Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints
- Nicholas of Myra, bishop
- Dionysia, Majoricus, and Companions, martyrs
- Abraham of Kratia, bishop
St. Nicholas of Myra (died 4th c. A.D.): He was bishop of Myra (now in Turkey) in Asia Minor. He signed the document at the Council of Nicaea (325 A.D.) which affirmed the divinity of Christ.
St. Nicholas was known as a compassionate man who cared for the young ones and helped all those he saw in need or came to him for help. He became one of the most loved and honored saints. More than 2,000 churches are named in his honor in Europe alone.
He is the patron of Russia, Greece, Sicily and Lorraine, and of children and sailors.
St. Abraham of Kratia (ca. 474-558 A.D.) was born in Emesa, Syria. He became a monk but was forced to flee to Constantinople because the community he belonged was dispersed by nomadic raiders. In Constantinople, he became a procurator of a monastery.
When he reached twenty-six he became abbot of the monastery in Kratia in Bythinia. About ten years later he went to Palestine to seek solitude and a life of contemplation. However, he was forced to return by his bishop and eventually became the local bishop of Kratia. He served as bishop for 13 years before he retired in 525 A.D. Again he left for Palestine and remained there for the rest of his life.
December 6 Saints in the Byzantine Calendar
- Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra
St. Nicholas of Myra became the basis of the legend of Santa Claus. His feast is on the General Roman Calendar and is also observed by the:
- Greek Orthodox Church
- Russian Orthodox Church
- Church of England
- Episcopal Church in the USA
- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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