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Saint Daniel II of Serbia

Archbishop and Writer
Hilandar and Serbia
Feast day: December 20

1330s fresco showing Archbishop Daniel II with the Prophet Daniel.
1330s fresco showing Archbishop Daniel II with the Prophet Daniel. Original image shown without cropping. Image source: Центар за истраживање православног монархизма / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0

A life of faith

Daniel became abbot of Hilandar on Mount Athos. The OCA life remembers his endurance with the monastery during siege and hunger. When called back to Serbia, he helped reconcile rival rulers. As an archbishop he worked for church needs and oversaw construction. He also collected and wrote historical lives of Serbian rulers and archpastors. These distinct actions support the editorial themes of courage, service, and wisdom. Sources differ over his precise year of death, so that year is omitted.

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

A reflection

Daniel's work included endurance, reconciliation, and writing. Which of those forms of service could help your community now?

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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