He ordained a Latin rite priest and at the invitation of Innocent III of Rome, sent representatives to participate in the Fourth Lateran Council (1215).
[1] In 1218–1219, Crusaders captured Damietta as a base to invade and ravage Egypt from the Ayyubid Muslims.
After a crushing defeat in 1221, Crusaders surrendered Damietta and signed an 8-year truce.
Native Egyptian Christians underwent renewed persecution by the Muslims in retaliation.
Patriarch Nicholas died in deep poverty, 6 years before Crusaders returned to briefly capture Damietta before being liberated by the Muslims.