Saint Simeon Stylites

Saint Simeon Stylites [Gr.,= of a pillar], d. 459?, Syrian hermit. He lived for more than 35 years on a small platform on top of a high pillar. He had many imitators (called stylites) and gained the reverence of the whole Christian world. Feast: Jan. 5.

Simeon the Stylite, St (c.390–459). First of the Christian stylites. He began as a monk in the monastery of Eusebona near Antioch, then moved to Telanissos, where after several years as an anchorite, he mounted a pillar; this was at first close to the ground, but the height was eventually raised to 18 m. He lived there until he died, occupied in prayer and worship. Feast day, 1 Sept. in the E., 5 Jan. in the W.

Simeon Stylites, St (c.390–459), the first of the Stylites or pillar ascetics. After some time as a monk, he spent several years as a hermit in N. Syria and then mounted a pillar, at first low but gradually increased to a height of 40 cubits (c.20 metres); he lived on the top of it until his death. This novel form of austerity attracted pilgrims and was widely imitated. Feast day in the E. Orthodox Church, 1 Sept.; among the Syrian Orthodox, 27 July; in the W., 5 Jan.