Simeon the Pillar-Monk of Antioch (521-597)

Simeon was born in Antioch (modern Antakya) around 521. He was raised by his godly mother Martha. When Simeon was still young, he joined a community of monks living within the walled enclosure of a pillar-monk named John, who served as Simeon’s spiritual director. Simeon remained near his spiritual father’s pillar and had numerous conversations with him. After John died, Simeon moved to a pillar on a mountain near Antioch, founded a monastery, and lived a disciplined lifestyle. In constant pursuit of God, he would often go long periods of time without sleep or food. Huge crowds were attracted to Simeon because of his holy lifestyle, teaching, wisdom, and miracles. He died in 597 at the age of seventy-six.