Feast Day: December 6
Patron Saint of: Children, sailors, merchants, pawnbrokers, and prisoners
St. Nicholas of Myra, also known as Nicholas the Wonderworker, is one of the most beloved saints in Christianity. Born in the 3rd century in the Greek city of Patara, in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), he was raised in a devout Christian family. His parents, wealthy and pious, instilled in him a deep faith and a profound sense of charity. Orphaned at a young age, Nicholas inherited significant wealth, which he devoted entirely to helping the poor and needy.
Early Life and Calling
Nicholas’s early devotion to God led him to embrace a life of celibacy, prayer, and service. As a young man, he traveled to Myra, where his piety and humility caught the attention of local clergy. Upon the death of Myra’s bishop, Nicholas was chosen—reportedly by divine inspiration—to lead the flock. His episcopal ministry was marked by fervent teaching, pastoral care, and miraculous deeds.
Miracles of Charity
St. Nicholas is most famous for his acts of generosity and kindness. Among the many stories of his life, one stands out:
A poor man with three daughters could not afford dowries for their marriages. Desperate and at risk of selling them into slavery, he prayed for help. Upon learning of the family’s plight, Nicholas secretly tossed bags of gold into their home over three consecutive nights, providing dowries for the daughters and preserving their dignity. This act of selfless charity inspired the tradition of secret gift-giving associated with St. Nicholas, which eventually evolved into the modern figure of Santa Claus.
Defender of the Faith
During the reign of Emperor Diocletian, Nicholas was imprisoned for his Christian faith but was released after Constantine became emperor. He participated in the First Council of Nicaea in 325, where he ardently opposed the Arian heresy, which denied the divinity of Christ. Tradition holds that Nicholas, in a moment of righteous zeal, slapped the heretic Arius during a heated debate, earning him a temporary reprimand but solidifying his legacy as a defender of orthodoxy.
Legacy and Veneration
St. Nicholas passed away on December 6, 343 AD, in Myra. His tomb became a site of pilgrimage, and numerous miracles were attributed to his intercession. In 1087, fearing desecration by Muslim invaders, sailors from Bari, Italy, transported his relics to their city, where they remain today in the Basilica di San Nicola.
The devotion to St. Nicholas spread throughout Christendom. He is particularly venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church, Roman Catholic Church, and Anglican Communion. Known as the patron saint of children, his feast day is celebrated with joy and acts of charity worldwide.
Symbols and Iconography
St. Nicholas is often depicted as a bishop in religious art, wearing a mitre and holding a crosier. Symbols associated with him include:
- Three gold balls or bags of coins: Representing his charity to the impoverished father.
- A ship: Reflecting his patronage of sailors.
- Children in a barrel: Referring to a legend where he resurrected three murdered boys.
Conclusion
St. Nicholas, the humble and generous bishop of Myra, remains an enduring symbol of Christian love, faith, and charity. His life inspires millions to emulate his example of selflessness and devotion to God.