BEFORE THERE WAS THE MYTH...

THERE WAS THE MAN.

Orphan, saint, immortal… Nicholas was said to have been born to Greek parents in the city of Patara during the latter part of the Third Century A.D., on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Orphaned while still young, Nicholas inherited his father’s vast fortune -- an event that served as the catalyst for a journey of self-discovery that one day led him to the city of Myra (presently Demre, Turkey). There he came to live a dual life, as a devout bishop by day, and an anonymous gift-bearer by night. Few people know of the many legends that surround his familiar name -- even fewer know the story behind the saint.

Nearly three hundred years after the death of Christ, The Roman Empire had grown vast. Too large for one emperor to rule alone, it had been divided among four. The persecution of Christians had also burgeoned, culminating in the early part of the Fourth Century, when Nicholas was the Bishop of Myra. Faithful Christians were soon martyred or imprisoned by the four Caesars of Rome, of whom the most ruthless was Diocletian, who ruled in the East. Countless numbers suffered under his reign, including Nicholas. It was during this era of intolerance and cruelty that Christ’s influence would reach a defining moment in history. After enduring years of persecution, the imprisoned Nicholas suddenly received word that an improbable crusade had begun. An effort was underway to once again unite the Empire under a single ruler -- one who promised to bring an end to the persecutions -- one who was known as Constantine.

With the Empire in conflict around him, Nicholas would then be forced to confront the greed of a corrupt Roman Governor, a deceitful conspiracy against Constantine and his trusted General, and an insidious threat to the children of Myra. The stage had been set for events that would lead to a turning point in history, and one of the most enduring and endearing legends of all time.