Archaeologists Find Grave of St. Nicholas Under Turkish Church
By Movieguide® Contributor
The grave of the real-life figure who inspired the story of Santa Clause has been unearthed beneath a church in Turkey.
Archaeologists found the grave of St. Nicholas underneath a church in the Antalya region that shares his name. It’s believed he served as a bishop there until the building flooded in the Middle Ages.
The Church of St. Nicholas was built in A.D. 520, on top of the remains of the original church where he served as bishop.
Professor Dr. Osman Eravşar, president of the Antalya Cultural Heritage Preservation Regional Board, called this an “extremely important discovery.”
“We see this church as a discovery that will increase the architectural history and its iconographic value a bit more,” he continued.
Archaeologists will now make the site ready for display.
While the gravesite has only just now been uncovered, we actually know quite a bit about St. Nicholas’ life and legacy.
Movieguide® previously reported:
A big red coat, round belly, bushy white beard, sparkling eyes, and some sort of mystical knowledge of what every little girl and boy wants for Christmas — that’s pop culture’s Santa Claus, or Saint Nicholas. But what’s the truth about this legendary man?
Psychologist and author Wayne A. Van Der Wal wants to shed some light on the history of the real-life Saint Nicholas, better known as Santa Claus, around the globe.
Van Der Wal said that he was frustrated with how materialistic the celebration of Christmas had become, especially when he faced financial hardship after a divorce.
“I had been frustrated with the materialism of Christmas for a long time,” Van Der Wal said in a recent press release. “I desired to make Christmas more meaningful for my children and me, so when I started researching more about Santa Claus/St. Nick connection, [I discovered] wow, not only was he a real person, but he had a fascinating life story.”
Van Der Wal recently announced the launch of his new book, The Gospel of Santa Claus: Inspired by the True Story of Saint Nicholas.
“The seven years he spent researching and writing the book transformed the way he and his family celebrate Christmas. They now celebrate the birth of Jesus with more family time, fewer material goods and an emphasis on good deeds,” the release reads.
The historical book follows the life of St. Nicholas in the third century A.D. as he faces persecution for his faith and highlights his generosity and love.
Van Der Wal notes that as families work to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ this holiday season, his book will bring more meaning to the faithful, historical Santa Claus.
“I heartily endorse The Gospel of Santa Claus! I was blessed to share this book with my grandkids and church family. This book has become a part of our Christmas tradition. I think it will be the same for all who read it!” Terry Fred, Senior Pastor at Destiny Church Center, said.
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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