The Repose of Saint Symeon the New Theologian
Symeon (949-1022) is one of the greatest mystic-poets of world literature. He was an aristocrat who became a monk in Constantinople and was head of a small monastery there [Saint Mamas], for which he wrote extensive treatises (Catecheses) outlining the elements of the ascetic life.
He experienced hostility from the imperial court and was deposed as abbot in 1005 and sent into exile in 1009. His disciples accompanied him and founded a new monastery under his leadership. He wrote in exile some of the most rhapsodic of all Greek mystical poetry (Hymns of Divine Love).
His doctrine laid great stress on the necessity for a real and personal experience of God and the need for affective passion in the search for God. He spoke about his own visions of the Divine in the form of radiant light.
Symeon’s later follower, Niketas Stethatos, wrote Symeon’s biography and arranged to have his relics brought back to Constantinople thirty years after his death.
Saint Symeon reposed on March 12, but since this always falls in the Great Fast, his feast is kept on October 12.
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Do not say it is impossible
to receive the divine Spirit.
Do not say that without him
it is possible to be saved.
Do not say that one can possess the Spirit
though unaware of it.
Do not say that God cannot be seen by human beings.
Do not say that humans can never see the light of God,
or that at least it is not possible for this generation.
My friends, it is never impossible.
It is more than possible for those who desire it.
—Symeon the New Theologian
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From John Anthony McGuckin, The Book of Mystical Chapters: Meditations on the Soul’s Ascent, from the Desert Fathers and other Early Christian Contemplatives
