Saint Nicholas

As someone recognized for my Old-World Father Christmas art, I naturally find myself drawn to other representations of Father Christmas. Recently, I came across a stunning digital artwork of Saint Nicholas by Newel Hunter. It is simply beautiful and magnificent, and I felt compelled to share it!

Saint Nicholas, referred to as "Nikolaos of Myra," was a saint from the fourth century and served as the Greek bishop of Myra. He was born in Asia Minor within the Roman Empire as the sole child of Christian parents. He was exceptionally well raised by his parents and followed their pious example. The child, under the church's guidance, enlightened his intellect and fostered a desire for genuine and sincere faith.

Tragically, both of his parents passed away during an epidemic while he was still young, leaving him under the care of his uncle, the Bishop of Patara. Nicholas resolved to dedicate his inheritance to charitable endeavors, and his uncle guided him in his studies, eventually ordaining him as a priest.

An opportunity soon presented itself for St. Nicholas to utilize his inheritance. A citizen of Patara had lost all his wealth and was struggling to support his three daughters, who were unable to marry due to their financial situation; the desperate father was considering forcing them into prostitution. Upon learning of this, Nicholas took a bag of gold and discreetly tossed it through an open window of the man's home during the night. This provided a dowry for the eldest daughter, who was soon married. Nicholas repeated this act for the second and third daughters; on the final occasion, the father was vigilant, recognized his benefactor, and expressed profound gratitude to Nicholas.

When St. Nicholas arrived in the city of Myra, the clergy and citizens were convened to elect a new bishop. God indicated that Nicholas was the individual they should select. This occurred during a period of persecution in the early fourth century, and Nicholas was the chief priest of the Christians in this town and preached the truths of faith with holy freedom, the divine Nicholas was apprehended by the magistrates, subjected to torture, and subsequently imprisoned alongside many other Christians.

However, when the great and devout Constantine, chosen by God, assumed the imperial diadem of the Romans, the prisoners were released from their bonds and with them the illustrious Nicholas, who when he was set at liberty returned to Myra.