I would interrupt my usual reflections on what is unique about our Church to recount some information about Saint Nicholas of Myra, the Patron of our Eparchy and one of the saints of the Eastern Church that is held in high esteem. Separating fact from legend in the story of St. Nicholas is difficult since so little is known of his personal life. Therefore, we must rely on the legends that have survived and on the traditions of our Church.

By tradition, Nicholas was born in the province of Lycia in the southern part of Asia Minor in the city of Patara to rich parents. The date of his birth is not known. Having inherited his parents’ estate, he became known for his generous gifts to those in need. As a youth, he made pilgrimages to Palestine and Egypt.

Scholars believe Nicholas was one of only three persons to be selected to be a bishop without being first ordained to the priesthood (the others are Saint Ambrose and Saint Severus). He was most likely a monk, a lay brother. Before being consecrated as a bishop, Nicholas would have been ordained to the offices of deacon and priest, though he would not have served as such.

He was consecrated as Archbishop of Myra as the fourth century began and it is thought that he participated in the Council of Nicea in 325 CE.

In addition to being honored as the patron saint of many countries and cities, he is most known as the patron of sea-farers.

He was imprisoned during the persecutions of Diocletian and released by Constantine after he became emperor.

Nicholas was noted for his defense of the true faith against the Arians. He died in Myra on December 6   between 342 and 352. The year of his actual death is uncertain.

Even during his life, he worked many miracles. One of the greatest was the deliverance from death of three men unjustly condemned by the Governor, who had been bribed. The saint boldly went up to the executioner and took his sword, already suspended over the heads of the condemned. The Governor, denounced by St Nicholas for his wrong doing, repented and begged for forgiveness.

He worked many other miracles, and struggled many long years at his labor. Originally buried in Myra, Italian sailors later stole his body and brought it to Bari, Italy. His relics are still exuding scented oil.