Royal Lineage
Nicholas Sviatosha belonged to the ruling dynasty of Chernigov. He was a great-grandson of Yaroslav the Wise and the son of Prince David Sviatoslavich of Chernigov, who died in 1123. His grandfather was Sviatoslav II Iaroslavich (1027-1076), the fourth son of Yaroslav the Wise, progenitor of the Sviatoslavichi branch of the Rurikids, who ruled the Principality of Chernigov from 1054 to 1076.
Through this line Nicholas stood in the third generation of the Chernigov Sviatoslavichi. His secular name was Sviatoslav Davidovich, and before entering the monastery he held the title Prince of Lutsk.
Monastic Life and Service
Upon his tonsure on February 17, 1106, Nicholas embraced the lowest tasks of the community. He spent three years working in the kitchen, where he chopped wood and carried water, and then served three years as the monastery's gatekeeper. Afterward he took up the vow of silence and kept a garden around his cell.
Using his own resources, he built at the monastery the temple of the Holy Trinity and an infirmary church dedicated to Saint Nicholas. He accumulated books, distributed money to the poor, and served as a peacemaker among the princes, reconciling the Prince of Chernigov with the Great Prince Vsevolod in 1142.
Miracles and Traditions
Historically Documented: A physician named Peter had warned the prince that his monastic exertions had damaged his health. Peter himself later fell gravely ill and was healed through Nicholas's prayers, after which Peter accepted monastic tonsure.
Traditional Accounts: After the saint's death, his brother Prince Izyaslav suffered a severe illness but recovered after wearing the saint's hairshirt, which the monastery's igumen had sent to him.
