ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, December 23, 1995 TAG: 9512250003
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG
SOURCE: STEVE HUPPERT SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES
Everyone knows about the jolly man in the red suit who brings gifts to children every Christmas.
Not as many know about the historical figure on which Santa Claus is based. He is St. Nicholas, and on Wednesday he payed a visit to the children of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Christiansburg.
"I think it is important that children are aware of the full meaning of Christmas," said Cameron Hackney, a parishioner at the church who volunteered to play the role. "The children should know how St. Nicholas loved children, and how important it is for them to know the true meaning of sharing."
Father Louis Benoit, pastor of Holy Spirit, came up with the idea of having St. Nicholas visit. He believed it was important for the children to realize that there is more to Christmas than Santa Claus. Stressing the importance of keeping Christ in Christmas, Benoit said he thought that if St. Nicholas, the patron saint of young people, visited the church, he could bring the true message of Christ.
Kathy Letto, daughter of Ned Letto, chairman of the church's steering committee, designed the costume with historical accuracy in mind.
Nicholas was born in the Middle East in the fourth century. He traveled throughout Egypt and Palestine, and became a priest and later a Bishop.
He was known as a man who gave money and did good deeds for people, and who could perform miracles.
Nicholas was sainted in the sixth century. Russia and Greece have made him their patron saint, and churches throughout the world have been named for him.
Holy Spirit hopes to make St. Nicholas's visit an annual event.
LENGTH: Short : 42 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: Cameron Hackney was dress as a bishop, not as a jollyby CNBold elf, when he came as St. Nicholas to visit children at
Christiansburg's Holy Spirit Catholic Church.