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| Nicholas Archbishop of Myra in Lycia Commemorated on December 6 |
| St. Nicholas was born in the 3rd century A.D. in the town of Patara in Lycia, a Greek-speaking part of the Roman Empire. Today this area lies on the southern coast of Turkey. He was the only son of wealthy but pious Christian parents who died in an epidemic when Nicholas was still young. He was raised by his uncle Nicholas, Bishop of Patara. Even as a youth, St. Nicholas dedicated his life to serving God and used his entire inheritance to assist the poor. He was ordained a presbyter of the Church and was imprisoned during the persecutions of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. He was still a young man when he was elected Bishop of the city of Myra (now Demre, Turkey). He was widely known for his generosity to the poor and as a protector of the innocent and wronged. He is the patron saint of children. One well-known story concerns a man of Patara who lost all his money and intended to sell his three daughters into prostitution because he could not afford dowries for them. Wishing to help in secret and to spare the father the humiliation of accepting charity, Nicholas, at night, threw three bags of gold through an open window for the girls, saving them from a life of shame and degradation. St. Nicholas had once desired a life of solitude as a monk, but heard a voice from heaven telling him to work among the people. He was a true shepherd of his flock, known far and wide for assisting the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He passed from this life on December 6, 343 A.D. St. Nicholas is loved and honored by Christians around the world. Many miracles are attributed to his intercession. Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Anglican, and many Protestant believers all hold him in high esteem. His memory is also greatly respected by present-day Moslem Turks from his home region. |
| St. Nicholas Our Patron and Inspiration |
| As a rule of faith, an image of meekness, and a teacher of self-control, the truth of your deeds revealed you to your flock. and through poverty, riches. Father and Hierarch Nicholas, intercede with Christ God that our souls may be saved. --Apolytikion, Tone 4 |
| St. Nicholas Uganda Children's Fund P.O. Box 285 Chardon, OH 44024 info@ugandachildrensfund.org All contents copyright © 2008-2024 St. Nicholas Uganda Children's Fund. All rights reserved. The St. Nicholas Uganda Children's Fund is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible. FEIN: 26-1600243 |
