The True Saint Nicholas: Why He Matters to Christmas

by William J. Bennett

ONE OF THE OLDEST stories about Nicholas depicts him as a champion of justice and protector of the innocent. According to the story, the bishop of Myra was living proof that “the righteous are bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1 RSV). The Emperor Constantine, faced with a revolt in the region of Phrygia, dispatched troops under three trusted generals to quiet the unrest. Rough seas forced the troop ships to stop off at Andriake for a while. The three generals, named Ursos, Nepotianos, and Herpylion, granted their men shore leave while the ships waited to get underway again. Before long, a brawl erupted between some of the soldiers and locals. Looting and destruction of property followed. When Nicholas heard of the trouble, he hurried down to the port. “Where are you from, and why are you here?” he asked the three generals. They explained that they were simply passing through. “Well, if your mission is to promote the peace,” Nicholas told them, “you’re not doing a very good job, because your troops are causing trouble in my town.” The embarrassed generals quickly ordered their officers to restore order and repair any damage. Once things had quieted down, Nicholas patched things up by inviting Ursos, Nepotianos, and Herpylion to come dine with him.