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.
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#430 – A History of the Catholic Church – Praying atop a Pillar