured by the Fathers of the Council for behaviour unbecoming a Bishop. His bishop’s mantle and gospel were taken away from him. But at that moment, an apparition occurred with the appearance of Christ and His Mother on either side of Nicholas, bearing a bishop’s mantle and a gospel-book. The Fathers then immediately reinstated Nicholas and icons of him to this day celebrate the miraculous event.[7]
The Autonomous Orthodox Metropolia of Western Europe and the Americas (ROCOR). St. Hilarion Calendar of Saints for the year of our Lord 2004. St. Hilarion Press (Austin, TX). p.91.
The Roman Martyrology. Transl. by the Archbishop of Baltimore. Last Edition, According to the Copy Printed at Rome in 1914. Revised Edition, with the Imprimatur of His Eminence Cardinal Gibbons. Baltimore: John Murphy Company, 1916. pp.375-376.
December 6. Latin Saints of the Orthodox Patriarchate of Rome.
The Roman Martyrology. Transl. by the Archbishop of Baltimore. Last Edition, According to the Copy Printed at Rome in 1914. Revised Edition, with the Imprimatur of His Eminence Cardinal Gibbons. Baltimore: John Murphy Company, 1916. pp.375–376.
(in Greek) Συναξαριστής. 6 Δεκεμβρίου. Ecclesia.gr. (H Εκκλησια Τησ ΕλλαδοΣσ.
Russian Sources
* (in Russian)19 декабря (6 декабря). Православная Энциклопедия под редакцией Патриарха Московского и всея Руси Кирилла (электронная версия). (Orthodox Encyclopedia - Pravenc.ru).
