Archaeologists stumble on tomb of ‘Father Christmas’ at Turkey church

ARCHAEOLOGISTS in Turkey have made a discovery that could settle a century-old debate . . . and disappoint millions of children around the world.

They have unearthed what they believe to be the tomb of the original Father Christmas – St Nicholas – beneath a church in Demre, Antalya, birthplace of the fourth-century bishop. Antalya’s monument authority head, Cemil Karabayram, said the crypt was discovered during electronic surveys of the church.

“We believe this shrine has not been damaged at all, but it is quite difficult to get to it as there are mosaics on the floor,” Karabayram said.

He said he was optimistic about uncovering St Nicholas’s remains, but warned that any tell-tale discovery would take time.

“We have obtained very good results, but the real work starts now,” he said, adding that the temple is almost intact but currently inaccessible due to the presence of stone reliefs that need to be preserved.

“We will reach the ground and maybe we will find the body of St Nicholas.”

Professor Sema Dogan, leader of the excavation, believes the discovery could boost tourism to the area.

At the time of his death in AD 343, St Nicholas was interred at the church in Demre, where he lay undisturbed until the 11th century.

It was previously thought his remains untouched were smuggled to Bari, Italy, by merchants in 1087. Christians still visit the site of what was thought to be his final resting place in Bari’s Basilica di San Nicola.

However, Turkish experts are now claiming the wrong bones were removed and those taken abroad belonged to another local priest rather than the legendary bishop.

St Nicholas of Myra was known for his generosity towards children.

He had a reputation for secret giftgiving, such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him, a practice celebrated on his feast day on December 6.

He famously said: “The giver of every good and perfect gift has called upon us to mimic God’s giving, by grace, through faith, and this is not of ourselves.”

He was popularised in 16th-century Europe as Father Christmas, who gave presents to young children.

Dutch arrivals to the United States called their version of Saint Nicholas “Sinterklaas,” which later became Father Christmas. — The Daily Telegraph