Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints
- Damasus I, pope
- Daniel the Stylite
- Barsabas, martyr
- Fuscian, Victorinus, and Gentian, martyrs
St. Damasus I (305-384 A.D.) succeeded Pope Liberius to the papacy. He became pope in a time of turmoil, because the Church was divided by an antipope. Damasus I had to fight many heresies and in the ensuing conflict he was accused of scandals that caused his exile.
He was able to return to Rome and called St. Jerome to be his secretary. He then commissioned Jerome to make a new translation of the Bible into Latin. St. Jerome obeyed and translated the whole Bible into Latin from the ancient Greek manuscripts, the original Hebrew, Aramaic texts, and existing Latin translations. After St. Jerome completed the translation, Damasus I approved what is now called the Vulgate (the Latin translation of the Bible).
Damasus I also changed the liturgical language of Greek into Latin because the people did not understand. He also promoted devotion to the martyrs of the faith. Remembered for his modesty, and despite his being a very learned man, he is known for his compassion for the poor, the innocence of his manners, and his holiness. St. Damasus I's papal administration lasted eighteen years and two months. His remains are buried in a small church built on the Ardeatina Way in Rome (died ca. 384 A.D.).
St. Daniel the Stylite (409-493 A.D.) was from Syria. He became a monk and soon followed the example of St. Simeon Stylites the Elder. He lived on a "stylos" or "pillar" in Constantinople, where he performed his priestly duties. Renowned for his sanctity and spiritual insights, Daniel lived on a pillar for the last 33 years of his life and was buried in an oratory at the foot of the pillar. He is one of the many "pillar" Saints whose holiness edified the people of their time.
Related information: The story of Stylite or the Pillar-Saints & the Stylite Tower Umm Ar-Rasas, Jordan, YouTube video, 2:34 minutes
Learn more - December 11 Saints
December 11 Saints in the Byzantine Calendar
- Daniel, Stylite
The Greek and Russian Orthodox Churches also celebrate the feast of Daniel the Stylite on this day.
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