Life of Daniel the Stylite
Saint Daniel lived approximately in the middle of the 5th century. The birthplace of the stylite is Mesopotamia, the village of Vifara. Daniel's parents did not have children for many years due to the infertility of Martha's mother. Because of this, the woman had to endure reproaches from her husband and his relatives. One day, during prayer, Martha made a vow that if she had a child, he would be dedicated to serving the Lord. The woman's prayer was heard and she gave birth to a son.
But the boy’s name appeared only at the age of 5, since his parents wanted his name to be received from the Lord. To do this, the parents brought their son to the abbot of the nearest monastery with a request to choose a name for him. The abbot, taking the theological book, opened it to the words of Saint Daniel. Therefore, the boy was named after the prophet.
The parents wanted to immediately leave their son in the monastery. But the abbot refused them, since the child was still too young to serve the Lord. Daniil had to return home with his parents. But when the boy turned 12 years old, he left his father’s house, going to a monastery.
The boy had to persuade the abbot for a long time to take him to the monastery, since he believed that it would be difficult for the boy to withstand monastic obedience. But Daniel was firm in his decision, the abbot had to agree.
After a while, the parents learned about the whereabouts of their son and were very happy. They decided to visit the boy. Having learned that Daniel had not yet undergone the sacrament of tonsure as a monk, his parents persuaded the abbot to take tonsure in front of them. The abbot agreed to fulfill their request, but warned that the parents would have to give up frequent visits to their son.
The young monk conscientiously performed his duty. His perseverance, hard work and fortitude admired his brethren. However, the soul of the saint strived for greater spiritual achievements.
One day, heading with the abbot to Antioch, Daniel found himself near the place where the Monk Simeon stood on a pillar. The young man asked permission to go up to the monk. Stylite Simeon had a long conversation with the young ascetic. The monk gave Daniel wise instructions, strengthening and comforting his spirit.
After this, the young man had a desire to repeat the Christian feat of the stylite. After a while, he left the walls of the monastery, settling in a former pagan temple. For many years the saint lived alone, praying tirelessly and fighting demons. Continuous prayers to Jesus helped the monk drive out demons from the temple.
Nine years later, the saint had a vision of the Monk Simeon, who called Daniel to ascend the pillar. By the will of God, Daniel ascended the pillar, where he spent the rest of his life.
The stylite bravely withstood any bad weather and hardships, constantly praying to God. For this, the Lord rewarded him with the gift of foresight. Many prophecies were given by the Monk Daniel. Among them:
- fire in Constantinople;
- invasion of vandals;
- birth of an heir to Emperor Leo.
The saint lived until he was 91 years old, having spent more than 30 years on the pillar. The seer predicted his death, telling his disciples about it three days before his death. The saint was buried near the foot of the pillar.
Veneration in Orthodoxy
The veneration of the stylite in Constantinople began immediately after his death. Emperor Leo erected a monastery in the name of the saint.
In Rus', Daniel the Stylite has been known since the 13th century. In 1282, at the direction of Prince Daniil of Moscow, the first wooden monastery in Moscow was erected, bearing the name of the saint. In addition, the complete life of the saint was translated into Church Slavonic. Later, the saint began to be depicted on the paintings of Orthodox churches.
Today there are several temples dedicated to Stylite. One of them is located in Stavropol, and a chapel in the name of St. Daniel can be seen in the church of the village of Starocherkasskaya. Celebrations of the veneration of the Christian ascetic take place on December 24 according to the new style (December 11 according to the Julian calendar).
What does Daniil Stylite help with?
During his lifetime, Saint Daniel became famous for his ability to heal the sick and infirm. Women suffering from infertility turned to the monk and, through the prayers of the stylite, were cured. The saint is asked for healing of any other illness, both physical and spiritual.
Daniel the Stylite led an exemplary and reserved life. Therefore, humble people leading a pious life enjoy his special patronage. The miracle worker also helps to overcome any difficulties in life. To do this, you just need to sincerely pray to the saint.
