The Canons of St. Nicholas contained in this little book represent eight canons composed by St. Joseph the Imnographer for each of the eight chants of the eight chants of the Eight Voices of the Octoechos. Thus, because the Church has dedicated every Thursday to the honor of St. Nicholas, the Liturgy of these days contains one such canon for each voice. The structure of these canons is identical to that of the well-known “canons” dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, the Savior Christ or saints. St. Nicholas is loved and called upon everywhere for help, being known as a friend and warm intercessor to God for all: children and the elderly, lay and monastic, shepherds and shepherds’ shepherds, all find comfort, consolation and help under the gracious and loving homophorus of St. Nicholas.