Why didn't Simeon Stylite receive the sacraments more often?

[AnonymousSinner]

I was reading about Simeon Stylite the Elder, who is commemorated on September 1. I especially remember how the Patriarch of Antioch once celebrated the Divine Liturgy for Simeon on his little tower.

My question is, why didn’t St. Simeon leave his tower to go to the Divine Liturgy and receive the Eucharist more often? I mean sure, prayer and fasting and seclusion is great, but the sacraments are just too important to pass up! Why didn’t he go? Were there no priests in his area? Was he afraid of the women immodestly dressed? What was it?

 

[ziapueblo]

My question is, why didn’t St. Simeon leave his tower to go to the Divine Liturgy and receive the Eucharist more often? I

Both Eastern Catholic and Orthodox believe in the real presence of course. In the Latin Church, there seems to be this idea that the only reason to go to Mass is to receive the Eucharist. In the East our spirituality is built upon the whole liturgical life. Though, the Eucharist being the most important aspect. I’m Byzantine Catholic and on occasion go to the local GOA. Maybe half go up and approach the chalice.

I hope this helps.

ZP

 

[Sophie111]

“Love the Lord and do what you will.” (Augustine)

It seems to me we have somehow made a little bit of a fetish of the sacraments in more recent times.

Strong disciplines about frequent confession and Eucharist were not around in the earlier times.

Also they may have stored Eucharistic bread.

 

[semper_catholicus]

Probably because he had a special grace from God to be able to do so.

 

[Zaccheus]

In the Latin Church, there seems to be this idea that the only reason to go to Mass is to receive the Eucharist.

I don’t think I’ve heard a Latin Catholic say that. At Mass most times, some receive and some don’t.

If for some reason I couldn’t receive I would still want to hear Mass: but absent such a reason I want to receive at every Mass I attend.