Traditions and folk signs of Daniel the Stylite
Today it is customary for Orthodox people to pray to Daniel the Stylite and ask him for health. Since during his lifetime the Reverend was engaged in healing people, now one can also turn to him with similar requests. It is also customary to go to church and listen to services dedicated to Daniel. Do not forget that all believers must continue to fast.
On this day, our ancestors lit lamps and asked the sun to descend to earth. It was believed that the sun could help protect against the evil witches who rule the roost at night. It was also believed that the sun could make witches do evil. People believed that winter snowstorms appear precisely because of witches who want to ruin peaceful travelers.
Iconography
On the icons, Saint Daniel is depicted at the place of his ascetic struggle - the pillar. A pillar may be a column topped by a carved capital. On some icons, the pillar is made in the form of an architectural structure with a portal replacing the entrance. There are steps leading to the top of the structure, which ends in a bowl. A gray-haired old man rises above the bowl.
The saint is distinguished by the following characteristics:
- long pointed beard;
- monastic robe;
- on the head is a doll;
- hands are prayerfully folded on the chest or raised upward, with palms facing those praying, sometimes in one hand he holds a cross or a scroll.
Some icon painters depicted Daniel next to saints who became famous for the same feat of pillar-bearing. There are images where the monk is depicted together with Luke the Stylite, whose memory falls on the same day as Daniel.
You can also see icons in which the monk is located between two pillars - Simeon and Alypius.
Christmas post
Multi-day fast. Its goal is the spiritual cleansing of a person and preparation for the holiday of the Nativity of Christ. The duration of the fast is 40 days.
The Nativity Fast is not the strictest fast in existence. However, some foods are strictly forbidden to eat: meat, eggs and dairy products. Some dishes are allowed to be eaten only on certain days, for example, fish (can be eaten on weekends and during great church holidays), vegetable oil (can be added to food on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday). Sometimes you are allowed to drink a little dry wine.
Refusal of fast food is the most insignificant part of what a person must do in preparation for the great holiday. Fasting will turn into an ordinary diet that cleanses the body and will not fulfill its spiritual function if it is not combined with constant internal work on oneself, one’s thoughts, attitude towards one’s neighbor, and daily behavior. The Church even condemns those who fast physically, but do not touch upon the spiritual aspect of abstinence.
Orthodox texts
Parts of the service performed on the day of memory of Daniel the Stylite are the troparion and kontakion. There are other hymns dedicated to the saint, including the Akathist. A prayer is also written to the miracle worker, which is read in front of the icon of the saint.
Troparion
Thou art a pillar of patience, jealous of the venerable forefather: To Job in passion, to Joseph in temptation, and to the disembodied, who is in the body, Our Father Daniel. Pray to Christ God to save our souls.
Kontakion
Like a multi-bright star, you have ascended blessedly onto the pillar, you have enlightened the world with your venerable deeds, and you have driven away the darkness of delusion, Father. We also pray to you: and now shine in the hearts of your servant the everlasting light of reason.
Prayer
Oh, our venerable and God-bearing Father Daniel, we bless you for the great deeds of your life - fierce tribulations, illnesses, temptations, to whom you appeared to be a wonderful victor. We magnify the gifts of the grace of the Lord, which you have shown in many ways and in many ways to the sick and sorrowful, to the sinful and lost for their salvation. We commemorate you as a wise teacher, who spoke teaching words to people from the word of the Lord, who touched souls and turned minds and hearts to God. We pray to you: do not forget, oh blessed father, our faith in you and the hope of our hope in you, before your holy icon who always stands and prays warmly. Grant us, who intelligently look at the end of your life, to imitate your faith and love. Remember us, the unworthy, in your holy and favorable prayers to God, as a priest of God, standing before the Throne of the Almighty. We pray to you, great prayer and miracle-working saint, be always our comforter, healer, helper and intercessor, and patron, and faithful mentor. Do not be silent, crying out to the Lord for us, so that we may patiently pursue the task ahead of the salvation of our souls, looking to you, our holy teacher, and piously and righteously, in the unity of the spirit, in the same mind of faith and love. we will live in the present age; in the future, may we be worthy to glorify the grace and love of mankind of the One in the Trinity, glorifying God, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
Akathist
Kontakion 1
The chosen servant of Christ, the venerable pillarman and the glorious miracle worker, who shone forth like a many-bright star in the world, with his deeds and miracles, we praise you with love, Father Daniel. But you, as if you have boldness towards the Lord, free us with your prayers from troubles and sorrowful circumstances, and with gratitude, with tenderness, we call to you: Rejoice, reverend Father Daniel, warm prayer book for peace to God.
