Symeon the Metaphrast

Symeon Metaphrastes (also: Simon or Symeon Logothetes Logothetes; Central Greek Συμεὼν ὁ Μεταφραστής, Συμεὼν ὁ Λογοθέτης ) is a Byzantine writer and author of a saint lexicon in the second half of the 10th century.

Symeon Metaphrastes was the most famous of all Byzantine hagiographers. His dating has long been discussed, the range of hypotheses ranged from the 9th century to the 14th century. Today, however, the dating is generally recognized in the 10th century. The Life-history of the saints, about which he wrote, long remained an unsolved mystery. About his life very little is known.

One (in several edits ) narrated the chronicle, the Logothetenchronik is sometimes attributed to him, but this is very controversial.

The Holy Encyclopedia of Symeon Metaphrastes, the Menologium, is a collection of biographies of Christian saints for the twelve months of the year. Further work whose authenticity is unsecured, are canonic works, poems and letters, but which have less importance.

The Orthodox Church honors him as a saint, whose feast day is November 9. Symeon Metaphrastes many Orthodox Christians is also known that, because part of the prayer comes to preparation before Communion and thanksgiving after Communion from him.