Saints Simeon and John, Syrians, lived in the 6th century in the city of Edessa. From childhood, they were close friends. Simeon, unmarried, lived with his elderly mother, while John, who had just married, lived with his father and young wife. At the age of 30, Simeon and 24, John made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. On their way back, seeing the monasteries on the banks of the Jordan, they decided to leave the world and dedicate their lives to monasticism. After prayer, they went to the monastery, where the gates were opened for them, and they were received by the abbot Nikon.
Soon after their tonsure, Simeon wished to deepen his solitude in the desert for the sake of asceticism, and John decided to share the hardships with him. The abbot, learning of the brothers' intention, blessed them to go into the desert. Beginning their life as hermits, they faced temptations, but relying on the prayers of the abbot, they continued to follow their chosen path. After some time, the temptations ceased.
The brothers received news of the death of Simeon's mother and John's wife, and having reached a high degree of spirituality, they lived in the desert for 29 years. By divine inspiration, Simeon decided to serve the people and leave the desert, while John remained. They parted with tears, and Simeon went to Jerusalem, where he venerated the Holy Sepulchre.
Simeon chose the feat of foolishness for Christ, remaining in the city of Emesa, where he performed good deeds, healed diseases, and led sinners to repentance, appearing as a madman in the eyes of people. Three days before his death, he shut himself in his hut, where, praying incessantly, he passed away. His body was found by the poor and carried to the burial place of the homeless without church singing.
After Simeon, John peacefully departed to the Lord in the desert. Simeon was granted to see a crown above his brother's head with the inscription: 'For the patience of a hermit.'
