Saint Nicholas

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Ilja Jefimowitsch Repin - Saint Nicholas of Myra saves three innocents from death

Saint Nicholas of Myra slapping Arius at the Council of Nicaea Greek Icon

Saint Nicolas Heures d'Anne de Bretagne

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Saint Nicholas (270 – 6 December 343), also known as Nicholas of Myra or Nicholas of Bari, was an early Christian bishop of the ancient Greek maritime city of Myra in Asia Minor (modern-day Demre, Turkey) during the time of the Roman Empire. Due to the many miracles attributed to his intercession, he is also known as Nicholas the Wonderworker. Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of a variety of classes of people, including sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves, children, brewers, pawnbrokers, unmarried people, and students in various cities and countries around Europe. His reputation evolved among the faithful, as was common for early Christian saints. He is also the basis for the Santa Claus mythology, through the Dutch Sinterklaas tradition.

Life

Very little is historically certain about Saint Nicholas's life. The earliest accounts of his life were written centuries after his death and contain many legendary or miraculous elements. According to these accounts, Nicholas was born to wealthy Christian parents in Patara, Lycia, in Asia Minor. After his parents died in an epidemic, Nicholas was raised by his uncle, the bishop of Patara, who later ordained him as a priest. Nicholas became known for his piety, charity, and the practice of secret gift-giving. One of the most famous stories about him is that he saved three poor sisters from being sold into slavery or prostitution by their father by providing them with a dowry so they could be married.

Bishop of Myra

Nicholas was elected as the Bishop of Myra in the early 4th century. During the persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, Nicholas was imprisoned but was released under the reign of Constantine the Great. He attended the First Council of Nicaea in 325, where he was a staunch defender of the Orthodox Christian belief against Arianism. However, historical evidence for his attendance is lacking.

Miracles and Legends

Saint Nicholas is attributed with performing many miracles and acts of kindness. One of the most well-known stories is his saving of three condemned men who were falsely accused and sentenced to death. He is also credited with calming a storm at sea, saving the lives of sailors. Another legend tells of him secretly providing gold to the three impoverished daughters of a pious Christian, saving them from destitution.

Veneration

After his death on 6 December 343, the veneration of Saint Nicholas spread rapidly throughout the Christian world. His feast day is celebrated on 6 December, the anniversary of his death. This day is observed with gift-giving and acts of charity in many cultures, reflecting the saint's own life of generosity. Over the centuries, Saint Nicholas's popularity grew, and he became one of the most beloved and recognizable saints in Christianity.

Relics

In 1087, after the fall of Myra to the Seljuk Turks, Italian merchants from Bari seized part of Nicholas's relics and transported them to Bari, Italy, where they are enshrined in the Basilica di San Nicola. The translation of the relics was not without controversy, and it significantly increased the saint's popularity in Europe and made Bari a popular pilgrimage destination.

Legacy

Saint Nicholas's legacy is a blend of early Christian piety, medieval folklore, and modern commercialism. He is a figure who transcends religious boundaries and is celebrated in various forms around the world. The transformation of Saint Nicholas into the commercialized Santa Claus in some cultures has obscured the saint's historical and spiritual significance. However, his life and deeds continue to inspire acts of charity and generosity.

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