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Quite simply, he was a good man who followed Christ. But there is much more to it than that.
St Nicholas was born in Greece (now part of southern Turkey) during the third century. He was brought up in a devout Christian family, and his parents taught him values of selflessness and self-sacrifice. Nicholas was especially known for his generosity to people in need (he had a reputation for secretly giving to the poor), his love for children, and his concern for sailors who often worked under some difficult conditions.
Nicholas was persecuted for his faith under the Roman Emperor Diocletian. He was imprisoned a number of years for his faith. Once free again he devoted his life to helping the poor, sometimes secretly dropping gold coins into the homes of the needy. He is credited with bringing three murdered young boys back to life who had been stuffed into a barrel of salt brine.
Nicholas died on 6 December 343. A legend began which stated that, after his death, manna (the nutritious substance God miraculously provided for sustenance for the Israelites during their 40 year desert sojourn) formed upon his grave. This manna was said to have healing properties, spawning a new era of pious devotion to Nicholas. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, and of course came to be known as St Nicholas Day.
St Nicholas was never actually officially canonised, as this was not a common practice in the early church, being only instituted in the 12th century. It was common custom in those days for his devoted followers to simply spread word of his generosity and righteousness, thereby creating a larger following. By the Middle Ages, he came to be venerated as "people's saint", and churches and villages were named after him. Thus, his "evolution" into sainthood occurred over a period of hundreds of years.
According to some sources, it is likely that Nicholas would have been acclaimed a saint by those who knew him to a local bishop who then would have approved the petition.
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How saint Nicholas become a saint?
He would have been appointed to the position by the pope. In the case of Saint Nicholas, that was probably Pope Saint Sylvester I.
What is Saint Nicholas also known as?
Saint Nicholas of Myra has become known as Santa Claus.Santa Claus
How did Saint Nicholas become a bishop?
He would have been appointed to the position by the pope. In the case of Saint Nicholas, that was probably Pope Saint Sylvester I.
Why did Saint Nicholas become unpopular?
Saint Nicholas is not unpopular. However, the cult of the saints as a whole does not have the popularity that it once had.
What is Santa full name?
saint nicholas claws
When did Pope Nicholas I become a saint?
Pope Saint Nicholas I, the Great, was canonized on May 8, 868, by Pope Adrian II.
How do you spell Saint Nicholas?
Saint Nicholas is the correct spelling.
Why is Saint Nicholas the patron saint of Turkey?
St. Nicholas is not the patron saint of Turkey. He is the patron saint of Russia and Greece.
What year did nicholas become a saint?
Saint Nicholas lived around 300AD or so; the church did not formally declare saints until around 1000 AD or so; however, Nicholas was accepted as a saint by Christians probably around 400 or 500AD. The Catholic church recognizes him as Saint
What is Pope Saint Nicholas I the patron saint of?
Pope Saint Nicholas I was pop from 858 until 867 and is also known as Saint Nicholas the Great. He is the patron saint of heart attack and headache sufferers.
What country is Saint Nicholas the patron saint of?
Nicholas of Myra is the patron saint of Russia and Greece.
Which country has Saint Nicholas as a patron saint?
St. Nicholas of Myra is the patron saint of Greece and Russia.
