Late Roman Empire (4th century)
Feast: December 6
A generous bishop whose quiet charity became a global story of joy for children.
Nicholas (c. 270–343) was Bishop of Myra, noted for defending doctrine at Nicaea and helping the poor—secretly providing dowries, tradition says, to save young women from destitution. Legends multiplied, but the core is pastoral generosity rooted in love for Christ’s little ones.