Daniel the Stylite and the Stylites of Constantinople

Stylitism as a Christian form of asceticism was born in early-fifth century Syria with Saint Symeon the Stylite. It reached Constantinople, the capital of the Roman Empire, and was officially recognized by the Patriarch and the Emperor of Constantinople. To a large extent this was due to the deeds of Saint Daniel the Stylite, who was one of the most well-known Christian ascetics of the fifth century. On the order of his spiritual mentor Saint Symeon the Stylite, he settled near Constantinople where he soon attracted the attention of the metropolitans who were not used to severe forms of Christian asceticism. According to Daniel’s Life he had a miraculous gift for healing and helped all those in need. Not only common people turned to him. The high and mighty, including Emperor Leo I (457–474), asked for his help. In gratitude for curing his wife Verina of infertility, Leo I ordered a new pillar to be built for the Saint. He also had a monastery and a chapel constructed near this pillar where, at Daniel’s request, the relics of his teacher Saint Symeon were taken.

Holy Martyrs Terence, Vincent, Aimilianos and Bebaia

Sts. Terence, Vincent, Aimilianos and Bebaia (Feast Day - December 11)

Verses

The three and the one were seen decapitated,
God three in persons and one in nature.

The Holy Martyrs Terence, Vincent, Aimilianos and Bebaia met their end by the sword.

Saint Thomas Dephourkinos of Mount Kyminas in Bithynia

St. Thomas Dephourkinos (Feast Day - December 10)

Verses

Thomas established himself on the unbreakable base of God,
Showing himself mightier than the instruments of the demons.

Saint Thomas Dephourkinos was born at the foot of Mount Kyminas in Bithynia in the ninth century to middle class parents. From his youth he studied ecclesiastical writings and longed for the monastic life after visiting many monastic centers. Finally he entered one of the area monasteries and became a monk. Later in his life, when the Roman official Galolektos had founded a monastery at the Sangarios River, Saint Thomas was already an experienced monk, and the brethren chose him as head of the new monastery. He governed the monastery in an orderly way and was an example to his fellow monks.

Holy Martyr Eugenios

St. Eugenios the Martyr (December 10)

Verses

Even as Eugenios endured the wood,
He was as suffered wood before the beating with wood.

The Holy Martyr Eugenios met his end by being beaten with wood.

Holy Martyr Marianos

St. Marianos the Martyr (Feast Day - December 10)

Verses

Marianos had his head crushed by stones,
In a divinely noetic way it is bound together and crowned.

The Holy Martyr Marianos met his end by stoning.