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Often in Orthodoxy, princes became saints, whose lives were an example of nobility and great respect for people, which was expressed in their actions in the name of the Lord and for all living. One of these monuments of Christian culture is the icon of St. Daniel of Moscow.
Life of Prince Daniil of Moscow
The future prince was born in the glorious city of Vladimir and became the fourth son of Alexander Nevsky. At the age of two, his father passed away, and eventually his mother. The young man was left alone early on, without the support of his parents. Subsequently, his father was canonized, and his mother was revered as a righteous woman.
Later, the young prince took possession of Moscow and the surrounding lands. On the bank of the river he built a temple in honor of his patron, Daniel the Stylite.
At the beginning of his reign, the principality was small and practically undeveloped. Having matured, he enlarged and strengthened it, but did this not through wars and bloodshed, like other representatives of power, but through peace, which was an amazing decision for that time.
At the same time, his brother Daniel, Prince Andrei, having enormous strength, together with the Tatars brought large Russian cities into devastation, and then the saint, in order to save his people from inevitable death, decided to let the Horde into Moscow.
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The ruler experienced all the misfortunes that befell his people with him. Defending his land rights, he was forced to oppose his brother. And again the desire for peace, piety and mercy prevailed, and this helped to avoid war and sacrifice.
A few years later, Prince Constantine and the Tatars were preparing to attack the lands of the principality, doing it basely and dishonestly. The army led by the prince defeated the enemy, the enemy himself was captured, and most of the Tatars were destroyed. This victory became a real sign of freedom and strength of the Orthodox faith.
Being a competent ruler and a brave warrior, Daniel never went to war on other lands in order to seize them and thus further expand his possessions. In gratitude for this, the Almighty gives him the opportunity to expand the boundaries of his possessions. And after the death of his uncle, Daniel received the Pereyaslavl land.
The saint developed new lands, but remained faithful to Moscow, which later made the city more significant for all Russian lands and their subsequent unification.
Day of Remembrance
In 1303, the prince died of a serious illness. He bequeathed to bury himself in the Danilov Monastery in the general cemetery in order to be closer to his people even after his death.
A year after the prince left for another world, the monastery he founded became the property of the Kremlin, the church was declared a parish church, and the cemetery was declared open to all laity.
Such was the Grand Duke Daniel of Moscow, whose name day and memorial day have since been celebrated by Christians on March 17. On this day, he is revered in churches, prayers are offered to him and requests for help and protection are made.
During the time of the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar, the Israelites were in captivity
Jerusalem before the birth of Christ was conquered by the Babylonian king almost 600 years ago. Then the temple, which was built by Solomon, was destroyed, and most of the Israelites fell into Babylonian captivity.
Among these captives, there were three youths who were noble in origin. The youths' names were Daniel, Azariah and Misail.
Three youths - Ananias, Azariah and Misail were protected by the power of the Lord from fire. Photo: dimitri.moseparh.ru
Then the Babylonian king ordered that these young men be taught wisdom. He demanded that they be fed from the royal table and that they not need anything. But the young men did not want this; she kept the commandments of her faith. They tried to lead a strict lifestyle. They ate only vegetables and water.
Where in Moscow are the relics of Daniil of Moscow
In 1652, the incorruptible relics of Daniel were transferred to the Church named after the Holy Ecumenical Councils and placed in a shrine. At all times, they are a symbol of support and fidelity to one’s convictions, on which the foundation of human life, both worldly and heavenly, is built, for the spiritual is the beginning of all life on earth.
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Also, the Danilov Monastery stores a huge amount of recorded evidence of the prince’s assistance in a variety of matters relating to all spheres of human life. In the books of the temple you can find the most unreal stories and facts about the affairs of the wise and revered ruler.
Danilovsky Monastery
The very first and most important historical and spiritual monument in the list of the heritage of Daniil of Moscow is the monastery on the Moscow River. Danilovsky Monastery has a centuries-old history. Founded in the 13th century, it has been destroyed, rebuilt and repurposed several times.
After the campaign of the Dudenev army against Moscow, the monastery fell into decay. Ivan the Terrible began its reconstruction only in 1560. The Temple of the Seven Ecumenical Councils was erected here and consecrated by Metropolitan Macarius of Moscow.
