By Jonah McKeown
CNA Staff, Dec 18, 2024 / 06:00 am
Embarking on a journey of historical significance, an archeological expedition at the Church of St. Nicholas in Demre, Turkey, has made a groundbreaking discovery. The team has unearthed a sarcophagus that holds the potential to contain the body of the revered St. Nick. This finding challenges the traditional belief that his relics rest in Italy.
In a recent interview, Professor Ebru Fatma Fındık, the leader of the expedition, revealed that historical sources indicate Turkey’s Antalya Province as the final resting place of St. Nicholas, following his passing in the 340s.
It is believed that the Church of St. Nicholas, a cherished pilgrimage destination, particularly for Russian Orthodox Christians, was constructed near the saint’s burial site following an earthquake in 529.
In another interview, Fındık speculated that the sarcophagus, unearthed for the first time during the 2022 excavation, may have been shielded by gravel and sand from a past flood or tsunami, explaining its excellent preservation.
Turkish authorities have long asserted their claim to St. Nicholas’ resting place, viewing it as a potential boost to tourism. The ongoing excavations, under the auspices of Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, aim to validate this belief.
“Months of meticulous excavation at the church have led us to a significant discovery. Our drilling work in the two-story building adjacent to the church courtyard revealed a sarcophagus that we suspect belongs to St. Nicholas,” Fındık stated.
“Geologists specializing in this area will soon conduct a thorough examination to confirm our findings,” she added.
Who was St. Nicholas?
Introducing the Legend of St. Nicholas: The Original Santa Claus
Nicholas
Step back in time to the third century in Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey, where Nicholas, an early Christian bishop, lived during a period of brutal persecutions under the Roman Empire. Rising through the ranks, he was ordained as a priest and later as the bishop of Myra, a historic port city that now corresponds to present-day Demre in Turkey.
Known for his boundless generosity, Nicholas became the stuff of legends. One famous tale recounts how he saved three women from a life of prostitution by dropping three bags of gold through their window or chimney to pay their doweries. This act of kindness is believed to be the origin of the modern Christmas figure, Santa Claus, who secretly delivers gifts to children around the world.
Despite facing imprisonment during Emperor Diocletian’s reign, Nicholas was freed when Constantine the Great rose to power and declared Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire. He later played a crucial role in the Council of Nicea in 325, where he staunchly defended the Church against heretics like Arius.
On December 6, the Roman Catholic Church commemorates Nicholas’ feast day, honoring his legacy of compassion and devotion. His veneration extends to the Russian Orthodox Church and other Eastern Christian traditions.
Unraveling the Mystery of Nicholas’ Relics
The whereabouts of St. Nicholas’ earthly remains have sparked controversy over the years. The recent discovery of an additional sarcophagus has further complicated the search for his true relics, adding a new layer of intrigue to the quest.
Various churches worldwide, from Germany to Russia and even Virginia, lay claim to possessing fragments of Nicholas’ remains. However, the Basilica of St. Nicholas in Bari, nestled in Italy’s picturesque region of Puglia, boasts one of the most compelling cases for safeguarding the saint’s relics.
