St. Nicholas of Bari
Dec 06
Patron Saint of Children, Bakers, Pawnbrokers, Mariners, and Russia
Nicholas is thought to have been born in Patara, Lycia, a province of Asia Minor. Myra was the capital, close to the ocean, and an episcopal see. When the see became vacant, Nicholas was chosen bishop and became famous and beloved for his extraordinary piety, zeal and many astonishing miracles.
He suffered imprisonment for his faith and made a glorious confession during the persecution of Diocletian. He was also present at the Council of Nicaea and there condemned Arianism.