However, 30 years later, during the invasion of the Crimean Khan Kazy-Girey, it turned into a fortified camp. And during the Time of Troubles it was completely destroyed. The third revival of the monastery took place in the 17th century, when it was surrounded by a brick wall with seven towers. The number of monks began to grow. According to documentary sources on land ownership, in 1785 the Danilovsky Monastery owned 18 acres of land (a little more than 43 thousand sq.m.).
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In 1812 he was ruined again. They managed to take the sacristy to Vologda, and the treasury was sent to the Trinity-Sergius Lavra. Later, almshouses for elderly clergy and their wives operated on the territory of the monastery. During the revolution, the monastery was formally closed. But monastic life continued according to regular order. The rector was Archbishop Theodore of Volokolamsk, and 19 monks lived under his obedience. At that time, the Danilovsky Monastery already owned 164 acres of land (almost 394 thousand sq.m.).
In 1929, the monastery was closed and repurposed as a children's detention center for the NKVD. The bell tower was dismantled. And the bells themselves were saved from being melted down by the American industrialist-diplomat Charles Crane. Until 2007 they were kept at Harvard University. The monastery graveyard (or necropolis) was also destroyed. The ashes of the writer N.V. Gogol, the poet N.M. Yazykov were moved to the Novodevichye cemetery, and the grave of the painter V.G. Perov was moved to the cemetery of the Donskoy Monastery.
And finally, in 1982, shortly before his death, L. I. Brezhnev signed a decree transferring the Donskoy Monastery to the Moscow Patriarchate. A year later, the word “Donskoy” was corrected to “Danilov”. Construction work was organized, during which the Trinity Cathedral and the Church of the Holy Fathers of the Seven Ecumenical Councils were restored, an overhead chapel, a four-story Brotherhood building, a hotel complex (behind the southern wall of the monastery) were erected, and the Church of Seraphim of Sarov was consecrated (1988). And in 2007, the bell ensemble from Harvard University returned to the Danilov Monastery.
Today, a Sunday school and catechetical courses for adults operate on the territory of the monastery. There is also its own publishing house, Danilovsky Blagovestnik.
Famous visitors to the monastery included the 40th US President Ronald Reagan and his wife and US Secretary of State George Shultz.
Twice a year, in memory of the first founder Daniil of Moscow, large services are held at the monastery.
How does prayer to the holy prince help?
People turn to the Holy Prince of Moscow in a variety of life situations. This is where Saint Daniel of Moscow helps:
- in protection from various types of attacks;
- in healing from all sorts of ailments (in particular oncology);
- in the birth of a long-awaited child;
- assistance in finding a good job;
- in case of unfair accusations;
- in disputes (social and family);
- when choosing leadership;
- in solving any housing problems.
In addition, the saint is considered the patron saint of the Engineering Troops of the Russian Army, and on Memorial Day he is decorously revered by military personnel throughout the country as an example of a true warrior, devoted to his ideals to the end.
The prayer to Daniil of Moscow for the sale of housing is considered very popular:
“High praise to the Church of Christ, the invincible wall of the city of Moscow, the Divine affirmation of the Russian Power, Reverend Prince Daniel. Flowing to the race of your relics, we fervently pray to you: look upon us, who sing your memory and come running with faith under the shelter of your prayers.
Pour out a warm petition to the Savior of all, so that he may establish peace in our country, its cities and towns, and preserve this monastery in goodness, planting piety and love in your people, while eradicating anger, civil strife and corruption of morals; Grant to all of us all that is good for temporary life and eternal salvation through your prayers, so that we glorify the divine Christ our God in His saints forever and ever. Amen".
On icons, the prince is often depicted in the garb of a monk (which he became during his lifetime), indicating with his prudence and humility the choice of the right path, which is in harmony with the ideals of Christianity and deep faith. The saint is a true example of a wise leader, whose example has been unshakable for many years.
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It is also important to remember that in all disputes the saint always takes the side of justice, and therefore he helps only those on whose side the truth is. In dishonest disputes, one cannot expect help from a saint.
