Saint Daniel, the Stylite

Saint Daniel the Stylite (c. 409–493) was a Byzantine monk renowned for living atop a pillar near Constantinople for several decades as an act of ascetic devotion. Born in Syria, he was inspired by Saint Simeon Stylites, whom he visited before adopting the same form of extreme asceticism. He attracted many visitors, including emperors Leo I and Zeno, who sought his counsel on political and theological matters. Daniel was eventually ordained a priest while still atop his pillar. He became a respected spiritual authority in the Eastern Church during a turbulent period of theological controversy.