St. Nicholas of Myra

Who they were

Nicholas was Bishop of Myra on the coast of Asia Minor, imprisoned in the Diocletian persecution and freed under Constantine. The story that made him: a ruined neighbour was about to sell his three daughters, with no dowries, no marriages and one road left, and Nicholas, at night and anonymously, threw a purse of gold through the window. Then twice more. That is the entire genome of Santa Claus, which is secret giving that preserves the dignity of the receiver. The record also shows a harder Nicholas, intervening to stop the execution of three innocent men, grabbing the executioner's sword by the accounts, and confronting corrupt officials by name. The story of him striking Arius at Nicaea is late and disputed, and this page enjoys it honestly as the legend it likely is. Sailors of the Mediterranean took him early, and children have taken him ever since.

Why people turn to St. Nicholas of Myra

Parents, for their children, especially in December. Sailors and travellers by ancient title. And the falsely accused, from the sword grab.

How to ask their intercession

With children, simply. He is the easiest way in a child has to the whole communion of saints: the real man behind the red suit. Secret generosity in his style is itself a form of asking.