St. Nicholas

About Saint Nicholas Saint Nicholas was born in 270 A.D. in Patara, Lycia, Asia Minor which is known as Turkey today.  He is also referred to as Nicholas of Myra. Saint Nicholas is also known as Nicholas the Wonderworker because of the many miracles attributed to him. Saint Nicholas often left money in the shoes of people who left them out for him.  It is because of this gift giving that he became known as Santa Claus which is derived for the Dutch, Sinterklaas.

Saint Nicholas dedicated himself to the service of God and became the Bishop of Myra. Saint Nicholas was tormented by the Emperor Diocletian who persecuted the Christians relentlessly.  Saint Nicholas was imprisoned and exiled. Saint Nicholas died on December 6, 343 A.D. and was laid to rest in his cathedral.  December 6 is now celebrated as St. Nicholas Day. Protector of Children Saint Nicholas became known as a protector of children a long time after his death.  The people in Myra were celebrating Saint Nicholas Day when a group of pirates from the Isle of Crete raided the village.  The pirates stole anything of value from the Church of Saint Nicholas and kidnapped a young boy named, Basilios, to keep as a slave.   Basilios was chosen by the king to be his cupbearer.  He served as the king’s slave for a year.  Basilio’s parents were grief stricken at the loss of their son.  On the next St. Nicholas Day, they decided to stay at home and pray quietly rather than attend the celebrations.  At the same time, Basilios was transported from the king’s residence and placed in his own home by Saint Nicholas.  The boy’s parents were amazed and ecstacic at the appearance of their son who had the king’s cup still in his hand.

This story is the first time Saint Nicholas became associated with protecting children.  It became his instrumental role as a saint. Many Christians give a Saint Nicholas charm, Saint Nicholas medal, or Saint Nicholas pendant to children to help protect them from harm.  The Saint Nicholas necklace is a favorite of children because they love the saint that is known as Santa Claus to them.

Saint Nicholas