43
Festival day honors St. Nicholas
Photo
ST. NICHOLAS FESTIVAL: Participants in “A Festival Eucharist” at St. James Church donned festive costumes for the St. Nicholas Day Festival. The event was Saturday. They are, from left, Zeke Coughlin, Jamie Vanden Bosch, William Dick and Lydia Scheel. The festival Eucharist celebrates the life of Nicholas, bishop of Myra and patron saint of children.
The event focuses on the saint who evolved into today’s Santa Claus.
BOARDMAN — About 40 people braved the wintry weather to celebrate the life of St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra and patron saint of children.
“We’re picking up on the ancient church tradition in which Nicholas is the bishop of Myra,” explained the Rev. Kelly Marshall, rector of St. James Episcopal Church. “And the European tradition that St. Nicholas Day is the gift-giving day through the Low Countries and much of Germany.”
The fifth annual event held Saturday included a shortened version of a regular service, a skit in which Bill Dick of Youngstown portrayed St. Nicholas, and a party for kids.
In keeping with Dutch tradition, the children in attendance left shoes or boots filled with carrots by the fireplace, in hopes that St. Nicholas would fill them with treats during the service. The carrots are for his horse.
They have wooden shoes they set out for St. Nicholas each year, said Sarah Durham, Canfield. She celebrated the day as a child and continues the tradition with her 6-year-old twins, Beth and Kate.
Beth said she got chocolate and a licorice pipe last year. Both girls were excited to see St. Nicholas at the event.
“It’s a great time,” the Rev. Mr. Marshall said. “It’s a very nice early advent alternative to what can become the craziness of this season and absolute rootlessness in relation to what is this Santa Claus figure. It’s nice to have roots.”
Nicholas was known for being generous and is remembered as having a special affection for the children of his diocese, Mr. Marshall said.
The St. James festival is always held Dec. 6, regardless of the day of week, said Sharon Fees, communications ministry coordinator, because that is St. Nicholas Feast day.
The event was originally the idea of Ben and Wendy Vanden- Bosch of Boardman, and their daughters, Fees said. They celebrated St. Nicholas Day as a tradition in their home and suggested it as an event for the church.
“My great-grandparents were from Holland,” said Jaimie VandenBosch, 15. “So they brought the tradition with them, and it’s been celebrated ever since.”
This year she’s helping with the church activities.