Saint Nicholas of Myra, also known as Nicholas of Bari, was an early Christian bishop of Greek descent from the maritime city of Myra in Asia Minor during the time of the Roman Empire. Because of the many miracles attributed to his intercession, he is also known as Nicholas the Wonderworker and is famed for his defence of Christ's divinity against the heresy of Arius. However, in modern times he is perhaps most well-known as his alter ego Santa Claus. The Saint Nicholas Institute is devoted to exploring and explaining the connection between the great saint and the "jolly old elf"!