St. Nicholas of Myra in Lycia, Wonderworker - Born in Asia Minor, St. Nicholas was favored by God with the power of miracles. He was a beloved Bishop in the Church. Nicholas was born into a wealthy family, but he chose poverty. He did not spend his inheritance of three bags of gold coins, but considered how he might use it to serve the poor.

There lived in his town a man who was poor and could not afford dowries for his three daughters. This man had determined to sell his girls into slavery when they came of age. As each one came of age, St. Nicholas dropped one of the bags of gold coins through the window of the man's house in the middle of the night, providing a dowry and redeeming each of them from slavery. This is why he is considered the patron saint of pawnbrokers and his symbol of three coins joined by a form of a cross is on their signs.

On at least two occasions he interceded with proof of the innocence of the accused and saved them from death. He was considered a saint during his lifetime and his face would sometimes glow like Moses'. His presence brought solace and peace.

He is famous for his love for children and his name and reputation have been transformed by modern folklore into "Santa Claus." He is credited with several miraculous rescues of sailors at sea, both during his earthly life and since. He participated in the Council of Nicea in 325, until he was ejected for slapping Arius on the face. 

The Theotokos and Jesus Christ appeared to some of the hierarchs to instruct them to restore the godly saint to office. He is depicted here holding a towel with the Gospel book. This signifies his life of humble service to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He reposed in the Lord at an old age, on December 6, 343. 

Source: www.comeandseeicons.com

Santa Claus and St. Nicholas

Everybody loves Santa Claus. He embodies holiday cheer, happiness, fun, and gifts—warm happy aspects of the Christmas season. How do Santa Claus and St. Nicholas differ?

Santa Claus belongs to childhood;
St. Nicholas models for all of life.

Santa Claus, as we know him, developed to boost Christmas sales—the commercial Christmas message;
St. Nicholas told the story of Christ and peace, goodwill toward all—the hope-filled Christmas message.

Santa Claus encourages consumption;
St. Nicholas encourages compassion.

Santa Claus appears each year to be seen and heard for a short time;
St. Nicholas is part of the communion of , surrounding us always with prayer and example.

Santa Claus flies through the air—from the North Pole;
St. Nicholas walked the earth—caring for those in need.

Santa Claus, for some, replaces the Babe of Bethlehem;
St. Nicholas, for all, points to the Babe of Bethlehem.

Santa Claus isn't bad;
St. Nicholas is just better.

—J. Rosenthal & C. Myers (www.stnicholascenter.org)