St. Symeon the God-receiver
St. Symeon was a righteous and devout elder in Jerusalem to whom the Holy Spirit revealed that he would not see death before beholding the Lord's Christ.
Tradition holds that he was one of the Seventy translators of the Septuagint who doubted the prophecy "Behold, a virgin shall conceive" (Isaiah 7:14), and was promised he would live to see it fulfilled. Forty days after the Nativity, he received the infant Jesus into his arms in the Temple and proclaimed the canticle known as the Nunc Dimittis, an event celebrated as the Meeting of the Lord. He reposed in peace soon afterward and is commemorated together with the Prophetess Anna on the day after the feast.
Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word; for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people: a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.
Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against; yea, a sword shall pierce through your own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
Troparion
Simeon the Elder is filled with joy today, receiving into his arms the Eternal God as an infant. Begging to be released from the bonds of the flesh he cries: "My eyes have seen the salvation, which You have prepared for all the nations to see!"
Kontakion of the Meeting of the Lord
Your birth sanctified a Virgin's womb and properly blessed the hands of Symeon. Having now come and saved us, O Christ our God, give peace to Your commonwealth in troubled times and strengthen those in authority, whom You love, as only the loving One.
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