Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker
Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker
(Nicholas of Myra • Nicholas of Bari)
The merciful bishop whose secret gifts to the poor gave birth to the world’s most beloved Christmas tradition and whose miracles continue to rescue the helpless.
At a Glance
- Also Known As
- Nicholas of Myra, Nicholas the Wonderworker, Nicholas of Bari
- Feast Day
- December 6 (main feast); May 9/22 (Translation of Relics)
- Born
- c. 270 • Patara, Lycia (modern Turkey)
- Died
- c. 343 • Myra, Lycia
- Faith Tradition
- Eastern Orthodox, Byzantine Catholic, Universal Catholic Church (and broadly across Christian traditions)
- Patron Saint Of
- Children, sailors, merchants, travelers, pawnbrokers, the falsely accused, financial provision, brides, students, Russia, Greece
- Historical Note
- Secretly gave gold dowries to three poor sisters; attended First Council of Nicaea; relics translated to Bari in 1087 to protect them from invaders; myrrh continues to flow
- Canonized / Recognized
- Venerated since the 4th–6th century; universally recognized in East and West
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Early Life & Secret Generosity
Born around 270 in the prosperous port city of Patara in Lycia, Nicholas was the only child of pious Christian parents Theophanes and Nonna. From infancy he showed unusual devotion—refusing to nurse on Wednesdays and Fridays, the traditional fasting days.
When a plague took his parents, the young Nicholas inherited a substantial fortune. Instead of keeping it, he obeyed Christ’s command to sell all and give to the poor. His most famous act of hidden charity involved three sisters whose father, ruined by debt, planned to force them into prostitution. Nicholas secretly threw three bags of gold through their window—one for each daughter’s dowry—saving their honor and future. On the third night the father caught him; Nicholas begged him to keep the deed secret.
Bishop of Myra & Defender of the Faith
Ordained bishop of Myra while still young, Nicholas became a fearless shepherd. During the Diocletian persecution he was imprisoned and tortured but emerged radiant when Constantine legalized Christianity. Tradition holds he attended the First Ecumenical Council at Nicaea in 325, boldly defending the divinity of Christ.
He calmed storms at sea, multiplied grain to end a famine, and appeared in dreams to Emperor Constantine to save three unjustly condemned generals. His presence alone brought peace and justice to the troubled city.
Miracles & Wonderworking
Nicholas secretly provided gold dowries, saving three sisters from a life of shame and inspiring the tradition of secret Christmas gifts.
While at sea, a violent tempest threatened to sink the ship. Nicholas prayed, calmed the winds, and brought the sailors safely to harbor—earning him eternal patronage of mariners.
During a famine, an evil innkeeper murdered three boys and pickled them to sell as meat. Nicholas resurrected them with the sign of the cross, restoring them to their families.
From the moment of his repose, fragrant myrrh flowed from his tomb in Myra, healing countless pilgrims. The flow continued even after the relics were moved to Bari.
His intercession continues today—rescuing those in peril at sea, providing for the needy, and protecting children.
Patronage
Saint Nicholas is invoked by parents for the safety and guidance of their children, by sailors and travelers for protection on journeys, and by anyone facing financial hardship or injustice. His life of quiet, practical mercy makes him especially close to those who feel forgotten or overwhelmed.
Because he secretly provided dowries, he is also patron of brides and unmarried women seeking good husbands. In the East he is beloved as a universal helper; in the West his memory lives on in the figure of Santa Claus.
Patron Saint Of
- Children & students
- Sailors, merchants & travelers
- Financial provision & debt relief
- The falsely accused & prisoners
- Pawnbrokers & brides
- Russia, Greece & many cities
Who Venerates Him
Eastern Orthodox
Byzantine Catholic
Universal Catholic Church
Universally loved across Christian traditions and even by many non-Christians who recognize his spirit of generosity.
Saint Nicholas & the Gift of Marriage
By secretly providing dowries, Saint Nicholas saved three young women from despair and enabled them to enter holy marriage. His act reminds us that generous love can heal and restore family life.
Receive Free Orthodox Marriage Resources →
First-Class Relics & Shrines
After Saint Nicholas’s repose, his incorrupt relics in Myra exuded fragrant healing myrrh. In 1087, to protect them from invading forces, sailors from Bari translated most of the relics to Italy. The myrrh has continued to flow for centuries, bringing healing and consolation.
Basilica of Saint Nicholas
Bari, Italy
The vast majority of the saint’s relics rest in the crypt. Pilgrims from around the world come to venerate them and collect the miraculous manna (myrrh). Official site: basilicasannicola.it
Demre (ancient Myra), Turkey
The original 6th-century basilica where Nicholas served as bishop and was first buried. Fragments of the original tomb remain.
Venice (Lido), Russia (Moscow, St. Petersburg), and many other churches worldwide hold smaller portions of his relics.
Churches & Monasteries Dedicated to Saint Nicholas
Thousands worldwide—including hundreds in Russia alone. Notable examples: St. Nicholas Cathedral in New York, countless parish churches in Greece, Ukraine, and the Byzantine Catholic tradition, and the historic Church of St. Nicholas in Bari.
Traditional Prayer to Saint Nicholas
O glorious Saint Nicholas, faithful shepherd and defender of the poor,
intercede for us before Christ our God.
Protect our children from harm. Provide for our needs in times of lack.
Rescue us when circumstances overwhelm us. Strengthen our faith.
Guard our homes. Deliver us from injustice and fear.
Through your prayers, may we receive mercy, protection,
and the peace of Christ. Amen.
Holy Father Nicholas, Wonderworker of Myra, pray to God for us.
Frequently Asked Questions
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