Simeon the Stylite, St

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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.

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