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Nicholas (A.D. 280-343) was born to a wealthy couple in present-day Turkey.  When he inherited wealth from his parents after they died, Nicholas gave it generously to the poor.  In one case Nicholas heard of a merchant going bankrupt and, to secure the merchant's daughters future, Nicholas threw money through the merchant's windows at night.  Nicholas then made the father promise to not tell who gave the money, and this started a tradition of secret giving on the anniversary of Nicholas's death in A.D. December 6, 343.

[[Image:Nicholas.jpg|right|thumb|200px]]

'''Saint Nicholas''' (A.D. 280-343) was born to a wealthy couple in present-day Turkey.  When he inherited wealth from his parents after they died, Nicholas gave it generously to the poor.  In one case Nicholas heard of a merchant going bankrupt and, to secure the merchant's daughters future, Nicholas threw money through the merchant's windows at night.  Nicholas then made the father promise to not tell who gave the money, and this started a tradition of secret giving on the anniversary of Nicholas's death in A.D. December 6, 343.

Later Nicholas became the Bishop of Myra.  Under Emperor Diocletian and Maximian, Nicholas was thrown into prison. Subsequently Constantine freed Nicholas, who later helped write the Nicene Creed during the Council of Nicaea.

Later Nicholas became the Bishop of Myra.  Under Emperor Diocletian and Maximian, Nicholas was thrown into prison. Subsequently Constantine freed Nicholas, who later helped write the Nicene Creed during the Council of Nicaea.

Saint Nicholas is especially revered by the Russian people as the protector of crops.

Saint Nicholas is especially revered by the Russian people as the protector of crops.

== References ==

== References ==

[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]

[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]