ST. NICHOLAS OF MYRA (DEC. 6TH)

 

St. Nicholas of Myra

By Bp. Joseph (Ancient Church of the West)

St. Nicholas is one of the most important saints of East and West, forming a pivotal role between sacred and secular, and anchoring some of the most important aspects of our Western Christmas season celebrations to the Orthodoxy of the Ancient Church. 

Nicholas was born to Greek parentage, was raised as a Christian without fanfare, and learned to become faithful through suffering by enduring the persecutions of Diocletian. It is said that he was imprisoned and tortured during this time, and was known for his bravery and humility, despite suffering facial disfigurement from the unjust and evil treatment he received. 

St. Nicholas became bishop by accident, walking into church to pray one early morning, not knowing that in the previous night, the elder clergy had settled a dispute about who would become the next bishop by declaring - “whoever first comes into the church next morning for prayer will become the next bishop.” As bishop, Nicholas was a strong and fervent leader, fearless in the face of heresy, and full of the righteous indignation that comes with firm conviction in the truth of the Gospel! He is well known for or punching Arius in the face as the Council of Nicaea for insisting that there was a time when Christ was not. The council initially suspended him for this action, but they later saw the seriousness of the Arian heresy and re-instated him and commended his actions. 

St. Nicholas Slapping Arius the Arch-Heretic

St. Nicholas is also known for great miracles in providing for the poor and the hungry. After he became bishop, Myra had a great famine and needed food. Meeting imperial grain ships passing through their port, St. Nicholas asked that they share their grain with the starving city. The sailors knew the consequences of taking the imperial grain, but decided to forfeit their lives for the salvation of the people. St. Nicholas blessed them with the sign of the Cross, and some reported that after his prayer, the boats began to sit lower in the water. Returning to the capital and unloading what was left of the grain, they discovered that none was missing, despite having shared half of it with St. Nicholas’ congregation. The sailors escaped punishment for sharing because of this miracle, and the city of Myra was saved from starvation, and everyone glorified God for years over this amazing event. 

St. Nicholas as Patron of Sailors

St. Nicholas is also remembered for saving poor and orphaned girls from prostitution by paying for their dowries and secretly leaving bags of gold or golden balls in the shoes of poor families in need. His practice of secret giving became a legend in the Church, and is one of the reasons that alms and gifts are given in his memory on his feast day. It was from this Christian Tradition that the custom of giving and receiving Christmas gifts began. 

St. Nicholas Saving the Three Young Virgins

St. Nicholas Resurrecting the Three Children 

St. Nicholas as the Prototype of "Father Christmas" and "Santa Claus"

St. Nicholas passed into eternal rest at the age of 73, having faithful shepherded his flock and protected them from the Arian heresy. After Nicholas was buried, several generations after his internment, his body was found to be incorrupt and his tomb exuded sweet smelling myrrh. Despite his body being stolen in the 11th century and taken to Bari, Italy, he continues to stream myrrh and heal many who pray for his intercession. St. Nicholas is commemorated by Christians around the world and is a wonderful example of those who are filled with the Fruit of the Holy Spirit, who love selflessly, and give to the needy in compassion and humility. 

Collect

Almighty God, grant that Thy Holy Church may be so inspired by the example of Thy servant, St. Nicholas of Myra, that we may never cease to work for the welfare of children, the safety of sailors, the relief of the poor, and the help of those tossed by tempests of doubt or grief. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

St. Nicholas, Pray for Us!