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Simeon the God-Receiver (Righteous Prophet of Jerusalem)
Jerusalem, Palestine
Archival Overview
The venerable elder of Jerusalem who lived in devout expectation of the 'Consolation of Israel,' Simeon was revealed by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before holding the Messiah in his arms.
Biographical Record
Saint Simeon (venerated in Christian liturgical tradition as Simeon Theodochos or 'The God-Receiver') lived in Jerusalem during the twilight of the Second Temple era. Described in the Gospel of Luke as 'just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.'
The Presentation in the Temple
According to ancient Christian tradition, Simeon was one of the seventy-two scholars who translated the Hebrew scriptures into Greek (the Septuagint) in Alexandria. Puzzled by Isaiah 7:14 ('A virgin shall conceive'), an angel promised him that his eyes would behold the living fulfillment before his passing.
The Canticle of Nunc Dimittis
Led by the Spirit into the Temple court forty days after the birth of Jesus, Simeon recognized the infant brought by Mary and Joseph. Taking the child into his trembling arms, he uttered the immortal prayer that has been sung at night prayer (Compline) across Christendom for millennia: 'Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation.'
Key Life Milestones
Receiving the Holy Promise of Beholding the Messiah
Endowed with prophetic longevity and the divine pledge not to taste death until beholding salvation.
Holding the Christ Child & Chanting the Nunc Dimittis
Blesses the holy family in the Temple, prophesying the sword piercing Mary's heart and a light to the Gentiles.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialJerusalem, Israel