Nicholas was born to parents who were “devoted Christians, not so poor as to be scorned by others, but neither so rich as to be boastful; they had enough to support themselves and still give to the poor.” Young Nicholas grew in an atmosphere that allowed him to flourish mentally, physically, and spiritually.
The name Nicholas derives from two Greek words, Niki (“victory”) and laos (“people”). Thus, Nicholas means “one who is victorious with the people.” He is “victorious through his saintly life. St. Nicholas always seems to move people to imitate his virtues of charity, love and zeal.”
As Nicholas was growing up, he regularly went to study and learn with his teacher. One day as he was on his way he came upon a woman with a withered hand. Stopping, he approached her, laid his hand on her, prayed toGod, and made the sign of the cross. The hand miraculously became whole.