St. Nicholas

Their story

Nicholas lived in the 300s and served as bishop of Myra, a city in what is now southern Turkey. Few historical facts about him survive, but many stories of his kindness have been handed down, and he became one of the most beloved saints in both East and West. Nicholas was born to wealthy Christian parents who died when he was young. He used his inheritance to help those in need, often in secret. The most famous story tells of a poor man who had no money for his three daughters’ dowries, which meant they could not marry and might be sold into slavery. On three different nights, Nicholas secretly tossed a bag of gold through the family’s window, saving the daughters from that fate. As bishop, Nicholas is said to have been imprisoned during the persecution under Emperor Diocletian. Other stories tell of him saving innocent men from execution, calming storms at sea, and feeding his people during a famine. He died around 343. In 1087 his relics were brought to Bari, Italy, where they are still venerated. His custom of secret gift-giving inspired traditions of St. Nicholas Day gifts, and later the figure of Santa Claus.