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Saint Nicholas of Myra
Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, Wonderworker
Life & Biography
Nicholas was born in the city of Patara in the province of Lycia to a wealthy Christian family. From his youth he was distinguished by his fervent faith, and upon the death of his parents he distributed his entire inheritance to the poor. He was ordained a priest and later elevated to the episcopacy of Myra.
During the persecution under Emperor Diocletian, Nicholas was imprisoned and tortured for his faith, yet he remained steadfast. After Constantine's Edict of Milan, he was released and continued his pastoral work. He attended the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea in 325, where he was a staunch defender of Orthodoxy against the Arian heresy.
Countless miracles are attributed to him both during his life and after his repose: calming storms at sea, secretly providing dowries for three impoverished sisters, and even raising the dead. His relics were later transferred to Bari, Italy, where they continue to exude a fragrant myrrh.
Legacy & Impact on Orthodoxy
Saint Nicholas is one of the most beloved saints in all of Christendom. His defense of Orthodoxy at the Council of Nicaea and his extraordinary generosity established a model of episcopal charity that has endured for seventeen centuries. He is the patron saint of sailors, children, and the falsely accused, and his legend gave rise to the Western tradition of Santa Claus.
Key Quotes
"The giver of every good and perfect gift has called upon us to mimic His giving, by grace, through faith, and this is not of ourselves.
"Do not hold back from giving to the poor and do not love your purse more than your friend.
Liturgical Hymns
Troparion
The truth of things revealed thee to thy flock as a rule of faith, a model of meekness, and a teacher of temperance. Therefore thou hast won the heights by humility, riches by poverty. Holy Father Nicholas, intercede with Christ our God to save our souls.
Kontakion
In Myra, O Saint, thou didst prove thyself a minister of things sacred; for having fulfilled the Gospel of Christ, O righteous one, thou didst lay down thy life for thy people and didst save the innocent from death. Therefore thou art sanctified as a great initiate of the grace of God.