Saint Daniel the Stylite

Daniel was born around 409 near Samosata, in today's Turkey, and entered a monastery at the age of twelve. After visiting the famous Saint Simeon Stylites, who lived on a pillar near Antioch, he decided to follow his example, and in 460 he climbed a pillar near Constantinople. For thirty-three years he lived there in prayer and fasting, exposed to wind and snow, while crowds, bishops and emperors came for his advice and blessing. He came down only once, to defend the true faith during a crisis in 476, and he died on December 11, 493.

The emperor Leo I honored him and built him a better pillar. His life was written by a disciple who knew him.