#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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Events Archive

Book launch: "Prisoners of War: Chronicle of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905" by Simion Carp

July 18, 2023

On July 18, in the Blue Hall of the National Museum of History of Moldova, took place the book launch of Mr. Simion Carp, PhD of law and university professor, entitled "Prisoners of war: the chronicle of the Russian-Japanese from 1904-1905".

During the event, that atended notorious researchers and guests, after a brief presentation of the work by the author, the Ambassador of Japan in the Republic of Moldova, H.E. Yamada Yoichiro, who appreciated the work and impressed the audience with his message during which he reviewed the events of the beginning of the 20th century, bringing words of thanks to the author for presenting a large number of materials, from which it appears that the Japanese remained a model in history, by correct behavior with the soldiers of the Russian army, among whom were Bessarabians in Japanese captivity. Knowing this historical truth will contribute to strengthening the friendly relations between the Republic of Moldova and Japan.

According to the author, the work focuses on the experience of the Bessarabian military, who were captured during the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905 and held prisoner in Japan. A detailed analysis is provided of the military units in which these soldiers were enlisted, the battles in which they participated, and the places where those who fell in battle were buried. Their acts of heroism and battlefield realities are also highlighted. An important part of the work describes the conditions of detention of prisoners of war in camps in Japan and the efforts of the international community to ensure compliance with the Hague Convention of 1899. It is argued that the Japanese government treated captured Russian servicemen relatively well.

Mr. Simion Carp also presents the story of two Bessarabians, Anatolie and Iacob Tihai, who promoted Christianity in Japan in the 19th century. They were gifted with Christian education and helped Russian military prisoners considerably through their work in the Tokyo Christian Mission.

Finally, the paper discusses the repatriation of Bessarabian soldiers and their involvement in the struggle for the national cause after returning home. The biographies of these veterans who contributed to the creation of the first local military units and the Union of Bessarabia with Romania in 1918 are brought to attention. It is also emphasized that some of them became victims of the repressions under the communist regime.

The event eas organized by the "Ștefan cel Mare" Academy of the MIA of the Republic of Moldova in partnership with the National Museum of History of Moldova.