St Nicholas of Myra
Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia
Feast Day: December 6th
St. Nicholas of Myra, also known as St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, is one of the most beloved saints in the Orthodox Church. He was born in the 3rd century in Patara, Lycia (modern-day Turkey) to devout Christian parents who raised him in the faith. From a young age, Nicholas was known for his piety, deep love for Christ, and generosity toward those in need.
The Life and Legacy of St. Nicholas
After the early death of his parents, St. Nicholas inherited great wealth, but he chose to use it in service to God by helping the poor, sick, and suffering. One of the most famous stories of his charity tells how he secretly provided dowries for three impoverished sisters to save them from a life of hardship. This act of generosity inspired many traditions associated with gift-giving in his honor.
St. Nicholas at the Council of Nicaea
St. Nicholas was later ordained a priest and eventually became the Archbishop of Myra. As a shepherd of Christ’s flock, he was known for his zeal in defending the Orthodox faith, especially during the Council of Nicaea (325 AD), where he opposed the Arian heresy. His firm stance for the truth and his love for his people made him a model bishop.
Miracles and Acts of Charity
Throughout his life, St. Nicholas performed many miracles that reflected his deep faith and compassion. One of the most famous was when he saved sailors from a violent storm. As they called upon his intercession, the storm miraculously calmed, and their lives were spared. This event solidified his role as the patron saint of sailors.
St. Nicholas was also known for his healing abilities, curing the sick, restoring sight to the blind, and even raising the dead. He was a defender of justice, famously freeing three innocent men from wrongful imprisonment by interceding with the emperor, who was about to execute them.
Because of these acts of divine grace, St. Nicholas earned the title “Wonderworker,” a testament to his compassion and the miraculous signs of God’s power through him.
His Relics and Pilgrimage
St. Nicholas fell asleep in the Lord on December 6, around 343 AD. His relics, which exuded a miraculous, sweet-smelling myrrh, were later transferred to Bari, Italy, where they remain a site of pilgrimage.
To this day, St. Nicholas is venerated as the patron saint of children, travelers, sailors, and the poor. His life of humility, compassion, and unwavering faith continues to inspire the faithful, reminding us of Christ’s command to love and serve one another.
Our Patron Saint
We at St Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church Punchbowl are especially blessed to have St. Nicholas of Myra as our patron saint. His life of faith, generosity, and steadfast commitment to Christ serves as a guiding example for our community. Through his intercessions, may we continue to grow in love and service to God and one another.
Troparion (Tone 4)
The truth of your dealings,
our Father and Bishop Nicholas,
showed you to your flock as a standard of faith,
as the image of gentleness,
and as a teacher of self-discipline.
By lowliness you attained to the heights,
by poverty to great riches.
Therefore, we beseech you,
pray to Christ our God
for the salvation of our souls.
