To many believers, holiness seems something distant and unattainable. “Of course, he is holy for these and these circumstances, of course, the Lord gave him to be holy...” they say. Indeed, every person can achieve holiness, and the Orthodox faith knows many examples of this. Moreover, to obtain this status, a monastic or priestly rank is not required at all, only faith and the embodiment of God's truth on earth is required. This fact is confirmed by the personality and icons of Daniel of Moscow, who to this day is revered in many churches and inspires parishioners.
The story of Daniil of Moscow
Indeed, this saint was of noble origin: the youngest son of Alexander Nevsky, who was the first to receive the honor of becoming the Prince of Moscow. But did such a situation really give any preference and an easier path to holiness in those days (second half of the 13th century)? Vice versa.
During the time of the Mongol horde, Rus' was torn apart not only by the Khanate, but also by the princes themselves; they, like rats in a cage, forgetting about mercy and their role before the people and their homeland, fell into quarrels and civil conflicts. The main goal is to seize more lands and resources, gain privileges for you and your principality, and give the rest to the Mongols for desecration. Conformity and kindness are a sign of weakness, and meanness (for example, turning to the Khanate for help in fighting other principles) is widespread.
You must admit that in such conditions it is not so easy to become a saint, especially for a prince who needs to take care of his land. However, Prince Daniel keeps the faith and acts prudently, unlike others. Thanks to this, not only many profitable and useful alliances are concluded, but also the Principality of Moscow increases, and Daniel is also called upon to reign in other cities.
Often, when Daniel was somewhere with the army, he was able to conduct competent negotiations and bring the matter to an end peacefully. This attitude was caused by greater concern for people, but not by weakness, much less fear. The holy prince, if necessary, could fulfill his role and this fact was manifested in the confrontation with the prince of Ryazan (Konstantin Romanovich), after which the Ryazan army was defeated.
Daniil had every opportunity to capture Ryazan, appropriate the city's wealth and even enslave people - almost any prince would have done this. The saint, however, does no harm, leaves Ryazan alone and returns to his principality.
Therefore, he did not hesitate to engage in his earthly work, but always tried to act in the interests of people, to show sincere mercy, and this was where his spiritual strength was manifested.
Where in Moscow are the relics of Daniil of Moscow
In 1652, the incorruptible relics of Daniel were transferred to the Church named after the Holy Ecumenical Councils and placed in a shrine. At all times, they are a symbol of support and fidelity to one’s convictions, on which the foundation of human life, both worldly and heavenly, is built, for the spiritual is the beginning of all life on earth.
The best article for you, go to: Icon of the Mother of God “Jerusalem”, what to pray for and how it helps
Also, the Danilov Monastery stores a huge amount of recorded evidence of the prince’s assistance in a variety of matters relating to all spheres of human life. In the books of the temple you can find the most unreal stories and facts about the affairs of the wise and revered ruler.
Description of the icon of Daniel of Moscow
The holy prince is often depicted in monastic vestments, since he became a monk almost before his death. In addition, a widely circulated image depicts the Danilov Monastery in one of the hands. This monastery was created by the prince himself, calling Stilita in honor of San Daniele.
The icon of Daniel of Moscow has special significance among people engaged in managerial and leadership activities, because the saint is an example of wise leadership, which not only does not contradict faith, but also corresponds to the ideals of the Christian cause. In addition, they pray in front of the icon of Daniel when it is necessary to resolve various disputes or ask for the protection of their homeland. Therefore, the prince is also considered the defender of Russia and turns to him in days of unrest or something similar.
Icon of Saint Daniel
There are a huge number of icons in Orthodoxy. The icon of St. Daniel is part of a great heritage. This is a special image that should be regarded as one of the most important in the Orthodox faith.
Icons help us overcome life's difficulties because they radiate goodness and bring light into our lives. Every believer should have at least a small home iconostasis, because this is a mandatory attribute of any Christian home.
