Saint
Symeon the New Theologian
New Calendar March 12 Old Calendar March 25
Why they are a saint
Saint Symeon the New Theologian was an Eastern Orthodox monk and poet who was one of the three saints canonized by the Eastern Orthodox Church and given the title of "Theologian". "Theologian" was not applied to Symeon in the modern academic sense of theological study; the title was intended only to recognise someone who spoke from personal experience of the vision of God. One of his principal teachings was that humans could and should experience theoria.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Symeon the New Theologian as a patron when they bear the name Symeon at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on March 12. pan-Orthodox, Greek Orthodox faithful also honor his as one of their own.
Prayer
O holy Symeon the New Theologian, 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.