The Three Holy Youths: Ananias, Azarias and Misael

Commemorated on December 17.

The Holy Youths Ananias (“God is gracious”), Azarias (“whom God helps”), and Misael (“Who is what God is?”) were companions of the Holy Prophet Daniel. They were chosen to serve in the king’s palace with Daniel (Daniel 1:6) and were all from the tribe of Judah. They gave Ananias the Chaldean name Shadrach (“royal”), Azarias the Chaldean name Abednego (“servant of Nego”), and Misael the Chaldean name Meshach (“guest”). They were thrown into a fiery furnace when they refused to worship the golden idol set up by King Nebuchadnezzar, but the angel of the Lord preserved them (Daniel 3:25).

The Seventh and Eighth Odes of the nine Biblical Odes at the back of the Psalter are taken from The Song of the Three Holy Youths (found in the Septuagint text of the Old Testament used by the Orthodox Church).

The Three Holy Youths and the Prophet Daniel are also commemorated on the Sunday of the Holy Forefathers and the Sunday of the Holy Fathers.

Troparion

Great are the accomplishments of faith,
for the Three Holy Youths rejoiced in the source of the flame, as if by restful waters,
1
and the Prophet Daniel appeared as a shepherd of lions as of sheep.
By their prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.

Kontakion

(The Original Melody)
You would not worship an image made by hands, O thrice-blessed youths;
but shielded by the ineffable Essence, you were glorified through your ordeal by fire.
In the midst of the unbearable fire you called upon God, crying:
"Hasten, O compassionate One,
and in Your mercy come to our aid,
for if You will, You can do so."
2
1
Psalm 22/23:2
2
Luke 5:12