St. Daniel the Prophet
The Holy Prophet Daniel, of the tribe of Judah, was taken captive to Babylon as a youth after the conquest of Jerusalem around 600 BC.
Granted divine wisdom, he interpreted the dreams of King Nebuchadnezzar and the mysterious writing on the wall foretelling Babylon's fall, and under the Persian king Darius he was cast into a den of lions and preserved unharmed. In his visions he beheld the coming of the Messiah, foretelling in the prophecy of the seventy weeks the time of Christ's appearing, and he lived to old age, dying in captivity. Together with the Three Holy Youths, Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, he is commemorated on December 17.
Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.
He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him.
There is a God in heaven who reveals secrets.
To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him.
O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; do not delay for Your own sake, O my God, for Your city and Your people are called by Your name.
My God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him.
Troparion of the Prophet Daniel and the Three Holy Youths
Great are the accomplishments of faith, for the Three Holy Youths rejoiced in the source of the flame, as if by restful waters, and the Prophet Daniel appeared as a shepherd of lions as of sheep. By their prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.
Kontakion
Cleansed by the Spirit, your pure heart became a vessel of clearest prophecy; you saw things far away as if they were near. When cast into the den, you tamed the lions. Therefore we honor you, O blessed Prophet, glorious Daniel.
Saints around December 17
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