Pillar Saints - "The Stylites" and Extreme Asceticism

Pillar Saints lived atop pillars or columns, sometimes natural stone pillars, such as in Meteora, Greece. Stylite means pillar.

The Pillar Saints were hermits, enduring extreme deprivation in hopes of becoming closer to God.

St. Simeon was a Stylite and the first of the early Christians to live in this extreme and solitary way. Other monks followed in St. Simeon's way of life.

Eventually monks moved to the area of Meteora, Greece with its natural stone pillars building entire monasteries at the summits with only ladders for access (see video below).

St. Simeon Stylites, depicted here in a 16th century icon, was the first Christian saint to spend years atop a pillar as a form of discipline that enabled him to be closer to God. Many saints followed his example throughout the years with one even staying in a small building atop the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens. Credit: Historical Museum of Sanok, Poland/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

The Man Who Lived on a Pillar for 37 Years

Video from RAD History

"St. Simeon The Stylite, The man who lived on a pillar for 37 years in an attempt to become closer to God. In this video we discuss the man who lived on a pillar for 37 years. Did you know that living on a pillar was more of a common thing than you think? The actual figure for how long St. Simeon lived on a pillar, varies from 27 years, all the way to the high 40's. The most common figure thrown around, is 37." from video introduction

Amazing Documentary on Meteora Greece Monasteries

Video from FOCUS PRODUCTIONS

"Watch an award-winning documentary on the amazing Meteora, the life of a monk on the rocks of Meteoron for over 1000 years. Unique landscapes, colors, and music." from video introduction

Who Lived on Top of the Temple of Olympian Zeus Pillars in Greece? | Ancient Architects

Video from Ancient Architects

"When I first saw this photo I thought that it had to be a fake. What we are looking at are the columns of the ruined Temple of Olympian Zeus, the ruler of the gods in Greek mythology, in Athens, Greece. The photo was taken back in 1858 and what makes it particularly strange is that there is something perched on top of the temple pillars. It is like a strange little brick-built house, yet on other seemingly identical photos of a similar age, and just about all the photos that came after, this building is not present. Is this some kind of strange Photoshop or was somebody once living on top of the ancient Greek columns? Watch this video to find out all about the history of this small building, who lived there and why it was removed." from video introduction

#extraordinarygod