St Nicholas the Wonderworker silver pendant with myrrh from his relics in Bari

Pendant depicting Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker with myrrh from the relics of Bari.

The pendant “Saint Nicholas with the Holy Myrrh” is made of 925 sterling silver and decorated with a grapevine gently entwining the image of the saint. This symbol goes back to the words of Christ: “I am the true vine, and you are the branches” (John 15:5). The vine represents the Savior, and the bunches of grapes represent all Christians united in faith.

In the center of the pendant is a transparent vial with a drop of Holy Myrrh (in Italian, “Manna”), which flows from the relics of St. Nicholas in the Papal Basilica of San Nicola in the city of Bari. Nilova Pustyn monastery gives confirmation of its authenticity.

Christians have long had a special reverence for the relics of saints. But only a few can touch them, let alone carry a particle of the relics. Enclosed is a drop of myrrh in a pendant — the very blessed gift that flows from the relics of St. Nicholas and is a visible sign of God's mercy.

The strict lines and skillful blackening emphasize the high detail of the entire product: from the face of the saint to the grapevine framing the pendant. This harmony of form and meaning gives rise to a special power — a feeling of a living connection with Christ and with the heavenly patron.