The Following Has Been HEAVILY Edited ~~ for the unexpurgated version, clicky

St. Nicholas

270-343 AD
Bishop of Myra in Lucia during fourth century

Patron Saint: newlyweds, children, poor, sailors, and more

St. Nicholas was a Bishop of Myra in Lycia during the fourth century. Where he lived, Christians were often prosecuted and even tortured for their faith.

His parents taught him to love God and people. When they died, he inherited their money. He often gave the money to the poor and hungry. St. Nicholas did this in secret. St. Nicholas heard about a local man that recently became poor and was planning to sell his daughters for prostitution. St. Nicholas went to the man's house that night and threw three bags of gold in through the window. These bags of gold became the three golden balls that represent a pawnshop. This also led to the tradition of the Christmas stockings. He would never brag about his good deeds.

When he spent all the money, he decided to become a monk. Shortly after being a monk, he realized he needed to be a priest. He studied the Law of God. St. Nicholas worked hard at being a village priest. Many loved him. After the Archbishop of Myra died, St. Nicholas was chosen to be the successor.

Since St. Nicholas was good to God, God worked miracles through him. He was able to calm storms, help children, and multiply food. People began to call him "a wonderworker" and were inspired to do good deeds as well.

St. Nicholas died on December 6, 343 AD. He was buried in his cathedral, but in 1087, his relics were moved to Italy. The Turks were harming anything Christian so they had to move them fast. They remain in a town called Bari.