Copyright © 2012 The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society | www.episcopalchurch.org

This week, on Thursday, December 6, the church celebrates the Feast Day of St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra in Lycia (a Byzantine province, now part of Turkey).

Born sometime around AD 270, many of the details of St. Nicholas’ life are not known for certain, but he is traditionally considered to be the guardian of sailors. Many churches dedicated to St. Nicholas are built along coastlines so that they might be visible from sea, as landmarks to guide ships safely into harbor.

Remembered for his generosity to the poor and needy, St. Nicholas is perhaps most widely celebrated for his protection of children. There are several legends in which he as-sisted children – in particular, sav-ing three young boys from murder and preventing three young wom-en from being sold into slavery.

In many parts of the world, St. Nicholas is traditionally thought to bring gifts to children on the night before his feast day, December 6. This custom was introduced in America in the early seventeenth century by the Dutch colonists who settled in New York. “Saint Nicholas” in Dutch is “Sante Klaus,” which became known to Americans as “Santa Claus.”

This week, on Thursday, December 6, the church celebrates the Feast Day of St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra in Lycia (a Byzantine province, now part of Turkey).

Born sometime around AD 270, many of the details of St. Nicholas’ life are not known for certain, but he is traditionally considered to be the guardian of sailors. Many churches dedicated to St. Nicholas are built along coastlines so that they might be visible from sea, as landmarks to guide ships safely into harbor.

Remembered for his generosity to the poor and needy, St. Nicholas is perhaps most widely celebrated for his protection of children. There are several legends in which he as-sisted children – in particular, sav-ing three young boys from murder and preventing three young wom-en from being sold into slavery.

In many parts of the world, St. Nicholas is traditionally thought to bring gifts to children on the night before his feast day, December 6. This custom was introduced in America in the early seventeenth century by the Dutch colonists who settled in New York. “Saint Nicholas” in Dutch is “Sante Klaus,” which became known to Americans as “Santa Claus.”

DECEMBER 2, 2012 – FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

THE FEAST OF ST. NICHOLAS

DECEMBER 2, 2012 – FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

THE FEAST OF ST. NICHOLAS

Copyright © 2012 The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society | www.episcopalchurch.org

Detail of St. Nicholas from a visitation scene by Piero di Cosimo, circa 1480

Detail of St. Nicholas from a visitation scene by Piero di Cosimo, circa 1480

Collect for the Feast of St. Nicholas

Almighty God, in your love you gave your servant Nicholas of Myra a perpet-ual name for deeds of kindness both on land and sea: Grant, we pray, that your Church may never cease to work for the happiness of children, the safety of sailors, the relief of the poor, and the help of those tossed by tempests of doubt or grief; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Holy Women, Holy Men (Church Publishing, 2010), p. 105

Collect for the Feast of St. Nicholas

Almighty God, in your love you gave your servant Nicholas of Myra a perpet-ual name for deeds of kindness both on land and sea: Grant, we pray, that your Church may never cease to work for the happiness of children, the safety of sailors, the relief of the poor, and the help of those tossed by tempests of doubt or grief; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Holy Women, Holy Men (Church Publishing, 2010), p. 105

Stained-glass pane depicting St. Nicholas rescuing three children, circa 1510 Stained-glass pane depicting St. Nicholas rescuing three children, circa 1510