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The prelate Nikolai, Archbishop of Mira in Lycia, is one if the most revered saints in the Orthodox Church, especially in Russia. He lived in the first half of the 4th century and was a bishop in the city of - Mira in the Lycia region in Asia Minor. The prelate Nikolai became renowned for his many Christian deeds. He was a teacher of faith, one of the fathers of the church, and he spoke at the First Ecumenical Council against the heresy of Aryan. St. Nikolai is revered as protector if seafarers and travelers.
The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man.