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 partial reconstruction of the pillar on which St. Simeon lived in asceticism and repentance during the fifth century.

The damaged pillar was reconstructed after restoration and cleanup work at the surrounding ruins. The site, which played an important role in the spread of the Orthodox faith and the teaching of Orthodox asceticism, had suffered from destruction and earthquakes over the years.

The celebration also included an evening program and prayer service attended by Bp. Paul of Tarsus, who cares for Orthodox Christians in historic Antioch, along with other local Christian leaders. Metr. Ephraim thanked those who organized and supported the restoration and asked for the prayers and intercessions of St. Simeon the Stylite.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Jordan planned a museum and pilgrims' village at Jesus' baptism site.