Born in Patara in Lycia. He was taught the spiritual life by his uncle Nicholas, Bishop of Patara, and became a monk in the monastery he founded. After the death of his parents, he distributed all his property to the poor. He gave himself up to silence, but by God’s command he accepted to be the Archbishop of the city of Myra in Lycia. During the persecutions under Diocletian and Maximian, he was thrown into prison. At the First Ecumenical Council, he struck the heretic Arius with his fist, for which he was removed from the Council and from the episcopal service, until the Lord and the Most Holy Theotokos appeared to several bishops at the Council and announced to them their favor towards Nicholas. He was merciful, just, and while still alive they considered him a saint. He reposed in the Lord in the year 343.

Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Patara. Holy Martyr Nicholas Karaman. Saint Theophilus, Bishop of Antioch. Christmas Fast.