In 410 AD, near the city of Samsota in Mesopotamia, Daniel was born in the small village of Bethara. His father Elias and his mother Martha were kindhearted Christians who had great love for Christ. Martha was barren for many years, and with Elias, they prayed earnestly to God with deep devotion and faith for a child. They promised that if she was given a child, she would dedicate his life to God. After many years of fervent prayers, she finally was given a sweet boy. He lived without a name for the first five years of his life, and he was raised with great virtue. Both his mother and father desired for his name to be chosen by the Lord so they waited patiently until the time came. When he was five years old, his father and mother took him to the Geronda of a monastery close to their home. When they arrived and asked for his guidance, he told the couple to take down one of the book used during the services. He then unrolled the scroll randomly. Within its words, there was writings for prophet Daniel and therefore Saint Daniel was given this name.
The parents asked if he was able to stay with the monastics at the monastery, but the Geronda said it was too early for the young boy. Daniel continued to learn in faith with his parents and he had a great adoration for Christ. He learned the bible quickly, and he would pass through his village and speak to the people for Christ.
When he was twelve years of age, he left his home without telling either of his parents, and returned to the monastery. He was welcomed and learned began learning the ascetic life. When his father and mother discovered where he had gone, they rejoiced and went to the monastery to visit him. Daniel was still dressed in his old clothes he had worn at home, and his parents urged the Geronda to dress him in the monastic robes. The Gerondas did so that Sunday and the parents were again filled with joy to see their son living for the glory of God. Before his parents left the monastery, the Geronda welcomed them to come and see their son as often as they desired.
As Daniel grew in the monastery, at such a young age, the other monastics were amazed at his spiritual growth. Daniel put in great effort toward prayer and fasting, and he was well respected among his brethren. He never became prideful, and gave all glory to God. Daniel read many books and works of the early father, as he desired to have an abundant knowledge of theology.
One day, Daniel traveled with his Gerondas and they met Saint Simeon the Stylite, who we celebrate on September 1. Daniel had great admiration for him. Daniel went back to the monastery and continued to grow in understanding. He began to spend most of his time in solitude and silence to not break communion with God. When his Geronda reposed, the other monks desired to appoint Daniel as Geronda. Due to his great humility, he did not want to become their Geronda. He then withdrew from the monastery and traveled back to Saint Simeon, asking him where he was to go next. Daniel desired to visit Jerusalem, but Simeon guided Daniel to Constantinople as the Barbarians were invading the Holy Land at this time. Daniel disobeyed and began his journey to Jerusalem as he desired to go there if it was within God’s will. On the road, Saint Simeon appeared to Daniel as an Elder and stood before Daniel blocking his path. Saint Simeon, disguised through God’s grace, asked Daniel where he was going. Daniel told him to Jerusalem, if it was in God’s plan for him. Saint Simeon stopped him saying it was not in God’s plan for him to go to a place of danger, and instead guided him to Constantinople. Daniel was obedient this time, unknowing it was Saint Simeon, and together they walked toward Constantinople. Along the way they passed the Archangels Monastery. Since it was getting late, both Daniel desired to spend a few nights there to rest from the journey. He asked Saint Simeon, still in disguise, if he would like to join him. Saint Simeon told Daniel to go ahead and he would follow, but as Daniel walked toward the monastery he watched Saint Simeon disperse in the air. With awe, he wondered who the Elder was, an angel of the Lord or someone else? That night he saw Saint Simeon in a dream guiding him once more to Constantinople. When he arose he knew it had been his companion Simeon who led him from Jerusalem. He then remained at the monastery of Archangel Michael for a few more days.
Near to this monastery on the mountain, there was a vacant pagan temple. Although no one lived there, it was a place of many demons. After taking the blessing of the Geronda of the monastery, Daniel traveled to this temple and with a cross he blessed each corner of the temple with a cross and sang hymns of the church. As he sang, the demons began screaming. Daniel, without fear, continued to pray and many many metanias to the Lord. The demons then there stones atop the roof and tried to scare him away, but without fear and true faith in the Lord he continued to pray and make prostrations to Christ.
He did this for three days, and then before him three large black and hideous demons appeared and threatened to take his life if he did not leave. Ignoring them, Daniel continued to pray to Christ. He left all of the doors shut except for one, so others could bring him food. After several weeks all of the demons left, and the site was cleared of the evil spirits.
When word began to spread of this miracle, many came to this area for Daniel’s spiritual grace and blessing, He cured those suffering from illness or those in need of guidance.
