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By tradition, Nicholas born in the province of Lycia in the southern part of Asia Minor in the city of Patara to well-to-do parents. The date of his birth is not known. Having inherited his parents' estate, he became known for his generous gifts to those in need. As a youth, he made pilgrimages to Palestine and Egypt. He was subsequently [[consecration|consecrated]] Archbishop of Myra as the fourth century began. He was imprisoned during the persecutions of [[Diocletian]] and released by [[Constantine the Great|Constantine]] after his ascension to emperor. Nicholas was noted for his defense of Orthodoxy against the [[Arianism|Arians]]. He is reputed to have been present at the Council of [[Nicaea]], but his name does not appear among any documents from that era. He died in Myra on [[December 6]] in a year uncertain, but between 342 and 352.