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This week in Christian history: Saint Nicholas dies, anti-witchcraft edict and papal bull

By Michael Gryboski, Editor

Saint Nicholas dies – Dec. 6, 343

A man dressed as Saint Nicholas stands beside an illuminated Christmas tree in the city center of Hamburg December 6, 2008.
A man dressed as Saint Nicholas stands beside an illuminated Christmas tree in the city center of Hamburg December 6, 2008. | REUTERS/Christian Charisius

This week marks the anniversary of the traditional date given for when Saint Nicholas, the man who inspired the modern American Santa Claus, is believed to have died.

Born in what is now Turkey, Nicholas was an early church bishop known for his charity toward the poor and needy, as well as a staunch supporter of orthodoxy at the Council of Nicaea.

Over time, celebrations of Saint Nicholas became associated with Christmas, with his Dutch name Sint Nikolaas, or Sinterklaas, eventually becoming Santa Claus.

So yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus ... and he's been dead since the fourth century.

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