By Ian Wilson (G)
One of the most beloved saints of the church was born sometime in the third century AD to wealthy parents in the town of Patara in Asian Minor (modern Turkey). Nicholas’ devout parents raised him the nature and admonition of the Lord, and due to their influence, the young Nicholas dedicated his life to God. When his parents died of the plague while he was still a youth, Nicholas used his entire inheritance to assist the needy and suffering.
One tale tells of a poor man who had two daughters. They wanted to get married, but could not afford a dowry, therefore they would have to be sold into slavery – a terrible fate. Once Nicholas heard of their plight, he tossed a bag of gold coins through their window at night, which landed in one girl’s stocking as it hung drying by the hearth. He returned the next night to do the same for the other daughter. This is why we hang stockings by the fireplace at Christmastide.
Another tale tells of a man wrongfully convicted of murder. It was a sham trial; the judge knew it, the jury knew it, the executioner knew it – but he was condemned to death anyways. On the day the condemned man was about to be beheaded, Nicholas stormed in, took the sword from the executioner and used it to release the captive. He then castigated the judge and jury for wrongfully convicting the man.
Being so devout, Nicholas once made a pilgrimage to the Holy land. However, on the way back his ship found itself in a violent storm. Calmly, Nicholas prayed for the storm to cease that they might return to land safely. To the amazement of the sailors, the storm calmed and they landed safely. After this adventure, Nicholas was made Bishop of Myra in Lycia (also in modern Turkey). This position came with a great deal of authority, but was not without suffering. During the reign of Roman Emperor Diocletian, Nicholas was arrested, imprisoned, and likely tortured. Under Diocletian, the prisons were becoming so full of priests and bishops that there was almost no room for thieves and murderers. Nicholas continued serving while imprisoned, ministering to those doomed to die.
However, the tide turned for Nicholas and the Church when Emperor Constantine adopted the Christian faith. He released all the pastors and bishops his predecessor imprisoned, including Nicholas. Shortly afterward, the Emperor called together the Council of Nicaea to decide the question of whether God existed in Trinity. Nicholas took the side of the Trinitarians, going so far as to strike the heretic Arius in the face.
Nicholas was one of the few Early Church saints who died of natural causes. He had lived a long life of charity and knew when his time had come. According to tradition, he was ushered into the presence of the Lord on December 6, 343.
May we all imitate the faith and charity of Nicholas.
LogoSophia Magazine 