Some say St. Nicholas existed only in legend, without any reliable historical record. Legends usually do grow out of real, actual events, though they my be embellished to make more interesting stories. Many of the St. Nicholas stories seem  to be truth interwoven with imagination. However, the following facts of the life of St. Nicholas contain historical truth. Nicholas’ Birth in Patara - Though the exact date of his birth is not known, it is believed to have occurred between AD 260 - 280. The place, Patara, can be historically grounded. Orthodox Tradition states that St. Nicholas has promised to help those who remember his parents, Theophanes and Nonna in prayer. Dowries for the Poor … [Read more...]