St Simeon “the Ancient” of Mt. Sinai

Saint Simeon, known as the "Old Man," lived in solitude in a cave in Syria from his youth, spending his time in strict fasting and continuous prayer. His food consisted of herbs growing around. After people began to flock to see him, he moved to Mount Amman, and then to Mount Sinai, but found no peace there. Returning to Amman, he founded two monastic communities and managed them, encouraging the ascetics in their spiritual labors. For his exploits, he received from God the gift to command beasts. The venerable one passed away in deep old age in peace with the Lord around the year 390.