REV. FATHER STEPHEN HOLOWACH St. Nicholas set a worthy example for us

As Solomon the Wise writes in the Old Testament, "The righteous live forever."
So long as the world continues, these names remain in the hearts of the faithful. Among these shines the name of the great saint and miracle worker Nicholas, archbishop of Myra in Lycia.
The history of Christ's church includes many praiseworthy and godly men and women and many saints, but among the most honored is St. Nicholas, the sure helper of those in danger and the defender of all who are oppressed. His name is mentioned with the greatest veneration by people throughout the world because he never abandons those who seek his help with faith and love.
The name of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, translated from the original Greek, means "conqueror of people, or conqueror of nations." St. Nicholas has indeed conquered the hearts of nations by a compassionate and active love that people throughout the ages have found irresistible.
St. Nicholas was born in the town of Patara in Asia Minor in the latter part of the third century. His parents were Theophanus and Nina, who raised him in a good Christian home. When he became 21, his uncle, the bishop of Patara, realized Nicholas was leading a holy life and encouraged him to become a pastor of the church. Shortly thereafter, he was ordained into the priesthood, and he began leading a very simple life of strict obedience and service to the poor and needy. When his parents died, he inherited their property, which he used to help the poor.
The entire life of St. Nicholas was one of love and compassion. He was a healer of the sick, a helper to those in distress, a father to orphans and a defender of those in any need. He never waited to be asked for help but instead went in search of those who needed him. When a very poor family in desperation decided to sell their children into slavery, he took his money and secretly at night threw the money into the house through an open window. This he did each time the children were in danger. When the father found out who his benefactor was, St. Nicholas made him promise not to reveal his name but only asked what else he could do to help.
Miracles
St. Nicholas is known as "the Wonderworker" because during his life, many miraculous events occurred. On his journey to the Holy Land, a huge storm struck the ship he was on, and as the boat was about to sink, he called the entire crew together to pray. The storm suddenly ended.
Upon his return from one of his many journeys, there was a great famine in Myra. St. Nicholas appeared in a dream to a merchant who was sending grain by ships to another city. In the dream, St. Nicholas appealed to the merchant to turn his ships around and bring the grain to Myra. The captain turned the ships around and docked in the city of Myra, thus saving the people from starvation.
Many more examples are recorded of St. Nicholas' great mercy and service to those who were in need. He left no theological writings, but his life itself is an example to all mankind. He lived to a very old age and died Dec. 6, A.D. 342. He was buried in Constantinople, but in the 11th century, his body was taken to the Italian city of Barre, where it now rests.
Even after his death, many miracles occurred at his grave, and today he is remembered throughout the world as people pray for his assistance in time of need. Even those who do not believe in him have not overlooked his great deeds of mercy to the poor, and have memorialized him in the person of Santa Claus, doer of good deeds and the helper of the poor.
Following his example
As we begin our final preparations for the glorious feast of the nativity of Christ, let the life of St. Nicholas be an inspiration and example to all of us.
The feast of the birth of Christ is a feast of fulfillment of God's mercy toward mankind. It is a feast of divine love and redemption. Let us follow in St. Nicholas' footsteps during this joyous time of year. Remember those who are less fortunate, help those in need, and bring joy to our neighbors. Our gifts need not be large; they can be as simple as a smile or a good word for our neighbor. The mercy of God and his love for mankind are as evident today as they were the day our Savior was born. The salvation that Christ brought into the world is for all people, for all time, and for all places.
Christ is born! Glorify him!
XThe Rev. Father Stephen Holowach is associate pastor of Nativity of Christ Orthodox Catholic Church in Youngstown.