Ikos 1
Having been jealous of the angelic life from your youth, reverend, you accepted the labors and deeds of monasticism, remaining in them until your death, you pleased God and were honored with heavenly glory. For this reason, we will write to you a praiseworthy, blatant one: Rejoice, Daniel, requested by the prayers of your mother; Rejoice, you born barren.
Rejoice, thou named by a prophetic name; Rejoice, you who were destined by your parents to serve God.
Rejoice, having loved purity of life from your youth; Rejoice, you who in adolescence subdued your flesh to the spirit.
Rejoice, Reverend Father Daniel, warm prayer book for God for peace.
Kontakion 2
Having seen you as a young boy come to the monastery of monks, the elders and brethren refused to grant you tonsure, saying that the youth of youth cannot endure the labors of monasticism. You answered and said: Christ is for me to live and gain for me to die. For this reason we cry out to God for you: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Understanding God's will in your calling to work for the Lord and hearing the prayer of your father and your mother, that you would be tonsured before their eyes, the reverend fathers made you, Daniel, worthy of the angelic image. We, glorifying your constancy, cry out to you:
Rejoice, chosen by God; Rejoice, called by the Lord.
Rejoice, prepared temple for the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, consecrated altar for the sacred service of the Lord.
Rejoice, thou who crucified thy flesh with passions from youth; Rejoice, you who demonstrated great feats of piety in monasticism.
Rejoice, Reverend Father Daniel, warm prayer book for God for peace.
Kontakion 3
Overshadowed by the power of the Most High, expanding and strengthening in spirit, blessed Daniel, and preparing the firstfruits of a most excellent life, you sang with your lips and spirit to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having a strong desire to worship holy places, you went, blessed Daniel, from Mesopotamia to the holy city of Jerusalem and other cities and towns of the holy lands and there worshiped Christ our God. In glorifying such zeal, we bring you the title of tit:
Rejoice, Daniel, for you loved God with all your heart; Rejoice, for you have risen from strength to strength.
Rejoice, thou who has left the valley; Rejoice, seeker of heaven.
Rejoice, for you have appeared as the lamp of the Spirit of God, which does not go out; Rejoice, for you have revealed the gift of God, warming within yourself.
Rejoice, Reverend Father Daniel, who warmly prays to God for peace.
Kontakion 4
With the rod of abstinence, Father Daniel, having tamed the storm of passions that conquered the world, you rushed to the mountain of dispassion with all your soul, so that you could serenely converse with God and the Angel with purity of mind, crying out: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing that there was blessed Simeon, the wondrous mountaineer, struggling on a pillar in Antioch, you were aroused, Father, to imitate his feat. The same one created a pillar, climbed onto it and began to live for God between heaven and earth, sowing, moving away, he approached that, for the sake of those who are there, we call to you like this:
Rejoice, Venerable Daniel, uncooled in the flame of piety; Rejoice, tireless in labor and struggle,
Rejoice, chosen pillar as the path to heaven; Rejoice, on a pillar, like on a cross, crucifying your flesh with passions.
Rejoice, captivated by the life of the Holy Divnogorets; Rejoice, inflamed with jealousy for the exploits of the pillars.
Rejoice, Reverend Father Daniel, warm prayer book for God for peace.
Kontakion 5
The multi-bright star, blessed one, appeared to the world on a pillar; you drove away the darkness of delusion. We also pray to you: and now shine in our hearts the everlasting light of reason, so that we cry out to God for you: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Having seen people, venerable one, you are exalted on a pillar and with the radiance of miracles illuminating everyone with faith, I cry out to you with love from my heart and lips: Rejoice, Father, who established yourself on a pillar; Rejoice, having conquered all the cruelty of life of the pillar.
