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Saint Nicholas of Myra (traditionally 15 March 270 – 6 December 343), also known as Nicholas of Bari, was an early Christian bishop of Greek descent from the maritime city of Patara in Anatolia (in modern-day Antalya Province, Turkey) during the time of the Roman Empire.
Saint Nicholas, one of the most popular minor saints who is now traditionally associated with the festival of Christmas. In many countries children receive gifts on December 6, St. Nicholas Day. He is one of the patron saints of children and of sailors.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Saint Nicholas is one of the most popular saints commemorated in the Eastern and Western churches, and he is now traditionally associated with the...
- Saint Nicholas was known for his generosity and kindness, which gave rise to legends of miracles he performed for the poor and unhappy. As a result...
- According to tradition, Saint Nicholas was born in the ancient Lycian seaport city of Patara and, while still young, traveled to Palestine and Egyp...
- Dutch families took the tradition of celebrating the feast day of Saint Nicholas with them to New Amsterdam in the American colonies, beginning as...
- The relics of Saint Nicholas have been reported to emit a sweet-smelling substance ever since they were transferred from Turkey during the 11th cen...
Dec 6, 2023 · Saint Nicholas was a Christian bishop who helped the needy. After his death, the legend of his gift-giving grew. Saint Nicholas transformed into the legendary character called Santa Claus, who...
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Dec 22, 2014 · Learn about the life and legacy of St. Nicholas, the fourth-century Christian monk who became the inspiration for Santa Claus. Discover how his stories spread across Europe and America, and how he was venerated as a saint.
Who is St. Nicholas? The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara in Asia Minor. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young.
St. Nicholas is celebrated as the patron saint of several classes of people, especially, in the East, of sailors and in the West of children. The first of these patronage is most likely due to the legend that during his lifetime, he appeared to storm tossed mariners who invoked his aid off the coast of Lycia and brought them safely to port.
Learn about the life, miracles, and legacy of St. Nicholas, the fourth-century bishop of Myra who became the model for Santa Claus. Discover how he helped the poor, the needy, the sailors, and the children with his generosity and prayers.
