Simeon Stylites seemed born with an urge to go to the extremes of asceticism and mortification. During his life, he spent much of it in physical mortification, and was the first of the "pillar-hermits."
His example was followed after his death by many, though none could meet the extreme example that Simeon had set. He is still remembered for his faith in God and extreme asceticism.
Birth and Family Circumstances of St. Simeon
Little to nothing is known of his family. It is known that he was born around 388 a.d. (390 a.d. is often also the stated year of birth) at Sisan, which is in Syria, near the northern border.
Prior to entering the church, Simeon was a shepherd. Little else is known of his early life.
St. Simeon's Religious Calling and Early Life in the Church
At the age of 16, Simeon entered the monastery at Eusebona near Antioch. While at the monastery, he practiced the extreme asceticism that would become the hall-mark of his life. His brethren were both put-off and concerned about his behavior. He was either persuaded or forced (accounts vary) to quit the monastery.
Simeon then moved to a small hut at Tell-Neschin. He spent three years living in the hut, fasting for long periods of time, as well as standing as long as he physically could.
It was while living in the hut that he first fasted from both food and water for the entire period of Lent. Simeon left his hut and went to the desert, maintaining an area no larger than 20 yards in diameter for himself to live in. However, his reputation had spread, and crowds of pilgrims constantly visited, leaving him little time for his own mortification and devotions.
St. Simeon's Life Upon the Pillar
It was at this point in his life that Simeon first conceived of living atop a pillar. General consensus seems to state that the first pillar was only nine feet tall with a small platform on the top for Simeon to live. He continued his practice of standing to the limit of his endurance, along with his excessive fasting. Over the next 37 years, the pillars gradually got higher. At his death, the pillar he was atop was estimated being between 50 and 60 feet tall.
While atop his pillar, Simeon continued to show great devotion to God. When ill, he refused physicians, and stated that he trusted in God. And according to lore, Simeon was visited often by his guardian angel (visibly).
During this period, he practiced extreme fasting, usually eating one meal per week and nothing at all during Lent. He also stood for long periods of time. At one point, there was a stake he tied himself to in order to force himself to stand longer, but he eventually removed it, no longer needing it.
There were other mortifications that he practiced at various times. He had himself tied to the platform with rope so that it cut into his flesh. He had maggots brought at times and set upon any wounds, so that they started to eat him. And during this entire time, he allowed no tent or shelter to be erected over or around his pillar. He was exposed to the elements at all times.
St. Simeon's Death and Sainthood
Simeon died in 459 A.D., after being atop his pillar for 36 (or 37) years. Some sources state the date as Friday, September 2nd. His behavior and extreme devotion had already reached far and wide.
Emperor Theodosius, Empress Eudocia, Emperor Leio, Popes, and pilgrims had all either visited him or listened to his advice. His remains were taken to Antioch. His feast day is celebrated on January 5th.
Asceticism Made the Saint
Though Saint Simeon Stylites left behind some writings, it was not his writings that helped the Church determine his sainthood. His constant suffering on behalf of God was the primary reason for his Sainthood. Many hermits followed in his footsteps. By some, they were called the "pillar-hermits." More accurately, they were called "Stylitcs," as they were all struggling to live up to the example that had been provided before them by Simeon Stylites.
Sources:
Guiley, Rosemary Ellen. (2001). The Encyclopedia of Saints. Visionary Living, Inc. Checkmark Books, New York, NY.
Saint Simeon Stylites. (2009). In Encyclopedia Britannic a. Retrieved October 28, 2009 from: Encyclopedia Brtiannica Online.
Thurston, Herbert. (1914). Simeon Stylites the Elder, Saint. The Catholic Encyclopedia, San Diego, CA. Catholic Answers, 2007
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