Nicholas

(Saint Catherine's Monastery, Sinai) (link)

Feast Day December 6

Patron of Children, Sailors, Merchants, Brides

Situations Poverty, Shipwrecks, Unjust Imprisonment

Professions Bakers, Merchants, Pawnbrokers, Sailors

Saint Nicholas was the Bishop of Myra in Lycia (modern-day Turkey) in the 4th century. He is one of the most popular saints in Christendom, known for his generosity and secret gift-giving. The most famous legend tells how he secretly provided dowries for three impoverished girls by throwing bags of gold through their window. He is the historical inspiration for Santa Claus.