Martyr Nicholas Varzhansky
What Are Holy Relics?
The term holy relics refers to the bodies of God’s saints — whether miraculously preserved from corruption or, even when naturally decayed, their bones and other bodily remains. They are called “holy” because they serve as a sacred memorial of those who were precious to Christ and His Church, and because the Lord continues to work miracles through them by His divine power.
From ancient times, the remains of prophets and righteous men have always been treated with reverence:
> “Josiah said, ‘What is this monument that I see?’ And the men of the city answered him, ‘It is the tomb of the man of God who came from Judah and proclaimed these things concerning you.’ And he said, ‘Let him alone; let no one move his bones.’ So they preserved his bones, together with the bones of the prophet who came from Samaria.” (2 Kings 23:17–18)
The Wisdom of Sirach likewise proclaims:
> “May their memory be blessed! May their bones flourish from their place, and their name continue through generations of glory.” (Sirach 46:13–15)