Others became envious of Daniel’s reputation and they attempted to tarnish him name. They went to the Patriarch of Constantinople, Anatolios. They tried to slander Daniel, but the Patriarch did not trust there word and therefore called Daniel to him. When Daniel came, Anatolios asked him why he resided in the Temple. Daniel answering simply, saying this was from God. From the peace and conviction in his tone, Anatolios believed Daniel to be a saint and let him return. Several weeks later the Patriarch became ill and he besought Daniel to pray for him. From his prayers and the grace of God, Anatolios was healed. Benefiting from the saint, Anatolios asked Daniel if there was any way he could repay him. Daniel said there was only one thing he desired, that those who slandered him would be forgiven. The Patriarch agreed, saying it was through them he was able to meet Daniel which was truly a blessing.
Daniel remained at the temple for the next nine years. He continued to lead a strict ascetic life, and aided all who came to him.
With deep prayer, he saw in a vision Saint Simeon with two angels on his left and right atop of a pillar. He called to Daniel to come up to him. Daniel, so low on the ground, asked Simeon how he was to come to his height. Simeon spoke to the angels, and they brought Daniel next to Simeon. Simeon then embraced Daniel and took him into the sky. He said to him with love, “Oh Daniel, remain brave and do not give up fighting for Daniel.
After Daniel experienced this vision, he knew it was God calling him toward this way of life.
After this vision, Saint Simeon gave his soul to the Lord. His disciple Sergios took his Koukoulio (long black head draping monks wear) of Saint Simeon and desired to bring it before the emperor. On his path, he passed where Daniel resided in the Temple. Hearing that Daniel was a holy man, he decided to stop and visit him. When Sergios met Daniel and told him Simeon had reposed, Daniel revealed his vision he had several days before. Sergios then realized he was to give the Koukoulio of Simeon to Daniel.
That night Serigos saw in a dream three youths. They told Sergios to tell Daniel to leave from the temple and prepare for the bigger fight. When Sergios told Daniel of his dream, Daniel prayed for several days to see if it was his time to leave.After knowing it was, he asked Sergios to go find a location for him to build his pillar. Sergios traveled to many places, and near one mountain he saw a white dove circle above one section and it remained there. Sergios knew this was where God had chosen Daniel to go.
Sergios then told him what he had found, and Daniel was filled with joy. They left together and began to build the pillar. Daniel then went on top of the pillar. He rejoiced and gave thanks to God asking that he gave to him hope and strength. Daniel made patient through the rain and bitter wind. He stood well will hunger and fatigue but with time the demons fought him.
One man Galanios went to the new Patriarch of Constantinople, Gennadios, and complained that Daniel was living in the pillar without a permit of construction. The Patriarch then told Gelanios, who was an official of the government, to bring Daniel down from the pillar. When Gelanios arrived to Daniel’s location, he told Daniel with anger “Come down from there, as the Archbishop has commanded.” Daniel bowed his head with humility and said “As God wills.” As he began to come from the pillar, Gelanios saw his legs full of blood from standing so long. Gelanios spirit filled with remorse and he asked for forgiveness from Daniel. Daniel then was given permission to return atop the pillar.
Gelanios then built him a pillar twice as tall as the one before, showing his earnest respect for Daniel.
Daniel remained on top of the pillar for the next 33 years.
During this time many learned for his grace and all who knew him viewed him as a saint. Daniel was able to care for the sick, both psychically and spiritually. He gave guidance and courage to those who sought his aid and with all who came he spoke with love and reverence of God. Word spread of his grace and humility and soon emperors’ were requesting his advice. Through his prayers, fasting and piety he was gifted with the ability of foresight. With this, he one of the great fire that was to occur in Constantinople. When he spoke the Holy Spirit worked through him, and from his words many repented and turned to Christ.
Three days before he died, he saw Christ in a dream, who told him to prepare for in three days he would be taking him. He then spoke to his disciples and guided them with his last words of love and wisdom.
The next day, many came to visit him in his dream, as he saw the Apostles, martyrs and many early saints of the church who said he fought well for Christ and now he would be taken with peace.
On the third day, Daniel reposed at 9am. Many stood around Daniel and one of these men was possessed by a demon. After Daniel gave his soul to the Lord, the man was healed and praised Christ.
He reached the age of 80, with peace, he gave his soul to the Lord after a lifelong dedication to Christ.
As they buried his body, they saw upon his body three crosses. Above his body a white pigeon flew in a circle. The people were amazed at these signs. The Patriarch them buried him with honor and reverence. In his body, they put the holy relics of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who are from the book of Daniel in the Old Testament. Saint Daniel asked for this out of humidly as he did not want those kissing his relics to be giving glory to him, but rather those he saw worthy.
Glory be unto God for this beautiful example of love for Christ and true humility of the soul.