History of the icon
The history of an icon begins long before it was painted. Saint Daniel is one of the saints whose handiwork will last forever. There is a book of Daniel. In Christianity, he is revered as a prophet, because he spoke in his writings about what, in his opinion, awaits people in the future, what is the common fate of humanity.
The very first icons with Daniel the prophet date back to the beginning of the 3rd century AD. On all icons the saint is depicted with letters in his hands. There can be many variations in the execution of the icon, but everywhere Daniel is depicted with scrolls. With one hand he holds his works, and with the other he baptizes the one who looks at him. He blesses all who believe in the word of God and trust it completely.
Where is the icon
This icon is in many churches throughout Europe and Russia, because Daniel is revered not only in Orthodoxy, but also among Catholics. This is one of the most revered saints in Christianity.
You can find ancient icons of St. Daniel in the St. Daniel Monastery in Moscow, in the Cathedral of St. Sophia and in the Church of the Nativity in Veliky Novgorod. The icon did not become widespread in Rus', therefore, despite its special veneration, there are not many places with this icon. One way or another, you can always find and purchase such an icon for your home in churches. This will be a good gift for yourself or loved ones.
What does an icon help with?
The icon of the holy prophet Daniel protects human souls from vices and evil. Daniel is revered as a protector from major disasters such as hurricanes, floods, wars and cataclysms. Since ancient times, people have prayed to Daniel before sowing, as well as in the most difficult times. At home, such an icon will help avoid major quarrels between parents and children.
They pray to Daniel the prophet in difficult moments, when it seems that there is no longer any hope of salvation. Praying to the prophet will help you strengthen your faith and patch up holes in your spiritual attitude. In the modern world, the relevance of prayers directed to Saint Daniel is growing every day, because they help to be filled with wisdom and not to forget that all people are equal before God.
Prayer before the icon of St. Daniel
“Saint Daniel, help us open our eyes so that we can see all the injustice of the world around us and all its malice. Help us find the strength within ourselves to stop any of our actions that are devoid of righteousness and mercy. Teach us to help the weak and give to the poor in order to be closer to our God, Jesus Christ, the Father and the Holy Spirit. Pray to God for us and give us hope for a bright future, which depends only on us sinners. Help us not to lose love for God and respect for him, the merciful one. Teach us to believe in the power of righteousness and the power of high spirituality. Pray to God for our children and for our parents, whose lives we want to prolong. Amen".
Celebration day icon
You need to pray not only on the saint’s memorial day - December 30, but every single day so that your prayers are heard. On December 30, the life of the saint is remembered and prayers directed to him are read, and icons with his image are also venerated.
This image is very important because it helps people overcome spiritual obstacles, heal unbelief and mental weakness. It lifts your spirits, relieves apathy, and treats depression.
What does the icon of Daniel of Moscow help with?
The icon of San Daniele helps to reconcile the various warring parties. As you remember, the prince always knew how to find a profitable solution for each party and kept the peace. Therefore, they often pray to him so that simple everyday problems can be solved in the best possible way:
- election of superiors and management helps to choose the best option.
- disputes with neighbors or relatives;
- land and property disputes;
Often Daniil Moskovsky helps to find his own home or solve some problem with real estate. Helps improve relationships with superiors.
At the same time, it must be remembered that Saint Daniel stands on the side of the highest justice, and therefore helps those on whose side the truth is.
Prayers to the Holy Blessed Prince Daniel of Moscow
The Church of Christ was praised above, the city of Moscow is invincible, divine confirmation of the power of Russia, the Reverend Prince Daniel! With the influx of your relics, we fervently pray: look at us, at your memory of those who sing, and with faith under the roof of your prayers that rush. Pour out your heartfelt petition to the Savior of all, as if He desires to establish peace in our country, preserve its cities and towns and preserve this good home, instilling mercy and love in His people and eradicating corruption, civil war and morality. But grant to all of us all that is good for temporary life and eternal salvation by our prayers, as if we were glorifying the wonderful things in our holy Christ our God forever and ever. Amen.
