St. Simeon Stylites

День Святого Симеона Столпника «Семин день»

Church celebrates the feast of St. Simeon on 14th September at the new (1st September is the old style). That day begins the new church year.

St Simeon eighty years lived in ascetic style, amazing people with his dedication, selflessness and ability to enter people's souls and read them. In the year 412 Simeon Stylites secluded himself in a tiny cell that was situated on a four- meters pole, and lived there forty-seven years, diligently praying in absolute solitude.

His zeal the Lord glorified St Simeon with the gift of prophecy and miracles. Unbelievers, after a conversation with him admitted their mistakes and rejected their delusions. With a prayer on his lips, the saint performed many miraculous healings. However, the modest servant of God always said to the healed people: "Praise the Lord, who has given you healing, and not dare to say that you have been healed by Simeon."

Life of St. Simeon became a shining example of human aspiration towards the sky. Truly he was “earthly angel and heavenly man" standing on his pillar like a candle on a candlestick, burning love for God and all people.

According to popular belief, St. Simeon is a patron of the winds, keeping them and letting them to blow periodically so they do not bring bad luck. Feast of St. Simeon Stylites is popularly called “Semen-summer send-off" or simply "Semin Day." Time from the "Semin Day" up to 8th September is called Indian summer.

On this day, people leave their ordinary routine works as it is considered as sinful deed.