Saint Nicholas

Saint Nicholas of Myra, traditionally born on March 15, 270, and died on December 6, 343, was an early Christian bishop from Patara, a seaport in Lycia (modern-day Antalya Province, Turkey). Known as the Wonderworker due to the many miracles attributed to his intercession, he is venerated for his role in saving three girls from being sold into prostitution by providing them with dowries. He also reportedly calmed a storm at sea and saved innocent soldiers from execution. Later stories claim that he resurrected three children murdered by a butcher during a famine. Less than two centuries after his death, the St. Nicholas Church was built over the site of his bishopric in Myra under Theodosius II's orders. His remains were moved to Bari, Italy, and enshrined in the Basilica di San Nicola in 1087 by merchants from that city, who had removed them without authorization.

Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves, children, brewers, pawnbrokers, toymakers, unmarried people, and students. His reputation evolved among the pious, as was common for early Christian saints, and his legendary habit of secret gift-giving gave rise to the folklore of Santa Claus through Sinterklaas.

The earliest accounts of Nicholas's life were written centuries after his death and probably contain legendary elaborations.