What great memories of childhood are conjured up when remembering that apparently jolly man, his elves, the flying reindeer, and, of course, those huge sacks full of presents. Every year around Christmas time, millions of parents across the world take part in the largest deception concerning Santa Claus. The story usually starts in the early years of a child’s life when the parents threaten [in a gentle way, of course] that Santa will not drop down the chimney with presents unless you have been good. Well, that was it, I was doomed never to receive a present. It never occurred to me to answer back that we had no chimney. Luckily, the Santa Claus in our lives had a bad memory as I did receive presents every Christmas!
As we grew older, the cold, hard truth was delivered by misguided parents who confessed to their children that Santa Claus was not real and that he was just a fun part of Christmas. Devastating to a child to hear those words. Myself included. Well, they were incorrect, he may not be alive now though he definitely was a genuine person, not the jolly fat man with the flying reindeer from the North Pole, with those hard-working elves version.
How did this St. Nicholas become a North Pole-dwelling bringer of Christmas gifts? The Saint Nicholas I am referring to was a Greek-born 280 years after Christ who became bishop of Myra, a small Roman town in modern Turkey. Nicholas was neither fat nor jolly but developed a reputation as a fiery, wiry, and defiant defender of church doctrine during the “Great Persecution,” when Bibles were put to the torch and priests made to renounce Christianity or face execution. As they say, only the winners write the history. Read more facts about this man HERE. The one thing I love about St Nicholas is that he was a defender of children and became the Patron for children and was also the patron for fishermen.
Back to mid-June 2017.
The day we chose to visit was a rather solemn sort of day. This was due to hearing the not-great news of the Squire’s father. Which is still ongoing. We had already planned on visiting the only Orthodox Catholic church ruins that are left in Turkey. Even though we are not religious, it did feel like the right place to be and contemplate past and present life. So, in this place of historical signification and holiness, we shed a few tears for a man who was not in good health and who is dear to the Squire.
With our thoughts of the Squire’s Dad, we slowly walked around the amazing ruins of a church that in its heydey would have been extraordinary, and the people who worshipped and lived here have created so many traditional stories and legends that still mean much to so many people in our present-day lives.
Located in the town of Demre (far away from the North Pole!), the church is open every day, and on the 6th of December, special celebrations are held on the day dedicated to Saint Nicholas. It is also the church that contains his original sarcophagus, although his bones were stolen in the 10th century by Italian sailors, and they are now encrypted in a church on the southeast coast of Italy. With the sun shining into the church and with people silently chanting close by, it seemed a very surreal experience. There were few indications of what these were, though we thought it had been some form of altar.
The ceiling and wall artefacts were extraordinary to see. Numerous statues surrounded the church. One which seemed to be gaining more attention was the one depicting St Nicholas. We gained excellent insight into the humble beginnings of a man who would later be known as Santa Claus. Just don’t forget to share the real story of the extraordinary man whose name was known as St Nicholas.
Life at No. 22 
What an amazing building. Thank you for sharing it.
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You’re welcome April 🙂
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I always knew my faith paid off. I adore your blog and the interesting finds. I am always sure to be enchanted and encouraged to visit new places when I stop for a read. Gorgeous photography too.
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Thanks very much Ellen that is very kind of you. I am pleased that you enjoy reading my posts. Thank you again 🙂
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I tweeted too because everyone needs to know. wink wink
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Oh you are funny 🙂 Thanks Ellen!
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Although not fat and jolly, that statue outside the church is how I’ve always pictured Santa Clause/St. Nick. I wonder when that statue was created.
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Not sure Jennifer. Maybe last century if memory serves me correctly. In a hot climate, all we had was pictures and cards of snow, north pole etc plus the religious side!
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The statue is exactly how I imagine Big Nick! My Mother lives in Turkey, I wonder if she knows this!
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You will have to ask her Noelle. It’s a much lovelier image of St Nick isn’t it 🙂
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It really is! I shared the post with her, she’d love your page, she loves travelling
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OH thanks Noelle, and to your Mum 🙂
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Beautiful post and photography! Thank you for giving us a glimpse into the past. I have young children that already have questioned the chimney dilemma. We just tell them that we leave the front door open. 🙂 For awhile, Santa Claus will remain magical to them. Once they start questioning the Santa with the elves and flying reindeer, I will be sure to let them read you post! 🙂 Thank you!
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Oh that’s so sweet of you 🙂 We aren’t children for long are we! It is a magical time of make believe and the build up to the big day.
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This was so interesting to read Suzanne, what a delightful place to read about and your photos are just lovely. Am thinking of you both in regards to the Squire’s father.
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Thanks, Deb, yes it is hard having elderly parents back in NZ as now all have health issues that need care. It has certainly made us aware of how little time we have to waste. Do what makes you happy, eh:-)
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Exactly!! I’m hearing you loud and clear!!
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Wow! That is amazing. I love the ceiling. Such beautiful art.
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To be so close to something so old is such a privilege. It would be even better if someone restored.
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I didn’t know the fiery, wiry and defiant part. Interesting. Love the photos.
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Thanks for commenting Julie.
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On the 6th of December, St. Niklaas comes to Belgium (on a steamboat from Spain) with his black helpers (controversial topic now) to bring presents and candy to the well-behaved kids. He looks exactly like your Saint. I have sweet memories of sitting on his lap as a child. 🙂
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I love your comments Liesbet as it gives me insight into your culture. Thank you!!
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What a blessing that you were able to visit the Orthodox Church in Turkey. I’ve not been to Turkey but to Greece and to a monastery and beautiful churches there. The story of St. Nicholas is always a joy to read. Tomorrow is the feast day of St. Nicholas, and my son Nicholas’ nameday. Have a great evening!
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Thanks Dot and hope your son had a wonderful birthday. Yes it was an amazing sight in a Muslim country.
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Thank you!
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