St Peter’s Anglican Church

St Nicholas - December 6

Bishop of Myra

We know almost nothing about Nicholas, other than that he was a fourth century bishop of Myra in Lycia, Asia Minor. However, his reputation as a wonder-worker and a ninth century fictitious biography made him one of the most popular of the saints the world over. Nicholas became the patron saint of various groups: sailors, children, apothecaries, perfumiers, pawnbrokers, and unmarried girls. The patronage is in most cases associated with one of the miracles he is said to have performed.

Nicholas is said to have saved three distressed young women from a life of prostitution by gifts of gold for their dowries. The three bags of gold are said to have suggested the three golden balls hung up by pawnbrokers outside their shops. He restored to life three boys murdered in a tub of brine by a butcher, and he rescued sailors off the coast of Asia Minor. The connection with perfumiers stems from perfumes associated with his shrine. Read more...