The next important historical site, St. Simeon’s Monastery, is unusual (a gross understatement), and it was necessary to hear the entire story before the group visited. Simeon the Stylite wanted to be closer to God. Instead of meditating in a cave, scourging himself daily, or roaming around the countryside in a hairshirt to preach, he picked a unique method.

First, Simeon had a circular enclosure built on a hilltop and had himself bound within it by an iron chain, 10m/32′ long. Attached one end of the chain to a rock and the other to his right foot. Theodoret of Cyrrhus reported in his “Religious History” that people came from miles around to hear him preach, request health, etc. …Since the visitors were beyond counting, and they all tried to touch him and reap some blessing from his garments of skin, and he could not abide the wearisomeness of it, he devised the standing on a pillar… (In modern language…get away and stop touching me!) Simeon’s first pillar was 3m/10′ high. The second 11m/36′ and the final pillar erected was18m/50′, a definite deterrent.

Church of St. Simeon in Syria
Theodoret of Cyrrhus (393-466) personally witnessed these events and it’s no wonder people and pilgrims flocked from everywhere to witness Simeon standing on a pillar.

For 38 years, through hot summers and cold winters, Simeon the Stylite stood on his pillar offering worship to God, eating once a week, curing the sick and resolving disputes until his death in 459. Can you imagine? Standing on a pillar for 38 years? What about bodily functions? I’m thinking pee and poop on a pillar…hmmm… Should all us non-believers unite?

The remains of Simeon’s pillar is found in the central court. There is a egg-shaped stone on the base of what is reputed to be the remains of his pillar. It’s said that the faithful chipped away pieces of St. Simeon’s pillar to take with as souvenirs until this is all that’s left. Believe it or not, it’s still a great tale and if we hadn’t been told Simeon’s history, would have looked at this boulder and wondered why are we standing here looking at a rock.

remnants of St. Simeon’s pillar in Syria
The entire northern highland area of Syria was once densely populated and prosperous thanks to its olive groves. There are ongoing replanting efforts to revitalize the area but it takes four years before olive trees bear fruit.

ruins around St. Simeon’s Monastery, Syria
Then a visit to Ebla. For complete information on Ebla, just visit Wikipedia. Our Syrian guide told us about one Royal tablet that listed the cities of Sodom, Gomorrah, etc., in the same order found in Genesis 14:2. That was interesting. A biblical fact made real. Otherwise, Ebla was not one of the most spectacular sights in Syria.

wildflowers adding some color to the barren landscape in Syria
Onwards to Aleppo for two nights.