Danax was an early Christian deacon and martyr from Illyria. According to Orthodox tradition, he served as a reader in the city of Avlon, which is modern-day Vlorë. He is remembered for his efforts to protect sacred church vessels from being desecrated by pagans. Both Catholic and Orthodox traditions honor him for his refusal to renounce his faith, leading to his death during periods of persecution.
Life and martyrdom
In the Orthodox tradition, Danax lived during the second century and was killed by pagans for refusing to offer sacrifices to Dionysus. In the Catholic tradition, he is identified as a ninth-century deacon serving at the sanctuary of Santa Maria di Leuca. During a Saracen raid, he attempted to save the Eucharist and church items by fleeing toward Montesardo, but he was killed before reaching safety.
Veneration
The saint is commemorated on January 16 in both the Catholic and Orthodox churches. In Italy, the village of San Dana was named in his honor, and a marble stele marks the location where he is believed to have been martyred. His memory is preserved in historical texts such as the Constantinople Synaxarion and the Menologion of Basil II.