Saint Daniel of Scetis

Life story

Daniel was an Egyptian monk who lived in the desert of Scetis in the fifth century. According to an Orthodox source he was a disciple of Arsenius the Great and became head of Scetis when his master died. The source places him at his master's death, in the middle of the fifth century. Arsenius left him his tunic, hair shirt and sandals; Daniel said he wore them to receive a blessing and called himself unworthy.

His sayings are preserved in the collections of the desert fathers. In one, when raiders attacked Scetis and the other monks fled, he wondered whether God still cared for him; he then slipped through the invaders unseen and later left with the Fathers. In another he advised a young monk never to share a dish with a woman. He also said that the body thrives as the soul weakens, and the soul thrives as the body weakens. Travelling with Abba Ammoes, who wanted to settle in a cell, he said that God is present both inside a cell and outside it.

It is important to note that two monks named Daniel are recorded at Scetis. According to the same Orthodox source the second lived in the sixth century; it is he who was captured by barbarians, sought absolution after killing a man, and cared for lepers. Some other works attribute those stories to Daniel the disciple of Arsenius, so this text does not retell them. His commemoration is given as 7 June.

Works and witness

• Disciple of Arsenius the Great at Scetis
• Received his master's tunic and sandals after Arsenius's death
• Left several sayings in the desert fathers' collections
• Taught that God is present both inside and outside a hermit's cell

Saints from the same country

Saint Anthony of Egypt, Saint Athanasius, Saint Cyril of Alexandria, Saint Catherine of Alexandria

References

• Mystagogy Resource Center (John Sanidopoulos), “Holy Abba Daniel of Scetis” (7 June) – disciple of Arsenius, relics of Arsenius, sayings, two Daniels, feast 7 June
• Wikipedia (English), “Daniel of Scetis” – cross-check; its year 449 is not used

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.