The Holy Youths Ananias, Azarias, and Misael are inspiring examples of faith and courage in the face of adversity. They remained steadfast in their beliefs, even when faced with the threat of death. Their trust in God’s protection and their refusal to compromise their principles serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of staying true to one’s faith.
May we, like these holy youths, have the strength and courage to stand firm in our beliefs, even when faced with challenges and persecution. Let us trust in the providence of God and seek His guidance and protection in all circumstances.
Through the intercessions of the Holy Youths Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, may we be strengthened in our faith and inspired to live lives of holiness and devotion to God. Amen.
Through his steadfast faith and unwavering devotion to God, Saint Daniel and the Three Holy Youths became shining examples of courage and righteousness in the face of adversity. Their lives and prophecies continue to inspire and guide believers to this day. May we strive to follow their example and remain faithful to God in all circumstances, trusting in His providence and ultimate victory.
Furthermore, he received this name because, in his longing for the freedom of those of his tribe, and his desire to know their future condition, he ceased not supplicating God, fasting and bending the knee three times a day. Because of this prayer he was cast into the den of lions, after he had been accused by his enemies as a transgressor of the decree issued through the proclamation of the king, that no one should worship or ask for anything from God or from men for thirty days, but only from the king. But having stopped the mouths of the lions by divine might, and appearing among them as though he were a shepherd of sheep, Daniel showed the impious the might of godliness (ibid. 6:1-23).
As for the Three Children, Ananias (“Yah is gracious”), Misail (“Who is what God is?), and Azarias (“Yah is keeper”), since they refused to offer adoration to Nabuchodonosor’s image, they were cast into the furnace of fire. They were preserved unharmed amidst the flames – even their hair was untouched – by the descent of the Angel of the Lord, that is, the Son of God. Walking about in the furnace, as though in the midst of dew, they sang the universal hymn of praise to God, which is found in the Seventh and Eighth Odes of the Holy Psalter. And coming forth therefrom, without even the smell of the fire on their clothes (Dan. 3), they prefigured in themselves the Virgin’s incorrupt giving of birth; for she, on receiving the Fire of the Godhead within her womb, was not burned, but remained virgin, even as she was before giving birth.
Therefore the Church celebrates the Three Children and Daniel on this day, on the Sunday of the Forefathers, and on the Sunday before the Nativity of Christ, since they prefigured and proclaimed His Incarnation. Furthermore, they were of the tribe of Judah, wherefrom, Christ sprang forth according to the flesh. The holy Three Children completed their lives full of days; as for the Prophet Daniel, he lived until the reign of Cyrus, King of Persia, whom he also petitioned that his nation be allowed to return to Jerusalem and that the Temple be raised up again, and his request was granted. He reposed in Peace, having lived about eighty-eight years. His prophetical book, which is divided into twelve chapters, is ranked fourth among the greater Prophets.