St. Symeon the Stylite
St. Symeon (c. 390-459) was born in Sisan on the border of Syria and Cilicia, entered monastic life at eighteen, and became the first of the stylites, ascetics who lived atop pillars.
Near Antioch he stood for decades on a column that was gradually raised to thirty-six cubits, persevering in constant prayer and fasting while preaching twice daily to the crowds who gathered below, converting pagans and counseling emperors. Theodoret of Cyrrhus, an eyewitness, recorded his life and miracles, and after his repose in 459 the great church of Qal'at Sim'an was raised around his pillar. His feast on September 1 opens the Church's liturgical year.
If we are worthy, we shall see one another in the life to come.
I seemed to be digging foundations, and then heard someone standing by say that I had to make the trench deeper. After adding to its depth as he told me, I again tried to take a rest; but once more he ordered me to dig and not relax my efforts. After charging me a third and a fourth time to do this, he finally said the depth was sufficient, and told me to build effortlessly from now on, since the effort had abated and the building would be effortless.
Troparion · Tone 1
You were a pillar of patient endurance, having imitated the forefathers, O Venerable One: Job in suffering, and Joseph in temptations. You lived like the bodiless ones while yet in the flesh, O Simeon, our Father. Beseech Christ God that our souls may be saved.
Kontakion · Tone 2
Seeking the things of the Highest, and having made your pillar a fiery chariot, you were joined to the heights. Therefore, you have become a companion to the angels, O Venerable One, and with them you are praying incessantly to Christ God for us all.
Saints around September 1
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