Saint Nicholas: The Man, The Myth, The Legend
Class | Available
Consider the familiar story of Santa Claus—the red-suited figure said to live at the North Pole and deliver gifts each Christmas— while exploring the historical evidence behind the real person who inspired this enduring tradition.
At St. Nicholas Orthodox Church (3171 S. 48th Street in Springdale), Fr. Paul Fuller presents a documentary and discussion on the life of St. Nicholas, a third-century Christian bishop who became a patron of churches, countries, children, and sailors around the world. Revered across Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant traditions, St. Nicholas remains one of the most widely recognized figures in Christian history.
Through this program, participants examine what is historically known, what is considered legend, and how his story evolved over time. The session offers a portrait of a courageous Christian leader whose commitment to truth left a lasting cultural impact.
Following the class, participants will enjoy a Mediterranean meal.
This program will meet in person at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, located at 3171 S 48th St, Springdale, AR 72762. Please read your class reminder email for the exact room location.
Class changes occasionally happen; please watch for (and read) announcements or emails from OLLI regarding your class.
Click on the link below for a Google map shot of our location:
St. Nicholas Orthodox Church
Paul Fuller
Fr. Paul Fuller is the pastor of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Springdale, AR. Rev. Fr. Paul Fuller is originally from Louisville, Kentucky where he was baptized and raised in the Orthodox Faith. After high school, he attended the University of Kentucky and received a B.A. in History with a Minor in Classical Civilizations in 2007. Fr. Paul attended St. Vladimir Orthodox Theological Seminary as an Antiochian seminarian in the Fall of 2013. He was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by His Grace, Bishop ANTHONY of Toledo on November 8, 2015 at his home parish of St Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church in Louisville. He was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by His Grace, Bishop NICHOLAS of Brooklyn (now the Bishop of our Diocese) on February 7, 2016 at his parish assignment of St George Orthodox Church in Danbury, Connecticut.