Priest-Martyr Simeon, Bishop of Persia

Life

In the time of the wicked King Shapur (Sapor), Simeon was tortured for Christ together with two of his presbyters, Abdelas and Ananias. Before them perished also the king's eunuch Ustazanes, who had at first denied Christ, but afterward, moved by the reproach of Saint Simeon, again confessed the true faith before the king. To the place of execution together with Simeon were led out a further one thousand Christians. Simeon deliberately stepped aside so that he might be the last to be beheaded, that he might encourage the Christians to the very end, so that not a single one would waver from fear of death. When the presbyter Ananias placed his head upon the block, he trembled with his whole body. And the king's official, Phusik, who was a secret Christian, began to encourage Ananias, saying: "Fear not, O elder, close thine eyes, and be courageous, that thou mayest behold the divine light!" As soon as he uttered this, he was denounced as a Christian and accused before the king. The king put him to death with great torments, and likewise his daughter, the virgin Askitrea. At last Saint Simeon too was beheaded, having first escorted his flock into the other world. The following year, on Great Friday, the king's beloved eunuch Azat was also slain for Christ, and with him a thousand other faithful. Then the king mourned for his eunuch and ceased the further killing of Christians. They all suffered honorably for Christ the King and Lord in 341 or 344.

From the Hymn of Praise

### THE VENERABLE ZOSIMAS OF SOLOVKIOn a desert island in the midst of a stormy sea,Far from the vain bustle of the world, far from all company,Zosimas nourishes his soul with the bread of prayerAnd by the name of God drives away the demons.