Saint Simeon

Simeon Stylites, also known as Symeon the Stylite (c. 390 – 2 September 459), was a Syrian Christian ascetic who gained prominence by living for 36 years atop a pillar near Aleppo in modern Syria. His practice of living on pillars inspired other stylites to follow his example, with the Greek term 'style' meaning 'pillar.' Simeon is venerated as a saint within the Catholic Church, Oriental Orthodox Churches, and Eastern Orthodox Church. He is formally known as Simeon Stylites the Elder to distinguish him from later stylites of the same name.