Nicholas was born in the year 270 in the village of Patara in Asia Minor (modern-day southern Turkey). He was raised in a Christian and rather wealthy family. His parents died from an epidemic while he was still a teenager. 

From that moment 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, the sick and the suffering as well as for his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

Under the Roman Emperor and ruthless Christian persecutor Diocletian, Bishop Nicholas was attacked several times for his faith. He was among others exiled and imprisoned. In these times, prisons were so crowded with deacons, priests and bishops that there was not much room left for genuine murderers, criminals, robbers and thieves. Once released from prison, Bishop Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in the year 325. He died on the 6th of 343 in Myra. 

His body was buried in his cathedral church, where a unique relic (named manna) formed in his grave. This liquid substance, believed to have healing powers, fostered the growth of devotion to Bishop Nicholas. The anniversary has since then become a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day.

Throughout the centuries numerous legends and stories have been told about Bishop Nicholas’ life and deeds. Because of the many miracles attributed to his intercession, he is also known as Nicholas the Wonderworker. He was canonised in 1446 by Pope Eugene IV. 

Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves, prostitutes, children, brewers, pawnbrokers and unmarried people among others. 

St. Nicholas chapels have been built in many seaports. As his popularity spread during the Middle Ages, he became the patron saint of Apulia (Italy), Sicily, Greece, and Lorraine (France), as well as many cities in Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Russia.

Author: Sébastien Meuwissen

Picture: @ecrgroup