In culture
The historical novel “The Youngest Son” is dedicated to Saint Daniel of Moscow. Its author was Dmitry Balashov, a Russian philologist and public figure of the 20th century. The exact year of creation of the novel is unknown. The work provides scientific information about the life and reign of Daniil of Moscow, his family and role in the formation of Moscow as the economic, political, and most importantly, the spiritual center of Russia. It also describes the reasons for the strife between the brothers Andrei and Dmitry. The novel is the first in the series “The Sovereigns of Moscow” and covers the time period from 1263 to 1304.
In 1997, on the occasion of the 850th anniversary of Moscow, a monument to the famous prince was erected on Serpukhov Square. Its authors were sculptors A. Korovin, V. Mokrousov and architect D. Sokolov. In his left hand, Daniil of Moscow holds a temple, and in his right hand, a sword. Moreover, the weapon is in a lowered position. This contained the peaceful disposition of the ruler, who considered strife and bloodshed to be a matter displeasing to God.
Temple in honor of the blessed prince
The Temple of the Blessed Prince Daniel of Moscow is the first of the Moscow monasteries that has survived to our time. He is known and revered throughout the Orthodox world. The exact date of its foundation is unknown, but historical literature indicates the end of the 13th century.
It is also undeniable that the deeds of the Grand Duke live and will live in the minds of people for a huge number of years, for they are truth and honor. His monastery is visited daily by hundreds of parishioners and thousands of pilgrims from all over the world, and God’s grace emanating from his face teaches piety and gives true faith to everyone who thirsts, which leads through life honestly and righteously.
God bless you!
Daniel's biography says that the Lord awarded him the gift of clairvoyance and interpretation of dreams
Daniel's biography says that the Lord awarded him the gift of clairvoyance and interpretation of dreams. With his wisdom, Daniel surpassed all astrologers and magicians. Thus, he was close to the king. Among the many Babylonian kings, King Nebuchadnezzar was especially formidable.
One day, King Nebuchadnezzar had a strange dream that amazed him very much. When he woke up, he forgot what he saw in his dream. All the wise men of Babylon could not help him remember. Then Saint Daniel presented before them the power of the Lord. He revealed to him the content of the dream and its prophetic meaning.
The prophet Daniel explains to King Nebuchadnezzar his dream about the idol. Photo: rossaprimavera.ru
Daniel explained to the king a dream about an image that was broken by a stone. After this, the idol became a mountain:
“...You (Nebuchadnezzar) are the golden head (the first kingdom)! After you, another kingdom will arise, lower than yours, and another third kingdom, of copper, which will rule over the whole earth.
And the fourth kingdom will be strong as iron; for just as iron breaks and crushes everything, so it, like all-crushing iron, will crush and crush...
The God of heaven will erect a kingdom (fifth), which will not be destroyed forever, and this kingdom will not be transferred to another people; it will crush and destroy all kingdoms, and itself will stand forever.”
(Dan. 2:31-46; 7:1-28)
After interpreting the king's dreams, Daniel became the ruler of Babylon
After this, the king elevated Daniel to the rank of commander of all Babylon. After some time, the king ordered that a huge statue be erected to him, to which people were to pay all sorts of honors. For refusing this, three youths - Ananias, Azariah and Misail - were thrown into the oven.
But the youths walked on the flames and offered up prayer to God. Then the Angel of the Lord appeared and cooled this flame, after which the youths remained completely unharmed.
When the king learned that the youths remained unharmed, he commanded them to turn to the True God.
The Bible says that Daniel predicted the fall of Babylon to King Belshazzar. When King Darius reigned, enemies began to slander the prophet Daniel, and he was asked to go into the lions' den. But the lions did not touch him. Then the king rejoiced and commanded throughout his entire kingdom to worship the God of whom Daniel speaks.
When the prophet Daniel was thrown into a den of lions, they did not touch him, which greatly angered his enemies. Photo: proreligiu.club
Saint Daniel was very worried about his people, who were mired in sins and iniquities. Transgression of God's commandments resulted in severe captivity and the destruction of all of Jerusalem. Also, the fate of all Israel and the world was revealed to Saint Daniel.
In the interpretation of dreams, Daniel told the king that kingdoms would change. The kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ will be the last and greatest. His prophecy also told us that there would be a first and second coming of the Lord.
Daniel himself and his three friends lived to a very old age, after which they died in captivity.
