FYI AFRICA
The many faces of Africa around the world remains largely unheralded, unknown and at times, mythical. Weekly, our editors identify various subjects about Africa and unpack them for you.
Who is the real Saint Nicholas?
Nicholas was born during the third century in the village of Patara, in what is now the southern coast of Turkey. He was born of very wealthy ethnic Black Anatolians of the ancient Roman Empire. According to tradition, Saint Nicholas still young, traveled to Palestine and Egypt. He became bishop of Myra soon after returning to Lycia.
He was one of those ancient and dominant Black Moors of European Mediterranean that you only fleetingly come across in today’s western history, because the Gothic Europeans would hide the true and rich Black history in Europe.
St Nicholas
Nicholas’ wealthy parents, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Being a devout Christian, he followed the words of Jesus to “sell what you own and give the money to the poor” teaching that took him through his life.
Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He was made the Bishop of Myra while still a young man.
The high office of Nicholas at such a young age speaks to dominant role played by Black Anatolians and Africans in creating the church as we know it today.
Generosity of San Nicholas
Bishop Nicholas was known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.
Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned.
After his release, Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325, where he worked with other early fathers of the church to establish the standardized Christian doctrine of today.
The passing of the real Santa Claus
He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church, where a unique relic, called manna, formed in his grave. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day, December 6th (December 19 on the Julian Calendar).
Santa Clause, we celebrate Now
The Santa we, and all children know came about in 1931 as part of Coca Cola Christmas Holiday poster and used almost every Christmas Holiday as their special Holiday Greeting.
Your comments, ideas, and thoughts matter.
Drop us a line: