St. Nicolas
by Dionysius |
St. Nicholas
was born in Asia Minor around 270 and was named Bishop of Myra in Anatolia
while still a young man. He suffered much for his faith until the accession
of Emperor Constantine and the proclamation of Christianity as the official
Imperial religion. His charisma and zealous assault on the Arian heresy
made him an exceptional figure. He probably died in 343. Two episodes from
his rich legend stand out: his giving a dowry to three virgins, thus he
saved them from a dishonorable fate of prostitutes, and resurrection of
three children (or students, or soldiers) chopped into pieces and thrown
into a brine tab by an innkeeper, who wanted to serve them as a meat meal
to his guests. Numerous other miracles were attributed to St. Nicholas,
mainly taking place at sea; he became the patron saint of seamen at an early
date before becoming that of travellers generally. He is also patron of
children, unbetrothed virgins, perfumers (a pun on Myra and myrrh), apothecaries
and of Russia. He is shown as a bishop in the prime of life, often carrying
his crozier. His attributes are three money-bags and occasionally ship's
anchor. |
