Saint Symeon the Stylite chose to separate himself from the world and rise up to Christ by living atop a stone pillar. His reputation for holiness attracted peoples from all across the Roman Empire seeking his wisdom and prayers.

Links:
Image of Saint Symeon the Stylite

Article on the present state of the pillar of Saint Symeon

Article on modern Stylite

Bottle for carrying hnana – with image of Stylites

Icon of David the Dendrite

Coptic Life of Saint Symeon

Syriac Life of Saint Symeon

Theodoret of Cyrrhus on Saint Symeon

David T. M. Frankenfurter. “Stylites and Phallobates: Pillar Religions in Late Antique Syria”. Vigiliae Christianae Vol. 44. No. 2 (Jun., 1990): pp. 168-198 – examines relationship of early pagan traditions which have been suggested as influence on Christian Stylites.

Check out the other great Catholic podcasts at the Starquest Production Network

To listen, just click on the link below:
#430 – A History of the Catholic Church – Praying atop a Pillar