The joy of giving in the light of Saint Nicholas

Joy often comes from small gestures—a gift, a bright smile, a heartfelt prayer—from people who choose to follow the example of the saints and turn the holiday into a good deed. On December 6, 2025, when the Orthodox Church celebrates Saint Nicholas, the image of merciful love and unheard-of generosity, the Saint Tecla Foundation had the joy of joining the patron saint’s day celebration at Saint Nicholas Sitaru Monastery, together with Archimandrite Natanael Haraga and the monastic community.

In a spirit of gratitude and celebration, inspired by the life and deeds of Saint Nicholas—who gave secretly, discreetly, and lovingly—we wanted to bring a ray of light to the faithful present at the patronal feast. Thus, 200 packages were offered to the laity and 100 packages to children, as a sign of brotherly care and communion in Christ.

Through this simple but meaningful gesture, we saw smiles, emotion, and gratitude—signs that a gift, however modest, becomes a blessing when it is given from the heart. Christian charity does not seek praise, but responds to the needs of others with a pure heart, and this day was a living testimony of active love.

We pray that God will help us to follow, each according to our ability, the example of Saint Nicholas, bringing joy to those around us with a kind word, with a gesture of brotherly love, with care and compassion. As our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us, true love is shown through deeds, and charity is the secret language of the heart that knows God.

This day was for all of us a lesson in giving and hope, a reminder that when we give, we enrich our souls and together we become workers of joy in the world.