Even a pandemic could not stop St. Nicholas from coming to Assumption Catholic School in Perth Amboy, NJ. During  his visit, this Christian bishop, talked to the children and listened  to their stories. He also greeted all students and staff with gifts sponsored by school’s FSA board. Just when we thought St. Nicholas forgot about us during this COVID-19 pandemic WHAT A GREAT SURPRISE his visit was! His mission has remained unchanged for centuries: to make all people and especially children  happy.
 
But who is this special visitor? DID YOU KNOW? 
 ST. NICHOLAS – Sviatiy Mykolai – St. Nicholas is known as the friend and protector of all in trouble or need.
The name Nicholas is of Greek origin and means “victor of people” – Saint Nicholas was born in the year 270 at Patara, Lycia which is now in present-day Turkey .
His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus’ words to “sell what you own and give the money to the poor,” Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick and the suffering.
 Because of the many miracles attributed to his praying, he is also known as Nicholas the Wonderworker.
 He had a legendary habit of secret gift-giving such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him.
Dressed as a Byzantine bishop, the good saint is often accompanied by angels.
Known for his goodness and generosity, he is said to have inspired the creation of Santa Claus, also known as “Saint Nick”, which was derived from the Dutch word “Sinterklaas” which means St. Nicholas. The Dutch brought “Sinterklaas” with them when they immigrated to North America in 1621 and founded New Amsterdam on the tip of Manhattan Island (now New York City). English speaking settlers later corrupted the name, which evolved into “Santa Claus” .
 St. Nicholas died December 6 in the year 343 in the town of Myra, Lycia (now in present-day Turkey). 
Candy canes, typically associated with Christmas, are believed to derive from the crozier, the bishop’s staff, of St. Nicholas