- 05 December 2024
- 12:11
A terrible miracle of Saint Nicholas, which surprised the Soviet Union in 1956. in fact, the film The Miracle, by Alexander Proshkin, which was awarded at the 31st Moscow International festival with the special prize, is based on this event.
In the town of Kuibyshev lived a family: the pious mother and her daughter Zoe. On New Year’s Eve 1956, Zoe invited seven of her friends and as many other young people to a dinner and dance. It was then the Christmas fast(1) and the mother begged Zoe not to plan an evening with dances and food, but the daughter insisted on her. That night the mother went to the Church to pray.
The guests gathered, but Zoe’s fiance had not yet arrived. His name was Nikolaos. The girls and boys split into twos and began to dance.
Zoe was left alone. Out of shame, without thinking twice, she took down the image of Saint nicholas the Wonderworker from the wall and said: “I will take this Nicholas and go dance with him”, not paying attention in the meantime to her friends, who advised her not to commit this blasphemous act, but Zoe boldly replied: “If there is a God, punish me!”
He began to dance, made two rounds, then suddenly in the room there was a terrible noise, a whirlwind, and a blinding light flashed like lightning.
The fun turned to horror and horror. Everyone left the room just in case. Only Zoe stood motionless, with the image of the Saint stuck to her chest, agitated and frozen like marble.
The doctors, who arrived quickly, could not save her with their efforts. The injection needles, which they were trying to give her, twisted and broke as they hit her marble body! They wanted to take her to the hospital, but they couldn’t move her from her seat. Her feet seemed to be nailed to the floor. But, the heart was beating! Zoe was alive. but he could no longer eat or drink…
When her mother came back and saw what had happened,she fell unconscious and was taken to the hospital,where she was discharged in a few days. her faith in God’s
Zoe regained consciousness and tearfully asked for forgiveness and help.
in the early days the house of life was surrounded by many people, believers who came or even walked from afar, curious, doctors, and spiritual people. But,quickly,by order of the authorities,the house was closed to visitors. Two policemen patrolled every eight hours.
Nights and nights beside her, the mother prayed.
They also informed the Patriarch about everything that had happened and begged him to pray for zoe’s recovery.The Patriarch answered
He who cut her, will have mercy on her!
Among the people allowed to visit Zoe from now on were:
1 Well-known medical professors who came from Moscow. he confirmed that the heart had not stopped beating.
2. Priests, whose mother invited saint Nicholas to take from Zoe’s hands.But even they couldn’t pry the image from Zoe’s damaged hands.
3. Hieromonk Seraphim from the Glinsk Desert, who came to Kuibyshev for the christmas holidays and consecrated and sanctified the icon. He then said: “Now we have to wait a while for Easter! If nothing is done, it means the end of the world is coming!”, showing with these words his deep belief in miracles.
4. Metropolitan Nikolaos, who also read a prayer and said: “a new miracle to wait for Easter”, repeating the words of the pious hieromonk.
On the eve of the feast of the Annunciation (which fell that year on the Saturday of the third week of Great Lent) a good-natured Old Man went to the guardians of Life and begged them to let him see Life. But the police guards refused to allow him.
Some time passed and when the guards tried to bring the Elder out, he was not in the room…
Everyone was convinced that it was Saint Nicholas himself. So Zoe stood for 4 months (128 days), right up to Easter, which fell that year on April 23 (May 6 with the new calendar).
On the night of Christ’s Resurrection, life began to cry especially loudly:
The night watchmen shuddered and began to ask her: ”why are you shouting so terribly?”
Follow the answer:
– Great! the world is on fire! Pray! The whole world is dying for its sins, pray!
From that moment on, life was revived, the muscles began to relax, to come to life. Finally they put her to bed, but she continued to cry and call everyone to pray for the world that is dying for sins, for the world that is burning for its sins.
-How did you stay alive until now? Who fed you? they asked her
– Pigeons, I was fed pigeons, was the answer.From this it was clear that he received mercy and forgiveness from the Right Hand of the Lord Almighty. The Lord forgives Zoe’s sins, in the presence of Saint Nicholas the fantastic Worker, and as of her great suffering and standing during the 128 days.
All these events shook the inhabitants of Kuibyshev and the surrounding area. Many people,seeing the miracles,hearing her screams and pleas to pray for those who are dying because of their sins,regenerated their faith in God. They returned to the Church in repentance.
Those who did not wear a cross, began to wear one at that time when it was only possible to pay with their lives for it. The return was so huge that there were not enough church crosses for everyone who asked.
With fear and tears, the people asked for the forgiveness of sins, repeating the words of Zoe: “great, the world is burning, we are dying for our sins! Pray! Men are lost
On the third day of Easter, Zoe went to the Lord, after going through the tough road standing for 128 days before the face of the lord to forgive all her sins. The Holy spirit kept her alive all these days to resurrect her soul from the death of sin, so that in the eternal day he would resurrect her in a body to eternal life.As, after all, her name says it: Zoe.
