Remembered each year most especially during the month of December, his white-bearded face is familiar to and beloved by all. Defying the limits of space and time, his benevolent assistance and generosity to children and people of all ages is legendary throughout the world.
This description, of course, fits both Santa Claus and Saint Nicholas. The latter antedates the former, so let’s consider how Saint Nicholas came to be identified as the figure we now know as Santa Claus.
His story
Our saint was born during the third century in the village of Patara. 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. Obeying Jesus’ words to “sell what you own and give the money to the poor,” Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.
Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Saint Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. The prisons were so full of bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminals—murderers, thieves and robbers. After his release, Saint Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in 325. He died December 6, 343 in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church, where a unique relic, called manna, formed in his grave. This fragrant liquid substance with its miraculous healing powers fostered the growth of devotion to the saint. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, Saint Nicholas Day, December 6th.
An icon of benevolence
There are several stories of Saint Nicholas that have survived the centuries, which will help us understand his extraordinary character and why he is so beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need.
Gift-giver and Protector of the Poor
At the time of Saint Nicholas there was a poor man who had three daughters, who, without dowries, were therefore destined to be sold into slavery. Mysteriously, on three different occasions, a bag of gold appeared in their home-providing the needed dowries. The bags of gold, tossed through an open window, are said to have landed in stockings or shoes left before the fire to dry.
This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas. Sometimes the story is told with gold balls instead of bags of gold. That is why three gold balls, sometimes represented as oranges, are one of the symbols for St. Nicholas. And so St. Nicholas is a gift-giver.
A miraculous intercession
Sometime after Saint Nicholas had left this world the townspeople of Myra were celebrating the saint on the eve of his feast day when a band of Arab pirates from Crete came into the district. They stole treasures from the Church of Saint Nicholas to take away as booty. As they were leaving town, they snatched a young boy, Basilios, to make into a slave.
The emir, or ruler, selected Basilios to be his personal cupbearer, as not knowing the language, Basilios would not understand what the king said to those around him. So, for the next year Basilios waited on the king, bringing his wine in a beautiful golden cup. For Basilios’ parents, devastated at the loss of their only child, the year passed slowly, filled with grief.
As the next St. Nicholas’ feast day approached, Basilios’ mother would not join in the festivity, as it was now a day of tragedy. However, she was persuaded to have a simple observance at home—with quiet prayers for Basilios’ safekeeping. Meanwhile, as Basilios was fulfilling his tasks serving the emir, he was suddenly whisked up and away. Saint Nicholas appeared to the terrified boy, blessed him, and set him down at his home back in Myra.
Imagine the joy and wonderment when Basilios amazingly appeared before his parents, still holding the king’s golden cup. This is the first story told of St. Nicholas protecting children—which became his primary role in the West.
Protector of Youths and Travelers
Three theological students were traveling on their way to study in Athens. A wicked innkeeper robbed and murdered them, hiding their remains in a large pickling tub. Saint Nicholas, traveling along the same route, stopped at this very inn. In the night he dreamed of the crime, got up, and summoned the innkeeper. As Saint Nicholas prayed earnestly to God the three boys were restored to life and wholeness.
In France the story is told of three small children, wandering in their play until lost, lured, and captured by an evil butcher. Saint Nicholas appeared and appealed to God to return them to life and to their families. And so Saint Nicholas is the patron and protector of children.
“It happened with one of the Monastery Icons that we’ve been buying over the years, mostly by recycling aluminum cans. For our All Saints’ Day class I took some of our smallest scholars to the floor that showcases a number of saintly icons, including Joan of Arc. When I told them that she was a patron saint of people in prison, this one little girl said, “Oh. So, she is like us, stuck in here, but we get to go home at night.” Exactly! After suppressing the urge to laugh out loud, I told her that Joan was burned at the stake, so she had it worse than students. That comment led a boy to ask if Joan used her knife or the spear – pictured in the icon – “when burning the steak.” You get the picture!”
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