Biblical Persons Asia Minor Saint Nicholas
Saint Nicholas
One of the most popular Saints in the Christian world, his figure is
shrouded in legends and folklore. Born in Patara, a port in the province
of Lycia, around 270 A.D., we know that he was bishop of Myra at the
time of Constantine the Great and that he took part in the first
Ecumenical Council, Nicean l in 325 A.D. His remains rested in the
church dedicated to God in his honour until 1087, when some Italian
sailors from Bari, devotees of this Patron Saint of seafarers, succeeded
in taking his relics to Bari, where they were laid in a Basilica built
in his honour. His feast day is celebrated both in the east and west on
December 6.Greece and Russia among other countries adopted him as their
Patron Saint. Probably, the legend that he helped a poor father to
provide a decent dowry for his 3 daughters, throwing the money through
an open window, thus making it possible for them to get married, and
also because his feast day falls so very close to Christmas, a day on
which gifts are exchanged among relatives and friends, he became
associated with this tradition. In northern Europe, Germany first, and
then in Scandinavia and other countries worldwide, he became the
legendary figure of Santa Clause, who brings presents to children on
Christmas night.
Important Biblical Personalities
Saint Paul
Saint Peter
Saint Barnabas
Saint John
Saint Titus
Saint Timothy
Saint Barbara
Saint Nicholas
Saint Polycarp
Saint Helen
Saint Silas
Saint Margaret
Saint Blaise
Saint Philip
Saint Thecla
Saint Jacob
Saint Basil
Saint Ephraem
Virgin Mary
Saint Gregory Nazianzen
Saint Gregory of Nyssa
Saint Gregory the Illuminator
Constantine The Great