One of the best-loved saints of both the Eastern and Western Churches, Saint Nicholas has miraculously answered Christians' prayers for centuries. Born in Asia Minor, St. Nicholas was favored by God with the power of miracles, and was a beloved Bishop in the Church. He is famous for his love for children and his name and reputation have been transformed by modern western folklore into Santa Claus. He is not however father Christmas in Greece. In art he is often depicted as an elderly bishop wearing a cloak of crosses. He is the patron saint of all travelers, and of seafarers in particular, as well as children, judges, and merchants among other things.