Ode to Nicholas

The true story of Santie Claus begins with Nicholas, Saint Nicholas, born during the third century in the village of Patara in Asia Minor.

At that time the area is Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey.

He does Jesus' word to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," a regular Robin Hood.

He dedicates his life to serving God and is made Bishop of Myra while a young man.

Bishop Nicholas is known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

Secretly providing dowries for three impoverished sisters generates the Santa legend.

Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, Bishop Nicholas suffers for his faith, is exiled and imprisoned.

After his release, Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. He ascends December 6, AD 343 in Myra and his remains are in his cathedral church, where a unique relic, called manna, forms in his grave with healing powers that fosters the growth of devotion to Saint Nicholas.

The anniversary of his ascent is a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day, December 6th- a warm up for Christmas.