December 11
Daniel (409–493)
Hermit
Born in 409 in Türkiye, he was the most famous of the Stylites after his teacher Saint Simeon.
Biography
She was a cenobite and anchorite before spending the last thirty-three years of her life perched on a column (stulos in Greek) on the banks of the Bosphorus. Their home was a platform that rested on two high pillars, surrounded by a balustrade and crowned by a small roof. People gathered around him to listen to Daniel's preaching, which never resorted to the trappings of rhetoric and difficult words. It always dealt with the same themes: the need to love God, since He loves us; the unhappiness that sin produces; and love for one's neighbor and very particular for the poor. Byzantine emperors often resorted to his advice and, like the others, had to climb a ladder if they wanted to speak to him.
Practical advice
As you collect your heart in silence, respectfully approach those who have distanced themselves from the Church and offer that effort for someone who needs help.