Saint Simeon Stylites icon - Venerable of Antioch

Saint Venerable of Antioch Simeon Stylites. Wooden orthodox icon.

This Orthodox icon honors Saint Simeon Stylites, one of the most extraordinary ascetics in Christian history and the founder of stylitism — the monastic feat of living upon a pillar in unceasing prayer.

Saint Simeon was born near Antioch in the mid-4th century to a humble family. At a young age, after hearing the Beatitudes in church, he was filled with a burning desire for holiness. Seeking God’s guidance, he devoted himself to fasting, prayer, and obedience in a nearby monastery, but soon withdrew into the Syrian desert for even greater spiritual effort.

There, Saint Simeon embraced the unprecedented ascetic labor of dwelling atop a pillar (stylos), standing day and night like a living flame before God. Enduring rain, heat, and bitter cold, he prayed unceasingly and nourished himself with only soaked wheat and water. His astonishing spiritual strength became known across the world—from Arabia and Persia to Italy and Britain. Many pagans who came only to look upon him returned home baptized, moved by the saint’s words and quiet power.

Gifted with the grace of healing and prophecy, Saint Simeon counseled emperors, encouraged the faithful, and defended the Orthodox faith against heresies. His guidance inspired Emperor Marcian to convene the Fourth Ecumenical Council in Chalcedon (451), which affirmed the truth of Christ’s two natures—divine and human.

Saint Simeon lived more than one hundred years and reposed in 459 during prayer. The Church glorifies him as “an earthly angel and a heavenly man, a radiant light for the whole world.”

This icon is a tribute to his unshakable faith, his ascetic glory, and his profound love for God. It is a meaningful addition to any prayer corner and a powerful reminder of perseverance and spiritual courage.

🖼 Product Features

Each icon in our workshop is made to last a lifetime and beyond. The image is printed with rich, fade-resistant pigment inks on a premium solid-core wood panel — then hand-finished with a natural beeswax coating that deepens the colors, protects the surface, and gives each piece the warm, reverent quality of a traditionally crafted sacred object. A metal hanging hook is included on the back, so your icon is ready to display the moment it arrives.

• Crafted on a premium wood panel — 1.6 cm (0.6") thick, sturdy yet lightweight
• Fade-resistant pigment print — rich, true-to-life colors that last for generations
• Natural beeswax finish — hand-applied for depth, protection, and a traditional feel
• Ready to hang — metal hook pre-attached on the reverse
• Hand-finished by Orthodox Christian artisans in Portugal

📏 Available Sizes

• Small – 12 x 15 cm (5” x 6”)
• Medium – 23 x 30 cm (9” x 12”)
• Large – 30 x 39 cm (12” x 15”)

🎁 Perfect For

• Meaningful Orthodox Christian gifts
• Housewarming and family blessings
• Prayer corners and devotional spaces
• Baptisms, name days, weddings, and feast days

🌍 Worldwide Delivery

Securely packed and shipped worldwide from Portugal with tracking.

✨ Crafted with Tradition

Each icon is carefully made by Orthodox Christian artisans in Portugal — created to become a lasting blessing for your home or a treasured gift for someone you love.