Saint
Simon the Myrrh-Gusher lived an ascetical life on Mt
Athos, and was glorified by many miracles. He was the
founder of the New Bethlehem monastery, now known as
Simonopetra. One night, he saw a star of such
brightness that he thought it must be the Star of
Bethlehem. Seeing the star remain motionless for
several nights, he thought at first that it was a
demonic temptation. On the eve of the Lord’s
Nativity the star stood over a high rock, and Saint
Simon heard a voice say, “Here, O Simon, you
must lay the foundations of your monastery for the
salvation of souls.” He built the monastery and
called it New Bethlehem.
He reposed in the year 1287, and his holy relics exude
myrrh.