Today, the Holy Orthodox Church honors the memory of three saints: Saint Gregory the Dialogist, Pope of Rome (who lived before the schism between the Eastern and Western Churches); Saint Symeon the New Theologian; and Saint Theophanes the Confessor.
Symeon the New Theologian was a prominent theological figure in the Church. Born in Paphlagonia, he lived during the 10th century. His devout parents, Basil and Theophano, made sure he received an excellent education. He continued his studies in Constantinople under the guardianship of his uncle, a high-ranking official.
Following his uncle’s death, Symeon entered the renowned Monastery of Stoudios. There, he devoted himself to theological studies and became a disciple of the abbot, also named Symeon. He later appeared at the Monastery of Saint Mamas, where he was tonsured as a monk and subsequently elected abbot.
However, when he attempted to enforce the monastic rules of Saint Basil the Great, he encountered strong opposition and resigned to devote himself entirely to theological studies. He was unjustly accused by Stephen, the Metropolitan of Nicomedia, of various slanders, which cost him six years of hardship and suffering.
Eventually, he was ordered to go to the monastic chapel of Saint Marina on the Asian shore of the Propontis, where he died peacefully at an advanced age.
Source: Church of Cyprus
