Continuing on with our considerations of the presence of Old Testament prophets and righteous in the liturgical calendar, yesterday's reading in the Roman Martyrology mentions the three holy youths, Ananias [Hananiah], Azarias [Azariah] and Misael [Mishael] (also referred to as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego) who were cast into the fiery furnace -- unhurt -- by King Nebuchadnezzar after refusing to submit to false idols:
This is observed today, December 17th, within in the Byzantine liturgical calendar.
Image of the Three Youths in the Fiery Furnace in the Catacombs of Priscilla, Rome
Those who pray the Divine Office may be put to mind of the "Canticle of the Three Youths" found in Daniel 3: 57-88; 56:
Those who would like to learn more about the three youths should read the first few chapters of the book of the prophet Daniel in particular.
Russian icon of Three Youths, Novgorod School, 15th century
The three youths Ananias, Azarias and Misael, whose bodies are buried near Babylon in a certain cave.
This is observed today, December 17th, within in the Byzantine liturgical calendar.
Image of the Three Youths in the Fiery Furnace in the Catacombs of Priscilla, Rome
Those who pray the Divine Office may be put to mind of the "Canticle of the Three Youths" found in Daniel 3: 57-88; 56:
Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord;
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord;
You heavens, bless the Lord;
All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord.
All you hosts of the Lord; bless the Lord.
Sun and moon, bless the Lord;
Stars of heaven, bless the Lord.
Every shower and dew, bless the Lord;
All you winds, bless the Lord.
Fire and heat, bless the Lord;
Cold and chill, bless the Lord.
Dew and rain, bless the Lord;
Frost and cold, bless the Lord.
Ice and snow, bless the Lord;
Nights and days, bless the Lord.
Light and darkness bless the Lord;
Lightning and clouds, bless the Lord.
Let the earth bless the Lord;
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Mountains and hills, bless the Lord
Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord.
You springs, bless the Lord;
Seas and rivers, bless the Lord.
You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord;
All you birds of the air, bless the Lord.
All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord;
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
You sons of men, bless the Lord;
O Israel, bless the Lord.
Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord;
Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord;
Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord.
Ananias, Azarias, Misael, bless the Lord;
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Let us bless the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost;
Let us praise and exalt God above all forever.
Blessed are you in the firmament of heaven;
Praiseworthy and glorious forever.
Those who would like to learn more about the three youths should read the first few chapters of the book of the prophet Daniel in particular.
Russian icon of Three Youths, Novgorod School, 15th century
