Blessed Symeon Salos of Emesa, Fool-for-Christ

Venerable Symeon the Fool-for-Christ (Symeon Salos, Symeon of Emesa) is one of the most celebrated holy fools of the Orthodox tradition, who lived in the 6th century (c. 522 – c. 588). Born in Edessa to a wealthy family, at about age thirty he journeyed on pilgrimage to Jerusalem together with his close friend John. Seized by a longing for monastic asceticism, the two left the world behind and took vows at the monastery of Abba Gerasimus near the Jordan. For more than twenty years Symeon and John lived in strict silence and fasting in the desert near the Dead Sea. Then, moved by divine inspiration, Symeon departed for the city of Emesa (modern Homs, Syria), where he undertook the ascetic feat of "holy foolishness" — feigning madness and performing seemingly absurd or even scandalous acts, concealing beneath this mask of insanity a profound sanctity and spiritual vigilance. His Life, composed by St. Leontius of Neapolis (Cyprus) from eyewitness accounts, became one of the principal literary sources on the phenomenon of holy foolishness for Christ's sake. He died in Emesa. His feast is kept July 21 (August 3), together with that of his fellow ascetic St. John.