10/12/2026
October 12: Symeon the New Theologian
The venerable Symeon the New Theologian was born in 949 in Galatia of Paphlagonia (Asia Minor). He studied in Constantinople and subsequently entered the imperial court as a dignitary. However, because he sought higher things, he was not satisfied with worldly positions. He had the blessing to connect with Elder Symeon the Pious, under whose guidance he lived in spiritual asceticism. And while he was still a layman he obtained his first experience of the uncreated Light. At the age of 27 he entered as a novice in the Monastery of Studion and later in the Monastery of Saint Mamas, where he became a monk and was ordained a priest. After spending three years in the Monastery he was elected abbot, yet because he wanted to enforce the monastic rules of Basil the Great he was met with vociferous opposition from the monks and resigned.
While he enjoyed great honour in the overall environment of Constantinople, he was opposed by the former Metropolitan of Nicomedia and the then Chancellor, Stephen. The cause of Stephen's jealousy was his intolerance to the reputation of Symeon as a theologian. And because he could not criticise him for any other reason, he used the fact that Symeon, on his own initiative, celebrated in his Monastery the memory of his late spiritual father Symeon the Pious. The result was the exile of the Venerable One to the deserted area of Marmara. There he found the ruined Church of Saint Marina, which he renovated with his own personal effort, and then built a Monastery, which gathered many monks. His reputation spread and many important people in Constantinople visited him seeking spiritual guidance. Ultimately he was vindicated, but he remained in the place of his exile until his venerable repose.
His memory was established to be celebrated festively on October 12th, because the day of his repose (March 12th) coincides with the period of Great Lent.
Of his writings, there exist 92 discourses and 282 practical and theological chapters, as well as theological hymns. The Church has awarded him the honorary title of "New Theologian".
Apolytikion of Symeon the New Theologian
Third Tone
Since thou hadst received within thy pure soul God's enlightenment, O righteous Father, thou wast shown to the world as a blazing light which drave away its thick darkness and moved all men to seek the grace of the Spirit which they had lost. O all-holy Father Symeon, intercede with Him to grant great mercy unto us who honour thee.
Kontakion of Symeon the New Theologian
Third Tone
Shining with the Three-Sun Light, thou wast a true theologian of the Holy Trinity, the Lord divinely-transcendent; from on high, thou wast made rich with wisdom of discourse and didst pour forth the divine streams of godly wisdom; whereof having drunk, we cry out: Rejoice, thrice-blessed Symeon, taught from above.
