Saint
Simeon of Philotheou
Venerable Simeon the Barefooted
New Calendar April 19 Old Calendar May 2
Why they are a saint
Saint Simeon the Bare-Foot [Bosoi] was the son of a priest. When he was fifteen years old, he came under the spiritual guidance of Pachomius, the Bishop of Demetriada (Larissa diocese), who tonsured him and ordained him as hierodeacon. Venerated as a monastic saint, honored for a life of prayer and asceticism.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Simeon of Philotheou as a patron when they bear the name Simeon at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on April 19. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Simeon of Philotheou, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.