6 December: Saint Nicholas of Bari
An Ecumenical Saint
Nicholas of Myra, also known as Nicholas of Bari, was a Bishop born in Patara, Lycia (modern-day Turkey), around 270 A.D. He is a Saint that brings together most of the Christian Churches and Confessions, and is venerated both in the East and the West. His memorial is 6 December, the day of his death, but he is also remembered by the Church on 9 May, in memory of when his remains were translated to Bari.
He is truly unique in his popularity across different religious traditions. No other Saint had his capacity to unite the Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant world. Whereas other Saints may have a greater following in some areas, Nicholas is recognized and venerated everywhere, making him a symbol of universality in Christian devotion.
Many of the events in Nicholas’ life were reported in Life, written by Michael the Archimandrite between the eighth and early ninth century. We know that he was born into a wealthy family, that he was orphaned as a child and that he was raised by his uncle. He used his father’s inheritance to help the poor, the indigent, and the sick. When he was appointed Bishop of Myra, during the reign of Emperor Diocletian, he was imprisoned and exiled. In 325, after he was released, he participated in the Council of Nicaea. His name can be found on a list dating back to 515 A.D. and on another from 713 A.D.
He was a Bishop filled with zeal, not only in preaching the Gospel but also in his charity towards the weakest ones and those in need. He was not afraid of defending his faithful before the imperial authorities. One of the events in his life that is often recalled is the dowry he offered three poor young women. To help a poor neighbour in difficulty who had three daughters, Nicholas threw a bag of coins through the neighbour’s window for three consecutive nights. In this way, he was able to provide a dowry for the man’s three daughters, and save them from prostitution. When his neighbour discovered the identity of his benefactor, Saint Nicholas asked him to keep his secret, but the man soon told everyone about his gesture of charity. This account underscores Nicholas’ generosity and humility, which contributed to his universal veneration.
After his death, between 335 and 337, his tomb in Myra became a destination for pilgrims. His relics were considered miraculous because of the “manna” that flowed from them, a liquid that still continues to flow from his body, today. When Lycia was occupied by the Turks in the 11th century, the Venetians tried to bring the relics away, but the people of Bari intervened before them and in 1087, they brought his remains to Bari. The faithful had a Basilica built in his honour, on the site of the residence of the Byzantine Catepan. In 1089, Urban II solemnly had Saint Nicholas’ relics placed in a crypt below the altar, where they remain to this day. This translation was a big event throughout the Western world, and the Church became a pilgrimage site starting from the Middle Ages.
Saint Nicholas Day is a big celebration for children in northern European countries, as he is the bringer of gifts. On the eve of 6 December, children leave their shoes or stockings near the chimney. When they wake up in the morning, they find them filled with sweets left behind by the Saint.
Nicholas is still widely venerated by Catholics. This can be seen by the large number of Churches that have been dedicated to him. The widespread veneration of Saint Nicholas may also be due to the fact that he is the Patron of many universal categories: young unmarried women, sailors and children. Even Protestants, who are reluctant to worship Saints, demonstrate a fondness for Nicholas.