27 April/10 May

St. Simeon was the son of Cleopas, younger brother of St. Joseph the Betrothed. At an advanced age, he witnessed the miracles wrought by Our Lord Jesus Christ, came to believe in Him, and was one of the Apostles of the 70. St. Simeon preached Christ's teachings, instructed people in the truths of the Holy Faith, and denounced idolatry. After the Holy Apostle James, first bishop of Jerusalem (commemorated 23 October), was killed (in 63 AD), the Christians elected the Holy Apostle Simeon to take his place. During the reign of Emperor Trajan (98 - 117 AD), it was reported to the Roman governor Atticus that St. Simeon was of the lineage of King David (at that time, the Romans were set upon extirpating all of King David's descendants) and that he confessed the Christian Faith. The pagans seized St. Simeon, at that time already 100 years of age, and after prolonged torture, crucified him.