Memorial Day of Reverend Daniil Stovnyk is celebrated on December 24. The saint was born in 410 in Mesopotamia. His parents Marfa and Ilya could not conceive a child for many years. Daniel’s mother made a promise to God that if a child was born to her, she would give it to serve in a monastery. After some time, a boy was born to the couple, who was named Daniil at the age of 5. At the age of 12, the saint took tonsure and served faithfully in the monastery for many years. Over time, he moved to the Phrygian desert, where he lived for 33 years on a pillar that he built together with his two disciples.

The holiday falls on Christmas Lent, so it is forbidden to eat fast food on this day. It is believed that on this day one should turn to the saint with prayers for one’s sons. Also, on December 24, a newborn boy can be called Danilo. So the child will be under the patronage of the saint.