Simeon - the God Receiver

St. Simeon was a prophet of the temple - waiting for the consolation of Israel - the Messiah.  God promised St. Simeon he would not die until he saw the Messiah come into the world.

 Historically, St. Simeon was one of seventy scholars sent to Alexandria, Egypt to translate the Old Testament into Greek for the Pharoah, Ptolemy II.  While translating the visions of the Prophet Isiah, St. Simeon read the words, “Behold, a virgin shall conceive in the womb and shall bring forth a Son.”  St. Simeon thought the word “virgin” was incorrect and decided to change the word to “woman”.  As he began to make the correction, an angel appeared and held back his hand saying - “You shall see these words fulfilled.  You shall not die until you behold Christ the Lord born of a pure and spotless Virgin.”

 After returning to Jerusalem, St. Simeon lived in expectation of this promise of the Anointed One.  One day, Simeon received a revelation from the Holy Spirit.  Simeon came to the Temple and witnessed the Presentation of Our Lord by Sts. Mary and Joseph - the fortieth day after his birth.  The Holy Spirit revealed the child to him and St. Simeon in turn gave the following prophecy: “Behold, this child is set for the fall and the rising again of many in Israel and for a sign which shall be spoken against.”  And then, turning to the Mother of God, he said, “Yea, a sword shall pierce through your own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”