One of our pupils, Dimitris Filioglou, prepared the following presentation about the two saints that are celebrated this season
The myths of St. Vasilios and Santa Claus (Saint Nicholas) 
Santa Claus (Saint Nicholas)
On our planet two orthodox saints are associated to the custom of “delivering” or handing out presents to children during Christmas time. These two different saints were both Greek and bishops in their region. For western countries the one who brings presents to the poor people and the children is Saint Nikolaos ( Santa Claus), who is celebrated all around the world on 6 December. People consider him the protector of seamen. The story of St. Nikolaos as the protector of poor people and children, has been enriched throughout the centuries with elements such as the elves, the northern star, sleighs etc. taken from the ancient myths of the northern people like the Dutch and the Finnish. Nowadays we have the image of a plump person with round glasses, a white beard and red clothes who lives in the North Pole and is surrounded by snow fairies and elves.
The Orthodox bearer of presents : St. Vasilios the Great
He was a tall, thin person with a dark complexion. His hair and beard was black and he had a thoughtful look. Most of his family were also saints. St. Vasilios became the Great because he gave away his fortune to the poor. During the great epidemics of his time, he helped people with his actions and his beliefs, preaching the words of Jesus. In his hometown (Caesarea), he built hospitals, hostels, charity establishments and asylums for orphans and old people. He also organised the distribution of goods and clothes and engaged in numerous other charitable activities.
Santa Claus (Saint Nicholas)
On our planet two orthodox saints are associated to the custom of “delivering” or handing out presents to children during Christmas time. These two different saints were both Greek and bishops in their region. For western countries the one who brings presents to the poor people and the children is Saint Nikolaos ( Santa Claus), who is celebrated all around the world on 6 December. People consider him the protector of seamen. The story of St. Nikolaos as the protector of poor people and children, has been enriched throughout the centuries with elements such as the elves, the northern star, sleighs etc. taken from the ancient myths of the northern people like the Dutch and the Finnish. Nowadays we have the image of a plump person with round glasses, a white beard and red clothes who lives in the North Pole and is surrounded by snow fairies and elves.
The Orthodox bearer of presents : St. Vasilios the Great
He was a tall, thin person with a dark complexion. His hair and beard was black and he had a thoughtful look. Most of his family were also saints. St. Vasilios became the Great because he gave away his fortune to the poor. During the great epidemics of his time, he helped people with his actions and his beliefs, preaching the words of Jesus. In his hometown (Caesarea), he built hospitals, hostels, charity establishments and asylums for orphans and old people. He also organised the distribution of goods and clothes and engaged in numerous other charitable activities.
Hi Dimitris. Very good job!!!
ReplyDeleteBravo...(well done)