From Erie-
How did St. Nicholas go from a Christian bishop born in the third century and imprisoned for his faith to a red-suited jolly old bearded elf who climbs down chimneys with presents?
That answer and more about St. Nicholas are included in a traveling exhibit from the St. Nicholas Center in Michigan that's on display at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul in Erie. Titled "St. Nicholas: Discovering the Truth About Santa Claus," the exhibit runs through Dec. 27.
"It represents different countries, different customs, different icons, art," said Sharon Downey, the cathedral's organist and choirmaster.
She and her husband, the Rev. John Downey, cathedral dean, attended an Episcopal Church convention in California at which Sharon Downey learned about the center and John Downey talked to a bishop who'd hosted a St. Nicholas exhibit.
What they heard fit with a new initiative at the Erie cathedral.
"We've been wanting to sort of branch out further in our connection to the arts," John Downey said.
The first attempt is a wall covered by 15 panels, each displaying pictures and information about St. Nicholas.
John Downey said cathedral officials would like to schedule a few exhibits a year, including the work of local people.
In the meantime, a special Advent Day, related to the first exhibit, is planned for preschoolers through fifth-graders Dec. 5, the day before St. Nicholas's feast day. Dec. 6 is his day because he's believed to have died on that date, possibly in 342, according to one of the panels.
The special event for children will feature St. Nicholas puzzles and paper bishops' miters, or hats. Children also will hear stories about St. Nicholas.
"It's amazing how he has captured the imagination," John Downey said.
More here-
http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091128/LIFESTYLES03/311289994
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