Christianfeast day:
Abraham of Kratia, Aemilianus(Roman Catholic Church), Denise and companions, BlessedJános Scheffler, María del Monte Carmelo Sallés y Barangueras, Nicholas of Myra, and its related observances:Saint Nicholas Day, whereSaint Nicholas/Santa Clausleaves little presents in children's shoes. (International), December 6 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
A Christian feast day honoring multiple saints including Saint Nicholas and others, observed on December 6.
December 6 marks the feast day of various Christian saints across denominations, most notably Saint Nicholas of Myra. In the Roman Catholic Church, it commemorates Abraham of Kratia, Aemilianus, Denise and companions, Blessed János Scheffler, and María del Monte Carmelo Sallés y Barangueras. Saint Nicholas Day traditions include leaving small gifts in shoes or stockings, a custom celebrated by children internationally. Eastern Orthodox churches celebrate December 6 according to the Julian calendar with liturgical services and hymns. This day blends solemn religious observances with festive customs, highlighting the legacy of charity and compassion associated with Saint Nicholas. Many parishes hold special masses, processions, and community gatherings in his honor.
feast day
Abraham of Kratia
Aemilianus
Roman Catholic Church
Denise and companions
Blessed
János Scheffler
María del Monte Carmelo Sallés y Barangueras
Nicholas of Myra
Saint Nicholas Day
Saint Nicholas
Santa Claus
International
December 6 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Abraham of Kratia
Feast day of Saint Abraham of Kratia, commemorating the 6th-century Christian hermit and ascetic.
Saint Abraham of Kratia was a Byzantine monk renowned for his ascetic life and spiritual teachings. His feast on December 6 honors his dedication to prayer, fasting, and service to the poor. Tradition holds that Abraham spent years in solitude, offering guidance to pilgrims who sought his wisdom. Orthodox liturgies and hymns celebrate his legacy, emphasizing humility and compassion. In some regions, believers light candles and attend special church services to venerate the saint. His life story continues to inspire monastics and laypeople seeking a deeper spiritual path.
Abraham of Kratia
Aemilianus(Roman Catholic Church)
Feast day honoring Saint Aemilianus, celebrated by the Roman Catholic Church on December 6.
Saint Aemilianus was a third-century hermit and spiritual mentor venerated in the Roman Catholic tradition. His feast day on December 6 commemorates his life of prayer, penance, and dedication to the early Christian community. Little is known of his biography, but traditions speak of his miracles and guidance to those seeking faith. Churches may hold masses and devotional prayers in his honor, recalling his commitment to solitude and contemplation. The day highlights themes of perseverance and pastoral care embodied by Aemilianus. Believers often reflect on his example of humility and devotion amid worldly challenges.
Aemilianus
Roman Catholic Church
Denise and companions
Feast day of Saint Denise and her companions, early Christian martyrs remembered on December 6.
Saint Denise and her companions are honored for their martyrdom during Roman persecutions in the early centuries of Christianity. Their feast day on December 6 celebrates their courage and steadfast faith in the face of torture and death. According to tradition, Denise and her fellow martyrs refused to renounce their beliefs, inspiring many in the nascent Church. Devotional services often include readings of their acts and prayers for strength in adversity. Some congregations mark the day with special masses and processions, calling on the saints’ intercession. Their legacy continues to guide believers in upholding principles of resilience and hope.
Denise and companions
BlessedJános Scheffler
Honors Blessed János Scheffler, a Hungarian bishop beatified for his martyrdom and unwavering pastoral care.
Blessed János Scheffler (1887–1952) was the Bishop of Szatmár in Hungary, renowned for his pastoral dedication.
He courageously opposed communist suppression of the Church and provided secret support to persecuted faithful.
Arrested in 1950 for his faith and ministry, he was imprisoned and died en route to a labor camp.
His compassionate leadership and steadfast witness led to his beatification by Pope John Paul II in 2000.
On this feast day, Catholics recall his example of fidelity and pray for courage in facing challenges.
Church communities around the world honor his legacy through Masses, prayers, and educational events.
Blessed
János Scheffler
María del Monte Carmelo Sallés y Barangueras
Honors Blessed María del Monte Carmelo Sallés y Barangueras, a pioneering Spanish nun renowned for her devotion to education and service to the poor.
Born in Tarragona, Spain in 1848, María del Monte Carmelo dedicated her life to teaching and care for vulnerable children.
She founded the Sisters of the Holy Family of Tarragona to improve educational opportunities and social welfare.
Her congregation grew rapidly, establishing schools and orphanages across Spain and beyond.
Despite health challenges, she maintained a spirit of compassion and innovation in missionary work.
Beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1988, she is celebrated for her enduring contributions to Catholic education and social service.
Communities mark her feast day with special prayers, charitable activities, and reflections on her legacy.
María del Monte Carmelo Sallés y Barangueras
Nicholas of Myra, and its related observances:
Saint Nicholas Day, whereSaint Nicholas/Santa Clausleaves little presents in children's shoes. (International)
Commemorates Saint Nicholas of Myra, famed for his secret acts of generosity that inspired the modern Santa Claus tradition.
Saint Nicholas of Myra (c. 270–343) served as a bishop in present-day Turkey and became renowned for his secret gift-giving.
Legends tell of him providing dowries for impoverished girls and protecting sailors and children through miraculous interventions.
His reputation for charity made him one of the most venerated saints in Christianity.
Over centuries, his story evolved into the figure of Santa Claus, blending religious and secular traditions.
On this feast, churches honor his memory with liturgies and communities celebrate his enduring message of kindness.
Customs vary by region but often include gift exchanges and charitable acts in his name.
Nicholas of Myra
Saint Nicholas Day
Saint Nicholas
Santa Claus
International
December 6 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Marks the liturgical celebration of Saint Nicholas and other saints in the Eastern Orthodox tradition.
In Eastern Orthodox liturgics, December 6 is dedicated to the memory of Saint Nicholas of Myra and various other saints.
Churches around the world celebrate with Choral Hours, Vespers, and Divine Liturgy honoring his life and miracles.
The service often includes readings of hymns and accounts of his charitable deeds and spiritual virtues.
This observance unites Orthodox communities in prayer and reflection on compassion and Christian generosity.
Fasting rules and local customs may vary, but the focus remains on emulating Saint Nicholas' selfless example.
Special icons are venerated, and faithful may perform acts of charity in solidarity with the saint's legacy.
December 6 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Saint Nicholas Day, whereSaint Nicholas/Santa Clausleaves little presents in children's shoes. (International)
A beloved tradition where children place shoes out to receive small gifts from Saint Nicholas on December 6.
Saint Nicholas Day is celebrated in many European countries with the custom of leaving shoes or boots out overnight for small gifts.
Children awake to find treats such as nuts, fruits, sweets, or small toys placed in their footwear.
In some regions, Saint Nicholas arrives accompanied by helpers who reward good behavior or gently admonish mischief.
The tradition blends religious commemoration with festive community gatherings, markets, and parades.
Families share special breads, cookies, and stories of Saint Nicholas' kindness and miracles.
This celebration fosters anticipation for Christmas and emphasizes generosity and goodwill toward others.
Saint Nicholas Day
Saint Nicholas
Santa Claus
International