25- ST. NICHOLAS
		
		
		St. Nicholas stands out in the Church as a "model of faith
		and an example of virtue." Nicholas was Archbishop of Myra
		in Lycia in the fourth century. He is called the Wonder-
		worker. His greatness lies neither in theological works 
		nor in writings. He is a personification of a shepherd, 
		a defender, and an intercessor. For us, Nicholas is a man 
		of faith. He shows us what humility is and teaches us the 
		values of moderation and poverty. All generations have 
		acknowledged him as a holy bishop. 
		
		
		The Icon of St. Nicholas brings him into our life. He is 
		shown with his right hand raised in blessing and his left 
		hand clasping a scroll. As bishop, he blesses his people 
		in the name of Christ and brings the Word of Truth to them.
		The Icon encloses the image of Christ holding the Gospel 
		Book on one side of the Saint, and the Mother of God 
		holding the Bishop's omophorion on the other side. This 
		is an obvious reference to his choice as Bishop of Myra. 
		It is common for events from the lives of the Saints to be
		shown in their icons. In a vision prior to his election 
		as Bishop, Nicholas beheld Christ handing him the Book of 
		Gospels, and the Mother of God placing the omophorion on 
		his shoulders. 
		
		
		With St. Nicholas we stand in faith and worship, seeing 
		him as a model for our Christian lives and a model for 
		Christian leadership. We ask him to pray to Christ for us.
		 
		
		TROPARION -The sincerity of your deeds has revealed you 
		to your flock as a teacher of moderation, a model of faith,
		and an example of virtue. Therefore, you attained 
		greatness through humility, and wealth through poverty. 
		O Father and Archbishop Nicholas, ask Christ God to save 
		our souls.
		

		I am a true believer in the best about me
		
		
		B.S. refers to Belief System - Those things you hold to be t
		rue about yourself and others. You're B.S. is a product of 
		your experiences and perceptions. Those things you have come 
		to believe are true. Those things buried in the back of your 
		mind. But are they really buried? No! Your belief system 
		determines your environment, your abilities and the way you 
		approach life's experiences. What do you really believe about 
		yourself? What do you believe  about your ability to have, to 
		be and to do all the things you hold dear in your heart? If 
		you really want to know what you believe, take a look at the 
		people, conditions and situations in your immediate environment.
		They are the reflection of you own B.S.
		
		
		Check out your own Belief System
		

		I am growing by thoughts, words and deeds
		
		
		When you know you are thinking, saying or doing things that 
		are unhealthy or unproductive, you must do more than know. 
		There must be a genuine, loving support for the "self" to 
		make a change. Change does not mean replacing one bad habit 
		for another. It does not mean beating up on yourself or 
		feeling guilty or ashamed. Change means not making excuses 
		for yourself, but doing exactly what you say you will do. 
		When you support yourself in making needed changes, you are 
		supporting your own growth. Growth is the commitment to being,
		doing and having the best.
		
		It takes a deep commitment to change and an even 
		deeper commitment to grow.