St. Nicholas

Feast Day: December 6

“The giver of every good and perfect gift has called upon us to mimic His giving, by grace, through faith, and this is not of ourselves.” – St. Nicholas

St. Nicholas, bishop of Myra, is one of the most beloved saints in both the Eastern and Western Church. His feast day, celebrated on December 6, honors his generosity, compassion for the poor, and his role as a protector of children, sailors, and those in need.

A Life of Charity and Compassion

Nicholas was born around 270 A.D. in Patara, a city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), to wealthy Christian parents. Orphaned at a young age, Nicholas inherited his family’s wealth but chose to use it to help those in need, living out the Gospel call to charity and humility.

He was known for his quiet and secret acts of generosity, often providing for the poor anonymously. The most famous story tells of how he secretly provided dowries for three impoverished sisters by tossing bags of gold through their window at night, saving them from a life of destitution.

Bishop of Myra and Defender of the Faith

Nicholas was later chosen as the bishop of Myra, a city in the region of Lycia. As bishop, he was known for his pastoral care, his defense of the innocent, and his deep commitment to the poor and the suffering.

During the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian, Nicholas was imprisoned for his faith. After his release, he attended the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D., where he stood in defense of the true doctrine of the Trinity and the divinity of Christ, opposing the heresy of Arianism.

A Legacy of Miracles and Generosity

Numerous miracles are attributed to St. Nicholas, including saving sailors from shipwreck, freeing prisoners, and providing for the hungry during times of famine. His reputation for generosity and miraculous intervention spread far beyond his homeland.

After his death around 343 A.D., devotion to St. Nicholas spread throughout the Christian world. His relics were later moved to Bari, Italy, where they are venerated to this day.

Patron of Many and Model of Charity

St. Nicholas is the patron saint of children, sailors, merchants, the poor, travelers, and many cities and countries around the world, including Russia and Greece. His life inspired the modern-day figure of Santa Claus, though his true legacy is one of deep Christian charity and love.

A Witness to the Joy of Giving

St. Nicholas’s life teaches the faithful the joy of giving, the call to serve the poor, and the importance of living out the Gospel with both compassion and courage. His witness reminds the Church that holiness is found in generous love for others.

St. Nicholas, pray for us!