Simeon the Old

Venerable Simeon the Old was an ascetic and hermit of Syria, in the fourth or fifth century. The Church commemorates him on 26 January. The reports of his life and miracles come from Blessed Theodoret of Cyrrhus, in the sixth chapter of his book History of the Friends of God.

For many years Simeon lived in the wilderness, in a small cave. He saw no one, so that he could converse unceasingly with God. He looked dried up and unwashed and wore short rags of goatskin on his shoulders. It is said that he received from God the gift of ruling over wild beasts. In bad weather some travelers lost their way and came to his dwelling, asking him to show them the road. Simeon called two lions from the wilderness, which at his command became guides for them and led them to the road from which they had strayed.

Because of such miracles many began to come to the ascetic and to disturb his solitude. To seek a new place of solitude, Simeon left the cave and moved to Mount Amanus. There he worked various miracles: he showed the gift of foresight, put out a fire by prayer, and healed the sick and a possessed man. Seeking stillness, the venerable one changed his dwelling once more and moved to Mount Sinai. His disciples followed him, wishing to imitate his example. After some time spent on Sinai, Simeon returned to Syria, where he founded two monasteries.

He was a contemporary of Palladius and was close to him. The ascetics often visited one another and built each other up.