Translation of the Relics of Saint Nicholas from Myra to Bari

The feast commemorates the translation (movement) of the relics of Saint Nicholas from Myra (in present-day Turkey) to Bari, on the Italian Peninsula.

[note 1] In 1087, nobles and merchants of Bari, Italy, visited the relics of Saint Nicholas in 1087 after finding out their resting-place from the monks who guarded them.

According to one account, the monks showed the resting-place but then became immediately suspicious: "Why you men, do you make such a request?

"[3] The men from Bari tried different tactics, including force, and succeeded in taking possession of the relics.

"Professor Nevzat Cevik, the Director of Archaeological Excavations in Demre (Myra), has recently recommended that the Turkish government should request the repatriation of Saint Nicholas' relics, alleging that it had always been the saint's intention to be buried in Myra.