O saint of God, holy noble Prince Daniel, fragrant flower of the garden of Christ, sweet star of the heavenly Church, our heavenly land for the mind, the city of Moscow and our state, wise for the builder, warm prayer to God, speedy help, merciful in need! To you we fall and pray: awaken our representative before the Throne of God's glory, vigilant. Gather us so that the pain of your neighbor can be shared with unhypocritical love. Heaven is our mind, yes, we have rejected the heavy burden of earthly cares, we will love the light burden of the Gospel of Christ. Open your eyes, we will see the imperishable beauty of the Lord and we will not alienate the life of God. May the silence of the Spirit of God guard our hearts. Let the source of repentance grace our actions. Merciful and generous prince, save our country, your city and here, who pray to you, from all misfortunes, from visible and invisible enemies, from destruction and happiness, from internal strife and sudden death. Open the doors of God's mercy for us and free us from all evil. Under the strong cover of your mercy we take refuge, we pray: awaken us to a quiet refuge in pain. Make us laugh with your prayers. Save us from the fall of sin and illusion, but with a contrite heart, a humble spirit in pain and joy, let us always cry: Lord, have mercy on us through the intercession of your monk. Amen.
As for Prince Monk Daniel, scrolling to your icon, we sincerely pray: look at us (names), with faith under the roof of your running prayers. Pour out your warm petition to the Savior of all, as if the world confirms this coming and preserves this good temple, instilling pity and love in the Orthodox, eradicating corruption, civil war and morality; to all of us all good for temporary life and eternal salvation, hear your prayers, as if we glorify the wonderful in our holy Christ, our God together with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
Brief biography
Daniil was born into the family of Alexander Nevsky. The reign of Danil of Moscow marked the beginning of the existence of the Moscow dynastic branch of the Rurikovichs.
Origin
The last son of Alexander Nevsky was named Daniel in honor of the revered saint, Christian ascetic, Daniel the Stolnik. When Daniel was 2 or 3 years old, his father died. Daniel spent his entire youth next to his uncles, his father’s brothers. They looked after him until he himself took responsibility for managing the estate.
Daniil Alexandrovich became the first Moscow prince.
Life and deeds
By the way his reign proceeded, Daniel was judged by his followers. He participated in the struggle of his brothers for appanage principalities, but remained committed to peace. During the years of his reign the following were built:
- Church of the Transfiguration on the territory of the Moscow Kremlin;
- Epiphany Monastery;
- Church of Saints Peter and Paul;
- St. Danilovo-Spassky Monastery.
On the territory of northeastern Rus', Daniel introduced ideas of peace, called for an end to civil strife, organized meetings with princes, and preached the unification of lands.
During the reign of Daniel, the practice of rebuilding old wooden temples into solid stone ones became stronger. Daniil Moskovsky invented and then built the Horde Road, which simultaneously accomplished several tasks:
- land consolidation;
- the rise of Moscow;
- creation of stable transport communications between populated areas.
Death and burial place
According to the records of numerous sources, Daniil Alexandrovich was tonsured a monk before his death. He lived on the territory of the Danilov Monastery, prayed fervently, and died during one of the prayer services. Daniel was buried in the Danilov Monastery.
Canonization
The discovery of relics is a specially carried out process of removing remains from a burial site. The Orthodox Church gives permission for the exhumation of the relics of those Christians who have been canonized. After extraction, the remains will be examined, then the relics will be transferred to the temple and canonized. Saints who during their lifetime were monks and diligently served the Lord are called venerables.
Veneration of St. St. Daniel falls under the jurisdiction of the local Moscow diocese. In addition to establishing holidays, measures were taken to pay tribute to the memory of the Moscow appanage prince:
- The Order of St. Daniil of Moscow 3 degrees;
- Church of St. Daniil is the historical center of the air force of the country's armed forces with a base in Nakhabino near Moscow;
- Since 1996, the fleet's nuclear submarine has been named after Prince Daniil.
