St. Nicholas, also known as “Nikolaos of Myra,” was a fourth century saint and Greek bishop of Myra. Nicholas was born in Asia Minor in the Roman Empire as an only child to Christian parents. Both of his parents tragically died during an epidemic leaving him to be raised by his uncle – the Bishop of Patara. His uncle mentored him as a reader and later on in life ordained him as a priest. Nicholas had a giving and charitable heart from a young age. In one incident, he gave his inheritance as the dowary payment for three poor girls. St. Nicholas was chosen as bishop of Myra during the 4th century persecution of Christians and as the Chief priest of Christians, he too was tortured and imprisoned with the Christians. In several incidents throughout his life, Nicholas appeared to men in power insisting they free innocent men from prison and executions. When St. Nicholas died, he was buried in his episcopal city of Myra. However, when Myra fell to the Saracens, his relics were moved to Bari in 1087. The image of St. Nicholas is often found on Byzantine seals. By the later middle ages nearly four hundred churches were dedicated in his honor in England alone, and he is said to have been represented by Christian artists more frequently than any saint, except our Lady. The custom of giving gifts in the name of St. Nicholas was popularized in America by the Dutch Protestants of New Amsterdam who converted the popish saint into the Nordic magician 'Santa Claus,' introduced into this country by Bret Harte. St. Nicholas is the patron saint of children, sailors, fisherman, merchants, the falsly accused, Russia and Greece. He became recognized as a saint long before the Roman Catholic Church began the regular canonizing procedures in the late 10th century and his feast day is on December 6. Support Catholic Online by Subscribing to our Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/catholiconlinemedia?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more on St. Nicholas: http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=371 More on Saints: http://www.catholic.org/saints/ Catholic Online Shopping: http://catholiconline.shopping/

• published: 08 Sep 2017
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