16 Saint Nicholas
		
		December 6
		
		St. Nicholas was born in Patara of Lycia about the
		middle of the third century, of devout and wealthy
		parents who provided him with the Christian upbringing
		and education. He was orphaned at an early age.
		
		Later he was ordained a priest, and when the
		bishop of his district died, he was made Bishop of
		Myra of Lyeia.
		
		St. Nicholas is distinguished for his great faith,
		for his struggle in the name of Orthodoxy and es -
		pecially for his charity.
		
		His faith was so great, that with his prayer he
		calmed a stormy sea while on a trip to the Holy
		Lands. For this reason sailors pay homage to him as
		their protector.
		
		He fought for the predominance of Orthodoxy and
		took part in the First Ecumenical Synod of Nicea.
		
		Especially well known is his charity and his love
		for children. He used his great wealth to relieve all
		who were in need: poor families, widows, and es -
		pecially orphans and poor children. For this same
		purpose he founded, as Bishop, a poorhouse, hostil - 
		ries, and a hospital.
		
		He was the personification of Christian love and
		affection. As such he is honored by all the Christian
		world, both the Eastern and the Western.
		
		In the West especially he is considered as the
		great patron Saint of children and the cheerful giver
		of gifts under the name of Santa  Claus.
		
		For all of us St. Nicholas is a "Canon of faith
		and an image of goodness and kindness."