Born in 949 AD, Saint Simeon was educated at a young age in Constantinople. His family had hopes for him to have a profession in the courthouse. He fulfilled his father’s wishes, and served with an esteemed occupation at the Royal Court.
After meeting a very devout and holy Elder, he knew his desire was to become a monastic. He did prepare in the world for several more years. With the same Elder guiding him for his entire spiritual journey, he then joined the monastery when he was 27.
He was deeply engaged in the writings of the Holy Fathers, and lived very piously working toward improving himself as often as he could. He was cautious not to gain desires or temptations to be prideful from the spiritual advancements he made and balanced his growth with humility.
He was gifted with the grace of God to see the heavens and the saints. He even saw his Geronda who had originally guided him until his death. Many miracles also took place during his time on Earth.
Saint Symeon was full of compassion. When other brothers in the monastery got envious of his growth and attempted to kill him, he told the Patriarch of Constantiople to have pity on them and be kind in their punishment.
He had a blessed gift of writing, and many of his works are found in the Philokalia. He also wrote beautiful hymns as he was blessed with the gift of writing poetry as well.
Saint Symeon put great emphasis on mental prayer. He is titled the “New Theologion” due to his teachings through his writings that remind us of our duty to pray diligently and to grow spiritually. This name is not loosely given, as only two other Saints bear the honorable title. (St. John and St. Gregory)
Many saw him as a radical and thought he was too extreme with his thoughts, and later in his life he was banished from Constantinople as well as the Church. He then went to a Saint Makrina Holy Monastery that followed the practices of the early fathers.
There he lived the rest of his life and departed with peace. His death falls on March 12, but due to it occurring during Great Lent, it is commemorated today, October 12. Even after his death, through the grace of God, many miracles took place.
His life was given to us from the writings of one of his disciples.