Saint Nicholas of Myra Medal Necklace - Bishop, Protector, Patron of Children

Saint Nicholas of Myra, Patron Saint of Children

Nicholas was born in the third century in what is now southern Turkey, to wealthy Christian parents who died when he was young. He used his entire inheritance to help the poor and families in crisis, was appointed Bishop of Myra as a young man, imprisoned under Diocletian's persecution, and later attended the Council of Nicaea in 325, the council that produced the Nicene Creed. The story behind every Christmas tradition traces back to one act, when he heard that a man in his diocese had three daughters and no money for their dowries, facing destitution. On three separate nights, Nicholas threw a bag of gold through the family's window, anonymously, in the dark, without being seen or thanked. That single act of secret, practical generosity became the origin of the stockings by the fireplace and the gifts left in shoes every December 6. He died in Myra in 343, and his relics remain in Bari, Italy, still drawing pilgrims from across the Catholic and Orthodox world.

A Gift For...

• A child, for protection and for the wonder of his real story
• A sailor, or anyone who works at sea
• Someone who has been wrongly accused or treated unjustly
• A baptism gift for a child named Nicholas
• A December 6 gift, celebrated as Nicholas Day across much of Europe
• Anyone who needs "Give in secret. God sees it all" close by

A Confirmation Gift for Nicholas

For a boy who wants a patron known for generosity rather than suffering, Nicholas is the obvious answer. Engrave a name and confirmation date on the back.

The Saint Nicholas of Myra Medal

This medal depicts Nicholas full face in full episcopal vestments, the mitre on his head, the cope across his shoulders, the pallium marking his authority as bishop, a crozier in one hand and his other raised in blessing. Dense baroque scrollwork fills the field around him, the most ornate and formally episcopal composition in the catalog. He is shown as what he was, a bishop, not a gift giver or a seasonal figure. The natural gold or silver of the metal forms the illustration itself. Black ink is applied to the pendant surface and the metal shows through as the image. A shatterproof liquid glass coating seals the surface.

Personalization and Engraving

The optional engraving on the reverse is rendered in Tangerine cursive. Two lines, up to 20 characters each. Two lines that fit: "Give in secret." and "God sees it all." For a name day gift on December 6, most people engrave a name and the year.

Saint Nicholas of Myra's feast day is December 6. He gave away his inheritance, attended the council that defined the Creed, and became the patron of more human situations than any other saint the Church has ever named.