Saint Nicholas was a Christian saint and bishop of Myra in Lycia. Nicholas of Myra came to be known as Saint Nicholas, as well as "Nicholas the Wonderworker." He was known for secretly giving gift to the less fortunate. He would put coins in shoes that were left out for him.
Nicholas was never officially canonized for his good acts. His reputation simply came about from the faithful, as was the custom in his time. Born of a wealthy family, Nicholas was brought up as a devout Christian. When his parents died, he distributed his wealth among the poor and became a priest.
There are many legends as to the gifts saint Nicholas would give people, these are some of them; Desperate sailors who called upon the Good Bishop to calm stormy seas were heard; prison walls crumbled when victims of persecution prayed to him. He saved young children from the butcher's knife and dropped dowries into the shoes of penniless maidens.
Over time, St. Nicholas became the patron saint of sailors and merchants, and especially of children. After his death, the cult of St. Nicholas formed and spread rapidly from southern Italy throughout the rest of the Mediterranean. It eventually spread to coastal towns along the Atlantic and the North Sea as well. In the 12th and 13th centuries, Holland built more than 23 churches dedicated to St. Nicholas, many of which are still standing.
Through the centuries St. Nicholas has continued to be looked up to by Catholics and Orthodox. He has been honored by Protestants as well. By his example of generosity to those in need, especially children, St. Nicholas continues to be a model for the compassionate lifestyle.
Nicholas was never officially canonized for his good acts. His reputation simply came about from the faithful, as was the custom in his time. Born of a wealthy family, Nicholas was brought up as a devout Christian. When his parents died, he distributed his wealth among the poor and became a priest.
There are many legends as to the gifts saint Nicholas would give people, these are some of them; Desperate sailors who called upon the Good Bishop to calm stormy seas were heard; prison walls crumbled when victims of persecution prayed to him. He saved young children from the butcher's knife and dropped dowries into the shoes of penniless maidens.
Over time, St. Nicholas became the patron saint of sailors and merchants, and especially of children. After his death, the cult of St. Nicholas formed and spread rapidly from southern Italy throughout the rest of the Mediterranean. It eventually spread to coastal towns along the Atlantic and the North Sea as well. In the 12th and 13th centuries, Holland built more than 23 churches dedicated to St. Nicholas, many of which are still standing.
Through the centuries St. Nicholas has continued to be looked up to by Catholics and Orthodox. He has been honored by Protestants as well. By his example of generosity to those in need, especially children, St. Nicholas continues to be a model for the compassionate lifestyle.
McKitterick, Rosamond. Times Medieval World. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2003.
Guy, John. Medieval Life. London: Ticktock Media Limited, 2001.
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