Church of Saint Simeon Stylites
Syria
Church of St. Simeon
Simeon Stylites, Saint (390?-459), Syrian ascetic and pillar saint, born in Sisan (possibly the modern Samandaši, Turkey). He withdrew from a monastery near Antioch and in 423 took up residence on a very small platform atop a stone pillar, which fact accounts for his name, Stylites (Greek, "of a pillar"). After leaving this structure, which was about 1.8 m (about 6 ft) high, he lived on a succession of pillars, each higher than its predecessor. He made his final home atop an 18.3-m (60-ft) pillar, from which he did not descend during the last 30 years of his life. Pilgrims came from many countries to hear him preach. He converted many nonbelievers to Christianity and had numerous disciples called Stylites. Pillar saints occasionally have been found in the East, even in recent centuries. Simeon's traditional feast day is January 5.
Text from Microsoft Encarta
built in 490
side view of facade
interior
showing remnant of pillar of Saint Simeon
(pilgrims have been chipping away at pillar for years
as souvenir of their pilgrimage)
church overlooks the valley
Roman style for this early church
wall
Byzantine cross
early detail
Mortuary chapel
grave area
building detail
children from nearby village
Village girls
