About St. Nicholas

Feast Day: December 6

Saint Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia (modern-day Turkey), is one of the most beloved saints in both Eastern and Western Christianity. Born around 270 AD in the port city of Patara, he lived a life of profound charity, miraculous intervention, and unwavering defense of the Orthodox faith.

Orphaned at a young age, Nicholas inherited wealth but chose to distribute it to the poor, following Christ’s command to “sell what you have and give to the poor” (Matt 19:21). One famous story tells how he secretly provided dowries for three impoverished sisters by tossing bags of gold through their window—acts that spared them from destitution and inspired the tradition of gift-giving associated with Christmas.

Chosen bishop by divine revelation (the previous bishop had died, and the electing clergy were told in a vision to select the first man named Nicholas who entered the church at dawn), St. Nicholas shepherded his flock with zeal during a turbulent era. He rebuilt churches destroyed under the persecutions of Diocletian and Galerius, comforted confessors released from prison, and secretly aided the needy while publicly upholding doctrinal purity.

His most enduring legacy in Church history unfolded at the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea (325 AD), convened by Emperor Constantine the Great to resolve the Arian controversy. Arius, a presbyter from Alexandria, taught that the Son of God was a created being and not co-eternal with the Father—undermining the divinity of Christ. Over 300 bishops gathered in Bithynia (modern İznik, Turkey) from May to August; St. Nicholas was among them, representing the Church of Myra.

Selected Miracles

• Saving sailors: Calmed a violent storm, earning the title “Patron of Mariners.”
• Resurrecting three children: Restored to life three boys murdered by an innkeeper.
• Delivering wheat: Multiplied grain during famine, feeding Myra for two years.
• Appearing in dreams: Freed innocent prisoners by appearing to Emperor Constantine.

Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone

The truth of things hath revealed thee to thy flock as a rule of faith, an icon of meekness, and a teacher of temperance; therefore thou hast achieved the heights by humility, riches by poverty. O Father and Hierarch Nicholas, intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.

Kontakion in the Third Tone

In Myra, O Saint, thou didst prove to be a priestly minister; for, having fulfilled the Gospel of Christ, O venerable one, thou didst lay down thy life for thy people, and didst save the innocent from death. Wherefore, thou wast sanctified, as a great initiate of the grace of God.

St. Nicholas in Our Parish

Our community was placed under the protection of St. Nicholas. His icon is enthroned in the narthex, and we celebrate his feast with a solemn Divine Liturgy, and Artoklasia. Throughout the year we invoke his intercessions for travelers, the poor, and all who seek mercy.

“O champion of the poor and protector of the Church, pray unto Christ our God that He may save our souls.”