SAINT KIRA

Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church An icon from the Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas made during the 18th century “The icons that are in the Church are called, “windows to Heaven.” And they aren’t just paintings of people that are in the Church. It used to be said that icons are written, in the sense that each icon tells a story. Now we just say that they are paintings. But they are paintings are people that are alive, because we believe in eternal life, and we believe that when a person dies in a sense it’s like they‘ve gone to sleep. Their soul is still alive, and their soul either goes to Heaven or to Hell.”-Anna Keith interview, 2008
Icons
Saint Kyra
	Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church in Asheville North Carolina is a small Church community that boasts a very unique icon. On December 17, 2004 a Holy New Martyr service was performed at Saint Nicholas Church for the new saint, Saint Kyra. Originally from Saint Petersburg Kyra Obolenskaya came from a well off family Saint Krya lived in turmoil ridden Russia where the Communist’s dominated all aspects of life. Saint Kyra defied the Communist’s wishes and educated under- privileged children. She was caught, arrested, and executed in 1937. Saint Kyra is a new generation martyr who is now being recognized by the Russian Orthodox Church for her work during the World Wars and the Cold War.
Saint Nicholas
	Saint Nicholas is the common name for Nicholas of Myra, which is located in present day Turkey. Nicholas is known for the many miracles that are attributed to his name for this reason he is known as Nicholas the Wondermaker. He also had the reputation of giving secret gifts to the needy, so Saint Nicholas is also identified with Santa Clause. Nicholas was never officially canonized, but his reputation was well known among the faithful the church named him a saint. Saint Nicholas is honored and revered by both the Orthodox and Catholic Church. He is also Russia’s patron saint
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