JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

January 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question concerning the Nicolaitans, mentioned in Revelation 2:6 and 15.

"Nicolaitan" means "a follower of Nicolas." It comes from two Greek words -- "nikos" and "laos". "Nikos" means "conqueror" or "destroyer," and "laos" means "people." The original Nicolas was a conqueror or destroyer of the people! That was Nimrod -- the original archrebel, who conquered the people and founded a man-made civilization within two centuries after the Flood!

While he was alive, Nimrod put himself in the place of God. When he died, his admirers continued to WORSHIP him as a divine hero. They called him "Baal," a name found throughout the Old Testament, meaning "master" or "lord."

Nimrod also had other names. One, commonly used throughout Asia Minor, was "Santa." (See "Lempriere's Classical Dictionary".) "Santa Claus" is but a shortened form of "Santa Nicholas" or "Saint Nicholas."

MANY unknowingly honor this Nicholas even in our day by by observing customs associated with December 25th. Christmas originally was the "Saturnalia" or birthday of Nimrod. Of course, these customs handed down from ancient paganism have been renamed and made to appear innocent and good!

Our booklet entitled THE PLAIN TRUTH ABOUT CHRISTMAS explains this subject in greater detail. It is sent free upon request.

Thank you for your interest. If you have further questions, please let us hear from you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT