#Exhibit of the Month

Around thirty icons from the collection of the National Museum of History of Moldova feature Saint Nicholas the Hierarch and Miracle Worker. While most represent the later iconographic tradition, a few early images stand out as rare examples due to their composition.
In the icon "Saint Nicholas with Scenes from His Life", the hierarch is depicted bust-length, blessing the Gospel. He is framed by two round medallions showing Christ and the Mother of God, who hand him the Gospel and the omophorion. Saint Nicholas, earlier than other saints, was portrayed with scenes from his hagiographic cycle. The first images of his life date back to the 11th century, represented on a folding icon from the Monastery of Saint Catherine at Sinai.

The museum icon dates from the early 19th century, preserving the traditional chest format typical of classical icons. Twelve panels illustrate episodes from the saint's life, arranged from left to right: four on the upper register, four on the lower, and two on each side, as follows: Birth of Saint Nicholas (1), Baptism of Saint Nicholas (2), Miracle of Healing the Crippled Woman (3), Apprenticeship of Young Nicholas (4), Ordination as Deacon (5), Ordination as Bishop (6) Vision of Constantine (7), Saint Nicholas Saves Three Voivodes from Execution (8), Miracle of Rescue from Drowning (9), Miracle of Saving Basil from the Arabs (10), Dormition of Saint Nicholas (11), Translation of the Relics of Saint Nicholas to Bari (12).

Saint Nicholas the Hierarch is commemorated by the Orthodox Church twice a year: on December 6/19, the day of his birth, and on May 9/22, the day his relics were transferred from Myra to Bari (1087). Among all saints of the Christian world, the image of Saint Nicholas is one of the most popular, easily recognizable even to those unfamiliar with iconography.

He was born in the Roman Empire, at Patara in the province of Lycia, between 260-280, though early sources omit the exact date. Coming from a wealthy family, he rejected fame and luxury. From an early age he devoted himself to prayer and the study of Holy Scripture, while also mastering other disciplines. He avoided noisy gatherings and idle talk, attended church regularly, and pursued a life of chastity. Later he dedicated himself to pastoral ministry, defending the Christian faith with perseverance and firmly opposing heresies.
Through his care for people and the benefactions he performed everywhere, he became highly venerated not only in Myra but also in the surrounding regions. The grace of the Holy Spirit dwelling in his heart was revealed through miracles performed both during his life and after his death, earning him the enduring title of "Miracle Worker." Saint Nicholas passed away in the 330s (circa 334-337), and his remains were placed in a sumptuous marble tomb in the episcopal cathedral where he had served for many years. This soon became an important center of pilgrimage.
Holy Tradition has preserved with accuracy the features of his portrait, and his appearance in icons is marked by a distinct individuality. Ecclesiastical art has produced numerous iconographic representations, ranging from bust images to full-length depictions. The diversity of these representations suggests that the final iconography of Saint Nicholas was not yet established, taking shape only in the 10th-11th centuries. It is said that an authentic icon from the basilica in Myra, executed during the saint's lifetime and mentioned in written sources as early as the 11th century, played a significant role in his veneration.
Icons depicting the hagiographic cycle of Saint Nicholas spread widely in both Byzantine and post-Byzantine art, confirming the importance and popularity of his cult.

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Publications

Library „Tyragetia"

Simion CARP, Ghenadie CHIRIŢA, Terentie CARP, Ecaterina GÎRBU

Military traditions (past, present, future)

Series Biblioteca „Tyragetia” XXII, Chișinău, 2013, 375 p. ISBN 978-9975-80-703-6.

The authors of the volume Military Traditions (past, present, future) set as main aim to collect, to select, to arrange, to analyze, to highlight and to synthesize, as much as possible, all documentary resources and to include in the scientific circuit the military traditions, the military deeds, the military art, the actions of bravery, courage and spirit of sacrifice shown by our predecessors on the battlefields for the soldierly glory and honor.

The work, as conceived by the authors, covers the main aspects of military tradition issues. Its primary objective is to introduce into the scientific, educational, didactic and cultural circuit the old military traditions, and to synthesize and rebuild, on their base, a contemporary fight style absolutely necessary to the military-patriotic orientation of young generation and for the creation of a new national school of close fight.

The military history of predecessors was rebuilt on a rich documentary material identified in various categories of resources (written, ancient and medieval resources, bas-reliefs, wall painting etc.) collected with big competence and which highlight real possibilities for the use of soldierly glory for patriotic education of students and future defenders of the fatherland.

The publication presents studies in fields of history, culture, traditions, military art, pedagogy with well argued conclusions and synthesis, with highlighted concepts framing into the national ideas - a very important thing for our fellow citizens from the republic and from abroad. In the book are depicted certain events, wars, military conflicts which do not feature in history textbooks, by presentation of new archival data, war letters, list of Bessarabians participants at wars from the end of 19th - beginning of 20th centuries and of notorious personalities that contributed to the evolution of history and national and universal culture. Also, are described and analyzed military traditions and war tactics that were included in the history of universal military art. The portrait of our fellow citizen with his positive traits is presented into a special plastic paradigm.