SIMEONE il NUOVO TEOLOGO. - A noted Byzantine mystical author, born ca. 949 at Galatai in Paphlagonia, died on 12 March 1022; he is venerated as a saint by Byzantine dissidents.
According to the biography written by Niceta Stethatos (ed. I. Hausherr, Rome 1928), S., after his first studies in court circles, withdrew to the Studion monastery, where he was formed by Simeone Studita. Expelled because of his austere and mystical spirit, he went to the convent of S. Mamas and in 980 was ordained a priest. He was also made igumen, and during his 25 years of governance he distinguished himself as a promoter
of worship, preacher, and writer. Stefano di Nicomedia unleashed a persecution against S., using as a pretext the worship he rendered to his former spiritual father and his limited theological learning. Exiled in 1009 and recalled to Constantinople after a year, S. preferred to withdraw to Asia and establish a monastery, where he died.
Among other things, S. wrote discourses, hymns, ascetical chapters, and letters. In a style inspired by a “God-taught” spirit, S. recommends conscious deification and the vision of God in the form of an ineffable light.