The bracelet is handmade. The length is 16 cm; it consists of small knots, into which two seed bead inserts are woven. The bracelet also contains a sterling silver icon depicting Saint Nicholas of Myra, which makes it not just a piece of jewelry, but a Christian symbol of faith. Thanks to a special braiding technique, the bracelet can be easily stretched by increasing the distance between the knots. This means it's is suitable for all wrist sizes.
Komboskini bracelets
Greek komboskini bracelets are woven by the monks of the Mount Athos monasteries with prayer and for prayer. The name of the bracelet reflects its essence and purpose: in Greek, kombos (κόμπος) means "knot", and skini (σχοινί) is a rope or cord.
The weaving of the komboskini bracelets is always accompanied by continuous prayer. Tying each knot, the monk says: "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me." Due to this, Greeks believe that komboskini bracelet protects the person who wears it. But the bracelets also have a more practical use: like prayer ropes, they are used by the prayers to go through the knots and thus count the number of prayers uttered.
Bracelets are braided in a special way: each knot consists of 9 crosses of cord, symbolizing the nine crosses, or nine angelic ranks. Often seed beads, little crosses or icons are woven into the bracelet. Komboskini bracelets are usually worn on the wrist of the left hand, as it's closer to the heart. Believers often give such bracelets to their family and friends to remember and pray for them.
Saint Nicholas
Saint Nicholas of Myra, also known as Nicholas of Bari, is revered by Orthodox Christians as a Wonderworker. Saint Nicholas was a native of the Lycian city of Patara. He was born about 270 into a family that owned a fishing fleet; he was a skilled seaman, and later became bishop of Myra. That is why in iconography he is usually depicted with a mitre on his head - as a symbol of bishopric.
To the laymen world, Nicholas the Wonderworker is known primarily as a prototype of Santa Claus. The reason was the saint's life, which is an example of kindness, generosity and unselfishness. Coming from a wealthy family, he inherited his parents' fortune, most of which he gave to charity. The tale of the poor man is especially well known. This man had three daughters whom he could not marry off as he had nothing to give them as a dowry. It meant that they were to remain unmarried and live in poverty. Nicholas learned of the poor man's sorrows and wanted to help him. But modesty prevented him from doing so openly, so he came to the poor man's house under cover of night and threw three purses of gold through his window (according to another version, through the chimney).
In the main cathedral of Stavronikita Monastery on Holy Mount Athos there is a miracle-working icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. The relics of the saint rest in the basilica of the Italian city of Bari.
Prayer to Saint Nicholas
Glorious St. Nicholas, my special patron, from thy throne in glory, where thou dost enjoy the presence of God, turn thine eyes in pity upon me and obtain for me from our Lord the graces and helps that I need in my spiritual and temporal necessities (and especially this favor [mention your request], provided that it be profitable to my salvation). Be mindful, likewise, O glorious and saintly Bishop, of our Sovereign Pontiff, of Holy Church, and of all Christian people. Bring back to the right way of salvation all those who are living steeped in sin and blinded by the darkness of ignorance, error, and heresy. Comfort the afflicted, provide for the needy, strengthen the fearful, defend the oppressed, give health to the infirm; cause all men to experience the effects of thy powerful intercession with the supreme Giver of every good and perfect gift. Amen.
Characteristics
Length: 16 cm
Weight: ~2 gr
Beads volume: ~3,5 mm
Material: weaving cord, seed beads, sterling silver
