Venerable Symeon (+c. 390)

The Venerable Symeon (+c. 390) is called the Ancient to distinguish him from Symeon the Stylite (commemorated 1 September). As a child he went out into the Syrian desert, took refuge in a cave, and spent his days there in unceasing prayer and contemplation of God’s providence: the holy father fed only on the herbs that grew around the cave. When the news of the solitary’s labours spread, those wishing for spiritual instruction began to come to him. Seeking solitude, the father changed his place of seclusion several times; at last, at God’s direction, he settled on one of the mountains of the Amanus range, built two monasteries there, and governed the life of their inhabitants well.

For his pious life the Venerable Symeon received from God the gift of wonderworking.