St. Nicholas

Northern Europeans changed St. Nicholas' name to Santa Clause, sometimes called Father Christmas, because of his good spirit of Christmas unselfishness and love toward others.

Born 275 A.D. in Patara. A town in Asia Minor, St. Nicholas, common name: Nicolas of Myra, was raised and ordained Priest by his uncle the Bishop of the town of Myra in Lycia of Anatolia, and after his death succeeded him. This is in modern day Antalya Province, Turkey.

As Bishop, the story goes that St. Nicholas, having heard of the plight of three daughters of a poor father, came on three separate secret missions to leave enough money aside for marriage dowries, saving each from a life of slavery. Although he tried to remain unknown the man hid himself and waited to see who his benefactor was. The father received forgiveness and was pardoned for nearly having sold his daughters.

His feast day is celebrated on December 6. (Hebrews 13:16) "To do good, and to distribute, forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."

St. Nicholas, is a valued intercessor, known to many as having helped during a tempest-tossed sea. A "wonderworker" to those who call upon him.

Troparion: "The truth of thy deeds showed thee to thy flock as a Rule of faith and an image of meekness, a teacher of self-control; therefore, by thy lowliness thou didst attain great heights, and by thy poverty great riches; O Father, Bishop Nicholas, intercede with Christ our God to save our souls.

The big Italian San Nicola festival commemorates the 1087 arrival of St. Nicholas' remains in Bari, Italy, when Turks conquered Asia Minor. Out of the bones exhumes a sweet smelling oil from the skull of St. Nicholas. This oil has been known to be a source of healing for many.

One visit to Ocean City, NJ, my husband John and I attended a vesper service and were lucky enough to have the oil of St. Nicholas placed on our heads by Fr. Stephen. This was a wonderful surprise, arranged I'm sure by the "wonderworker."

O Father, and Prelate Nicholas, intercede with Christ our God, for the salvation of our souls...