Pillar of St. Simeon the Stylite Rises Again in Aleppo

ALEPPO, SYRIA — The pillar of St. Simeon the Stylite has been partially rebuilt at the ancient Monastery-Cathedral of St. Simeon in the Mt. Simeon region near Aleppo, Syria, coinciding with the saint’s feast day and the beginning of the Church New Year. The restoration was part of a special week of activities organized by the Archdiocese of Aleppo and Dependencies under the theme “Light from Aleppo.”

Hundreds of Orthodox faithful took part in a pilgrimage to the historic monastery on Sept. 1, the feast of St. Simeon, under the theme “Following in the Footsteps of Saint Simeon.” Under the patronage of Metr. Ephraim Maalouli, the celebrations included the reconstruction of the pillar on which St. Simeon lived in asceticism and repentance during the fifth century.

The restored pillar now stands amid the remains of the ancient monastery after earlier restoration and cleanup efforts removed accumulated debris and addressed the effects of destruction and earthquakes. The site played an important role in the spread of the Orthodox faith and in the development of the ascetic tradition associated with St. Simeon and his disciples.

Bp. Paul of Tarsus, who serves Orthodox Christians in historic Antioch in southern Turkey, participated in the evening program and prayer service. Other local Christian leaders also joined the celebration, which brought together clergy, faithful, and community representatives at the historic site.

Metr. Ephraim thanked the organizers, supporters, participants, and officials who contributed to the celebration. He also asked the faithful to seek the prayers and intercessions of St. Simeon the Stylite as the restored monument stands as a witness to spiritual renewal and renewed hope.

Previously, the UOJ reported that a European legal group warned Christianity’s survival in Syria was at risk.