ST. SYMEON THE NEW THEOLOGIAN (OCT. 12TH)
A Contemporary Icon of St. Symeon the New Theologian Edited by Bp. Joseph ( Ancient Church of the West ) On this day, the Western Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Symeon the New Theologian (Συμεὼν ὁ Νέος Θεολόγος), who is venerated as one of the Church's greatest mystics and teachers. Born in Galatia, Paphlagonia in AD 949, St. Symeon grew up in the sophisticated environment of a noble family. While his early life was marked by preparation for a prominent career in the imperial court, his heart was drawn toward the ascetic and contemplative life. At the age of 14, he encountered Elder Symeon the Pious, a spiritual father at the Studite Monastery in Constantinople. This meeting had a profound impact on him, leading to a radical shift in his priorities. Forsaking the privileges of his upbringing, Symeon sought a life of monastic discipline and divine contemplation. He became a monk at the Monastery of St. Theodore the Studite, dedicating himself to prayer and fasting. While ...
