December 6. FeastDay SAINT NICHOLAS, Bishop Patron of Bakers and Pawnbrokers The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who 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 those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships. Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop 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, Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church, where a unique relic, called manna, formed in his grave. This liquid substance, said to have healing powers, fostered the growth of devotion to Nicholas. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day, December 6th (December 19 on the Julian Calendar). Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St. Nicholas life and deeds. These accounts help us understand his extraordinary character and why he is so beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need. It is common opinion that Saint Nicholas was a native of Patara in Lycia, Asia Minor. He became a monk in the the monastery of Holy Zion near Myra. Of this house he was made Abbot bt the Archbishop, ite founder. When hte See of Myra, the capital of Lycia, fell vacant, Saint Nicholas was appointed its Archbishop. It is said that he suffered for the Faith under Diocletian, and that he was present at the Council of Nice as an opponent of Arianism. His death occurred at Myra, in the year 342. The characteristic virtue of Saint Nicholas appears to have been his charity for the poor. It is also related that he was mortified and abstemious from that his very infancy. Saint Nicholas is regarded as the special patron of children, and our well-known Santa Claus is a derivative of Saint Nicholas. The Emperor Justinian built a church in his honor at Constantinople in the suburb of Blacharnae, about the year 340. He has always been honored with great veneration in the Latin and Greek Churches. The Russian Church seems to honor him more than any other Saint after the Apostles. PRAYER: We call upon Your mercy, O Lord. Through the intercession of Saint Nicholas, keep us safe amid all dangers so that we may go forward without hindrance on the road of salvation. Amen.†
Posted on: Sat, 06 Dec 2014 05:58:51 +0000
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