[NRx]

In Eastern Christianity, a passion bearer (Russian: страстотéрпец, tr. strastoterpets; IPA: [strəstɐˈtʲɛrpʲɪts]) is one of the various customary titles for saints used in commemoration at divine services when honouring their feast on the Church Calendar; it is not generally used in the Latin Church.[1] The term can be defined as a person who faces his or her death in a Christ-like manner. Unlike martyrs, passion bearers are not explicitly killed for their faith, though they hold to that faith with piety and true love of God. Thus, although all martyrs are passion bearers, not all passion bearers are martyrs. (From the font of all knowledge... Wikipedia)

[Apple Pan Dowdy]

Yes, NRx, I read that in Wiki too. Just words, no real explanation as to why or how. Millions of people bravely face death, but were not declared “passion bearers”.

It is said that Nicolas faced his death in a Christ-like manner”. No he did NOT actually. Christ died as a “sacrificial lamb” for your and my sins. Christ went willingly to the cross to accomplish this act of atonement which affords us Grace. Nicolas’s death did in no way atone for anyone’s sin. If you believe he faced death in a Christ-like way, then you really do not fully understand what Christ did when he died on that Cross.