Deacon Avakum was born in Knez Polje, at the foot of Kozara, in 1794. At an early age, he learned the alphabet and liturgical books, and became a monk. He was ordained a deacon when he was 18 years old. When the Turks burned down the Moštanica Monastery, he and his mother Božana found themselves in the Trnava Monastery near Čačak, where Abbot Paisius received them. When the Turks suppressed the Hadži-Prodan rebellion, Abbot Paisius and Deacon Avakum were taken from Čačak to Belgrade in a column of 115 people. The Turks impaled both of them on a stake at Kalemegdan in 1814. Carrying his stake through the streets of Belgrade, Deacon Avakum sang. His mother followed him and, crying, begged him to become a Turk and save his life, but nothing could separate him from the love of Christ God.

The Holy Prophet Daniel and the Three Children: Ananias, Azariah and Mishael. Venerable Daniel (Donale). Christmas Fast.