One of the oldest stories showing St. Nicholas as a protector of children takes place long after his death. The townspeople of Myra were celebrating the good saint on the eve of his feast day when a band of Arab pirates from Crete came into the district. They stole treasures from the Church of Saint Nicholas to take away as booty. As they were leaving town, they snatched a young boy, Basilios, to make into a slave. The emir, or ruler, selected Basilios to be his personal cupbearer, as not knowing the language, Basilios would not understand what the king said to those around him. So, for the next year Basilios waited on the king, bringing his wine in a beautiful golden cup. For Basilios’ parents, devastated at the loss of their only child, the year passed slowly, filled with grief. As the next St. Nicholas’ feast day approached, Basilios’ mother would not join in the festivity, as it was now a day of tragedy. However, she was persuaded to have a simple observance at home—with quiet prayers for Basilios’ safekeeping. Meanwhile, as Basilios was fulfilling his tasks serving the emir, he was suddenly whisked up and away. St. Nicholas appeared to the terrified boy, blessed him, and set him down at his home back in Myra. Imagine the joy and wonderment when Basilios amazingly appeared before his parents, still holding the king’s golden cup. This is the first story told of St. Nicholas protecting children—which became his primary role in the West. St. Nicholas, pray for us. ............................................................................................................................................................. Una de las historias más antiguas de San Nicolás como un protector de niños toma lugar muchos años después de su muerte. La gente de Myra estaban celebrando el santo del Santo cuando una banda de piratas árabes de Grecia llegaron en su distrito. Robaron unos tesoros de la Iglesia de San Nicolás. Al dejar el pueblo, raptaron a un muchacho llamado, Basilios, para hacerlo esclavo. Su jefe escogió a Basilios como su sirviente. Por un año Basilios servía al rey árabe, pero no entendía lo que el rey decía porque Basilios no entendía la lengua árabe. Los padres de Basilios sufrían mucho por la falta de su hijo, y cuando llegó el próximo Día de San Nicolás su madre no asistía a las festividades. En vez de festejar ella tenía oraciones por Basilios en su casa. Mientras Basilios cumplía sus quehaceres del rey, de repente fue llevada al aire y se le apareció San Nicolás. El santo lo bendijo y los regresó a sus casa en Myra. Imagínense la alegría cuando Basilios apareció ante sus papas con la copa del rey todavía en su mano. Esta es la primera historia que habla de San Nicolás como un protector de niños. San Nicolás, ruega por nosotros.