“If we can penetrate the stories told of the actual fourth century bishop, under the layers of legend that cover St. Nicholas throughout the centuries, we find one feature common to each tale, no matter how distorted: Bishop Nicholas always aids those in dire need…This is what Bishop Nicholas is to us; the one who showed how to believe in Christ and yet be in the world of our times. He taught by example the way one follows Christ.”
(Fr. Vladimir Berzonsky in ‘the Word’ 1971)