The saint library

Saint Azariah

Righteous youth
Babylon
Feast day: December 17

Group icon of the Three Holy Youths: Hananiah, Azariah and Mishael. Image source: Holy Metropolis of Oropos and Phyle — Iconological Synaxarion

A life of faith

Azariah was one of the three youths associated with Daniel in captivity in Babylon. His companions were Hananiah and Mishael, and his Babylonian name was Abednego. The received biblical account remembers the three youths refusing worship of the king’s statue and surviving the furnace through God’s protection.

The Eastern Orthodox Church remembers saints in prayer and commemoration. Their lives offer examples for Christians learning to live their faith.

A reflection

Offer steady companionship to someone facing pressure to act against their conscience.

Read the Orthodox source

Feast dates follow the linked source. Local calendars and commemorations may vary. Themes describe a saint’s life; quiz suggestions do not assign a baptismal patron. Discuss choosing a patron saint with your priest.

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