Rejoice, having endured the heat of the sun in summer; Rejoice, fierce and disdainful scum in winter. Rejoice, for you remained overwhelmed by rain and winds; Rejoice, for you were also tempted by demons.
Rejoice, Reverend Father Daniel, warm prayer book for God for peace.
Kontakion 6
The whole world preaches to you, Reverend Daniel, the demon-driver, the healer of illnesses and the performer of many other miracles. We, glorifying God for you, cry out to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
You shone forth in the world with the light of your wonderful exploits, Reverend Daniel. And, having been exalted on a pillar, you made a benefactor out of your persecutor, who built you a second pillar and increased the glory of your name and deeds - for the salvation of those who come to you with faith and ask for your help. For this reason, we cry out to you, Sisica:
Rejoice, fight those who rebelled against you, victorious; Rejoice, destroyer of evil thoughts.
Rejoice, good wishes to the planter; Rejoice, accuser of secret intrigues.
Rejoice, demon driver! Rejoice, healer of the sick.
Rejoice, Reverend Father Daniel, warm prayer book for God for peace.
Kontakion 7
Although a certain husband is wise and verbal about giving his daughter health and salvation with his hand and through your prayers, reverend, bring a thank you note, write the verses on your pillar: “Here stands a husband, invulnerable to the elements; having immortal food, not earthly food, whose dwelling pillars are double-eyed, glorifying the Son of Mater are not artificial.” We glorify God, glorifying His saints, and we sing a song of praise to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
The new Job appeared to the world, most wonderfully Daniel, overcome by many sorrows and temptations; but David’s meekness, Jacob’s kindness and Joseph’s chastity, and even more than Job’s patience, you have conquered everything. For this reason we cry out to you: Rejoice, Reverend Daniel, chosen vessel of grace; Rejoice, great miracle worker.
Rejoice, God's mercy to the acquisitive; Rejoice, close representative to God.
Rejoice, radiant lamp; Rejoice, ascetic crowned by God.
Rejoice, Reverend Father Daniel, warm prayer book for God for peace.
Kontakion 8
O venerable Father Daniel, you were glorified by strange miracles; you established faith and hope in people, for the prayer of the righteous can accomplish much. We, believing that if according to God we put our trust in you, we also accept with your prayers what you ask, we sing to God about you: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
Having clothed yourself with all the armor of God, O Reverend Father Daniel, you were able to stand against all the wiles of the devil, and on the third and highest pillar, created with thanks to you, you labored. And we, reverend, who are overwhelmed by sins, free us through your intercession, and let us call to you:
Rejoice, I mediate salvation for all; Rejoice, lead sinners to correction.
Rejoice, give comfort to those who mourn; Rejoice, bring the wicked to shame.
Rejoice, you who drive away the spirits of tempters; Rejoice, promoter of repentance.
Rejoice, Reverend Father Daniel, warm prayer book for God for peace.
Kontakion 9
O Reverend Father Daniel, you endured all kinds of sorrows, illnesses, temptations, struggling on the pillar. And to all this that happened to you, with the help of God, you appeared victorious. For this reason we cry out to God for you: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
It is not enough for you to express your deeds and God’s providence for you, Reverend Father Daniel, for you have not lost the gift of prophecy through various miracles and the grace of the priesthood. We, who are conquered by love, dare to humbly call you this:
Rejoice, faithful servant of the Lord of all goodness; Rejoice, temple of the All-Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, priest, chosen by God; Rejoice, fragrant flower of grace. Rejoice, sweet organ of psalmody.
Rejoice, Reverend Father Daniel, warm prayer book for God for peace.
Kontakion 10
To save at least all your near and far pillars, blessed Daniel, the Lord, by His look, brought to you many people, prayers, blessings, sanctification and instructions asking you. And these seeing people, watching in the darkness of error, turn to the light of truth. We, glorifying the Savior of all, who came into the world to save sinners, sing about you to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
Thou art a wall to all, O Reverend Father Daniel, who resort to thy intercession with faith and hope. Likewise, to us, in sorrows, illnesses and temptations who come to you with hope, show your help and intercession of mercy, and cry out to you in love like this:
Rejoice, refuge for the overwhelmed; Rejoice, intercession of the embittered.
