The most original wishes for a name day
Name day today, full list of names in 2023
Daniil Stulpnik, born in Mesopotamia
This holy man was born in Mesopotamia to parents who had been childless for a long time. In their fervent prayers, they made a promise that if they had a child, they would dedicate it to the service of God. A son was born to them and, true to their promise, they took him to a monastery when he was five years old. But the abbot of the monastery did not agree to accept him – the boy had to fully consciously determine his path in life. And indeed, when the boy turned 12, he left his father’s home and entered a monastery. The parents were happy and wished him success in the rescue feat. In the monastery, the young man amazed even the strictest ascetics with his zeal for prayer and work.
After a few years he wished to worship the holy places where the Savior lived and suffered. The abbot detained him. Later he sent him to Antioch on some business. Daniil was happy because he had an opportunity to visit Reverend Simeon Stulpnik, which he had long desired. He climbed the tower and received a blessing from a holy ascetic, who in a prophetic spirit told him:
– Be manly, child, and strengthen your heart. You will endure many labors for the sake of Christ, but Christ will be your helper in everything, will strengthen you and comfort your soul.
Daniel returned to his abode. Soon the abbot died, and the brothers wanted to choose Daniil as abbot, but he turned them away, appointing another worthy person in his place, and he himself left the monastery to fulfill his long-held desire – to visit Jerusalem. But his wish was not destined to be fulfilled: internecine wars and disturbances made it difficult to travel to the holy places.
Journey to Jerusalem
Daniel did not listen to the advice of Reverend Simeon Stulpnik. When he visited him a second time, the reverend suggested to Daniil not to leave. But he went and on the way he met an honest old man.
– Where are you going? he asked Daniel.
– I am going to the holy places, if God has said – answered Daniel.
– He did well to say: “If God has said”. This path is displeasing to God. Have you not heard what disturbances there are in Palestine?
– I have heard – answered Daniel, – but I trust in God. He will be my helper and keep me out of trouble. Even if something happens to me, I am not afraid, because whether we live or die – everything is for the Lord (Rom. 14:8).
– He will not let your foot be moved; He who keeps you will not sleep – said the old man in the words of the Psalmist (Ps. 120:3).
Daniel began to assure that he was ready to die on this road for Christ’s sake. But the old man objected that he should not voluntarily seek danger. He finally persuaded Daniel to leave the road he was on and go to Byzantium. “Can we find God only in Jerusalem, he said, and not in the city of Byzantium? God is not contained by a place, dear son!”.
Dedicated to the Lord
Daniel gave up his intention and sought to please God through other works. His whole life was devoted to the Lord. Not far from Byzantium he built himself a pillar and spent day and night there in constant prayer. He happened to suffer many persecutions and slanders, but he endured everything calmly, patiently, firmly, trusting in God, who did not leave him and honored him with a high gift of miracle-working. Daniel became famous for wisdom and piety. Crowds of visitors flocked to his pillar to receive instruction; disciples settled around him; kings and dignitaries sought his advice and blessing. But the ascetic always considered himself an unworthy servant of God. He was asceticing in this way for 33 years and in old age.
© Lives of the Saints. Synod Publishing House, Sofia, 1991, edited by Parthenius, Bishop of Levki and Archimandrite Dr. Athanasius (Bonchev).
2023-12-10 22:02:18
#day #today #December
