Saint Simeon, a figure deeply rooted in Christian tradition, was the offspring of Cleophas—also known as Alpheus—who had several notable sons. Among them were Saint James the Lesser, the pioneering bishop of Jerusalem; Saint Jude the Apostle; and Joseph. Alpheus and Saint Joseph were brothers, positioning Saint Simeon as Saint Joseph’s nephew and a cousin of Jesus Christ himself.

It is widely believed that Saint Simeon was an early disciple of Jesus, with tradition pinpointing his family’s origins to Nazareth. His reception of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, alongside the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Apostles, underscores his integral role in the early Christian community. His commitment to his faith became especially evident when he openly criticized the Jews for their brutal execution of Saint James the Lesser. Following the martyrdom of James in 62 A.D.—29 years post-Resurrection—a gathering of Apostles and disciples in Jerusalem selected Saint Simeon as his successor, acknowledging his contributions to the church’s leadership.

The narrative of Saint Simeon took a dramatic turn between 66 and 67 A.D., a period marked by the martyrdom of Saints Peter and Paul in Rome and escalating tensions between Jews and Romans in Judea. Forewarned by divine insight about Jerusalem’s forthcoming devastation, Saint Simeon led the Christian exodus to Pella, across the Jordan, prior to the Roman assault led by Vespasian, who would later become Emperor. After Jerusalem’s destruction, he guided the community back to the city’s remnants, where they resettled and witnessed the church’s resurgence.

Under the reigns of Emperors Vespasian and Domitian, a directive was issued to eliminate all descendants of David, yet Saint Simeon initially evaded capture. It wasn’t until Emperor Trajan reinstated this decree that he faced accusation by heretics and Jews, leading to his arrest for his lineage and Christian beliefs.

Saint Simeon’s final days were marked by martyrdom through crucifixion in 107 A.D., after enduring days of torture with remarkable patience, at the age of one hundred and twenty. His prolonged suffering, endured with incredible fortitude, garnered widespread respect. His leadership over the Jerusalem church spanned approximately forty-three years, a tenure distinguished by spiritual guidance and resilience amid persecution.

Photo credit: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
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16 COMMENTS

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  1. Almighty God, mercifully look upon our infirmities : that whereas we are afflicted by the burden of our sins ; the glorious intercession of thy Martyr and Bishop blessed Simeon may be our succour and defense. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

  2. Almighty God, mercifully look upon our infirmities: that whereas we are afflicted by the burden of our sins; the glorious intercession of thy Martyr and Bishop blessed Simeon may be our succor and defense. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

  3. October 29, 2023

    Good afternoon!

    Mr. Ronnie Godoy was announced to have been taken by The Most Loving Hand of The Most Powerful Lord God,
    The Creator of the heavens and the earth a couple of days ago.

    Please include him in your daily prayers…

    Eternal Rest,
    Eternal Life,
    Eternal Light,
    Eternal Happiness,
    Eternal Mercies,
    Eternal Forgiveness,
    Eternal Paradise,
    Eternal Kingdom and
    Eternal Heavens
    may You grant unto him
    and to our departed brothers and sisters
    who have died in The Most Holy Years of The Most Loving Lord God The Creator of the heavens and the earth.

    And may The
    Perpetual Light,
    Perpetual Joys,
    Perpetual Happiness,
    Perpetual Bliss,
    Perpetual Kingdom,
    Perpetual Mercies,
    Perpetual Forgiveness,
    Perpetual Help,
    Perpetual Blessings,
    Perpetual Comfort,
    Perpetual Paradise and
    Perpetual Heavens shine upon him.

    May he rest in peace, faith, hope and love of
    The Most Loving Lord God The Most Holy Father,
    Lord God The Most Holy Son and
    Lord God The Most Holy Spirit.

    Amen.

    In The Most Holy Name of The Most Loving Lord God The Most Holy Father,
    In The Most Holy Name of The Most Loving Lord God The Most Holy Son,
    In The Most Holy Name of The Most Loving Lord God The Most Holy Spirit.
    Amen.

    Thank You very much!

    Respectfully,

    Emmanuel Tio

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