Commentary (from the Russian original): Zoe’s case was also commented on in the Soviet press of the time. In response to the letters that reached the address of a qualified newspaper, an arrogant scientist insisted that the truth of Life is not imaginary, but nevertheless he declared that it is a rigid form that science does not yet know about.
The falsity of that assumption is evident,as: First of all,with inflexibility,there is no such stony hardening of the skin that doctors cannot inject the sick.
Thirdly, illness in itself does not return a person to God and does not bring revelations from heaven, and in the case of Zoe, not only did thousands of people regain their faith in God, but they demonstrated their faith in practice, and that is, them.they were baptized and lived morally.
Not only did they believe that God exists, but they also became Christians. It is clear from him that it was not a simple disease,but some divine economy.he establishes faith in practice, to redeem people from sins and from the punishment for them.
(1.) In Russia the holidays follow the old calendar. The Christmas fast lasts from 28 November to 6 January the following year.
From the magazine OSIOS GRIGORIOS, issue 21 of 1996, of the Holy Monastery of Saint Gregory in Mount Athos.
How does “The Miracle” film portray the themes of faith and societal challenges during the Soviet era?
Interview: The Miracle of Saint Nicholas – A Deep Dive Into History and film
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re delving into a remarkable story that has transcended time—a miracle from 1956 that has inspired an award-winning film. We’re joined by Dr. Elena Mikhailova, a cultural historian and film expert who has extensively researched the events surrounding this incident and its cinematic representation. Dr. Mikhailova, thank you for being here!
Dr. Elena Mikhailova (EM): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such a fascinating blend of history, faith, and art.
TNE: Let’s start with the miracle itself. Can you briefly outline what happened in Kuibyshev in 1956?
EM: Absolutely. On New Year’s Eve of 1956, a young woman named Zoe invited friends over for a gathering, despite it being the Christmas fast. Her mother, a devout believer, disapproved and went to church to pray. As the night progressed and Zoe’s fiancé was late, she provocatively danced with an image of Saint Nicholas, challenging divine retribution. In a shocking turn, a whirlwind and blinding light enveloped the room, causing a chaotic scene.Zoe became paralyzed, seemingly turned to stone, with the image still clutched to her chest.
TNE: That must have had a profound impact on the community. How did the townsfolk and authorities react?
EM: The incident attracted immense attention. believers, curious onlookers, and even medical professionals flocked to Zoe’s home. However,local authorities quickly placed restrictions on visits,patrolling the house to prevent the growing crowds. The situation presented a clash between faith and government in a time under Soviet control, adding a layer of tension to the narrative.
TNE: It sounds dramatic! This led to the film “The Miracle” by Alexander Proshkin. How do you think the film captures the essence of this event?
EM: Proshkin’s film certainly takes creative liberties, but it encapsulates the emotional and spiritual turmoil of that night. The performances,particularly the portrayal of Zoe,reflect both her defiance and her vulnerability. The cinematography enhances the mystical elements, with vivid contrasts between the lively festivities and the eerie atmosphere of Zoe’s experience. It delves deep into the themes of faith, the consequences of actions, and societal ramifications during a time of oppression.
TNE: The film won a special prize at the 31st Moscow International Film Festival. What do you think made it resonate so much with the audience and critics alike?
EM: The miracle story itself is powerful, rooted in deep faith and human emotion. At a time when spiritual topics were frequently enough shunned, the film’s exploration of divine intervention struck a chord. It became a reflection of the people’s struggles and hopes in a repressive society, showcasing that even in darkness, a light of faith could prevail.The film’s unique narrative around Saint Nicholas, a well-loved figure, added to its emotional depth.
TNE: Fascinating! The film also highlights various visitors to Zoe, from medical professors to priests. How did these interactions shape the story’s development?
EM: These interactions are crucial as they represent the intersection of science, faith, and folklore. The medical professors confirm Zoe’s inexplicable condition, while the priests bring a narrative of hope and divine intervention. The hierarchical structures highlight the community’s desperation and faith. It reflects how theology and medicine often contend with each other in crises, which adds layers to the viewer’s understanding of human experience and belief.
TNE: It seems that the legacy of this miracle extends beyond the film.How is it perceived in contemporary society?
EM: The story remains a significant part of local folklore in Kuibyshev, as well as within Orthodox Christian circles. Many still believe in the miraculous nature of Zoe’s experience, and it serves as a source of inspiration and faith for the community. The film has also resurrected interest in this event, leading to discussions about faith’s role in contemporary society, especially in areas with suppressed religious expression.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Mikhailova, for enlightening us on this remarkable story and its filmic adaptation. It’s clear that the intersection of faith, culture, and cinema creates powerful narratives that endure over time.
EM: Thank you for this engaging conversation! It’s essential we remember and reflect on these stories that transcend barriers and resonate with our shared humanity.
TNE: And thank you to our audience for joining us in exploring this amazing miracle that became an award-winning film. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions on Time.news!
