The Orthodox life of St. Nicholas preserves the account of a father and three daughters threatened by desperate poverty. Nicholas secretly provided material help that changed the family’s circumstances. The Church remembers this as an example of his discreet generosity. We receive the episode as a traditional Orthodox account, without claiming a surviving contemporary financial record. Nicholas of Myra, OCA December 6 life, December 6 life, the traditional account of the three daughters
The source’s emphasis on secrecy directs attention toward the family being helped. The giver’s reputation is not made the center of the account. The remembered gift answered a serious need, while Nicholas sought to conceal his good deed. This gives us a particular example through which to consider the manner as well as the substance of generosity. Nicholas of Myra, OCA December 6 life, December 6 life, the traditional account of the three daughters
Christ warns against giving alms in order to receive public praise. He directs the giver toward the Father who sees in secret. The command addresses the purpose of our giving, and makes admiration a poor reason to serve a person in need. Nicholas’s remembered discretion offers a saintly example of the conduct that this passage asks us to examine. Matthew 6:1-4
St. John keeps generosity connected to the real need: a person with material goods must not close the heart against a brother who lacks them. Together these passages ask us to give help and to attend to why we give it. Quietness alone is insufficient if nothing useful reaches the person. 1 John 3:17–18
A present application is to offer appropriate help without requiring another person’s hardship to become publicity for us. Privacy can be respected while responsible arrangements and accountability remain in place. The received story directs us toward a gift that serves the family’s good. Christ’s words direct the heart of the giver toward the Father rather than toward applause. Nicholas of Myra, OCA December 6 life, December 6 life, the traditional account of the three daughters
For prayer, use the Lord’s Prayer given by Christ in Matthew 6:9–13.
Sources and edition notes
Scripture references link to these comparison editions: NKJV. Biblical passages are paraphrased. Biblical language within a patristic quotation follows the identified historical English translation.