Rejoice, consolation to the sad; Rejoice, strength for the weak.
Rejoice, encouragement to the discouraged; Rejoice, prayers will soon be fulfilled.
Rejoice, Reverend Father Daniel, warm prayer book for God for peace.
Kontakion 11
We offer all-contrite singing and thanksgiving to the Lord God, as imams to you, Reverend Father Daniel, a prayer book for us sinners and through your holy prayers we are saved. For this reason, before your holy icon, we zealously bow down and honor you as our patron, we cry out to God for you with all reverence: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
We behold the luminous candle of Divine grace for you, Reverend Father Daniel, enlightened by the gospel of your glorious life. Through your prayers I am freed from many of my ailments. By this, in your mouth the grace of God will be found, saving man, as if from your words he will be touched by those who listen to you and correct their lives. For this reason we call you this:
Rejoice, Reverend Father Daniel, affirmation of faith; Rejoice, decoration of the Church of Christ.
Rejoice, treasure of spiritual intelligence; Rejoice, great teacher of salvation. Rejoice, star, shining in the firmament of the church; Rejoice, divine tsevnitsa, who consoles everyone through words and deeds.
Rejoice, Reverend Father Daniel, warm prayer book for God for peace.
Kontakion 12
The Divine grace that has mercy on us is in you, Reverend Father Daniel, seeing that even the dumb from birth can speak, and the lame from birth is healed, we rejoice and praise God and you, a quick prayer-book and helper, crying out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing your deeds, Reverend Father Daniel, we please your equal-angelic life, we honor the end of your life, which has descended not only on the priesthood and clergy of the earthly church, but also on the church of the firstborn, written in heaven. But you, rejoicing, betrayed your pure and holy soul into the hand of God. After your dormition, God will glorify you with many miracles. Accept, O all-blessed Father Daniel, this blessing brought to you from us:
Rejoice, inhabitant of the church of the triumphant; Rejoice, you who rejoice with the Angels. Rejoice, filled with eternal joys; Rejoice, honored with the prophets.
Rejoice, glorified with the apostles; Rejoice, blessed one with the saints. Rejoice, thou crowned with the martyrs; Rejoice, honored with the saints.
Rejoice, Reverend Father Daniel, warm prayer book for God for peace.
Prayers
Troparion to St. Daniel the Stylite, tone 1
You were a pillar of patience, / a jealous forefather, like, / Job in passions, Joseph in temptations, / and the Bodiless One, / who was in the body, Daniel, our Father, / pray to Christ God for the salvation of our souls Shim.
Kontakion to St. Daniel the Stylite, tone 8
Like a many-bright star, you have ascended, O blessed one, to a pillar, / You have enlightened the world with your holy deeds, / And you have driven away the darkness of delusion, Father. / Moreover, we pray to you: // and now shine in the hearts of your servant Oh the unfading light of reason.
Prayer to St. Daniel the Stylite
Oh, our venerable and God-bearing Father Daniel, we bless you for the great deeds of your life - fierce tribulations, illnesses, temptations, to whom you appeared to be a wonderful victor. We magnify the gifts of the grace of the Lord, which you have shown in many ways and in many ways to the sick and sorrowful, to the sinful and lost for their salvation. We commemorate you as a wise teacher, who spoke teaching words to people from the word of the Lord, who touched souls and turned minds and hearts to God. We pray to you: do not forget, oh blessed father, our faith in you and the hope of our hope in you, before your holy icon who always stands and prays warmly. Grant us, who intelligently look at the end of your life, to imitate your faith and love. Remember us, the unworthy, in your holy and favorable prayers to God, as a priest of God, standing before the Throne of the Almighty. We pray to you, great prayer and miracle-working saint, be always our comforter, healer, helper and intercessor, and patron, and faithful mentor. Do not be silent, crying out to the Lord for us, so that we may patiently pursue the task ahead of the salvation of our souls, looking to you, our holy teacher, and piously and righteously, in the unity of the spirit, in the same mind of faith and love. we will live in the present age; in the future, may we be worthy to glorify the grace and love of mankind of the One in the Trinity, glorifying God, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
