Saint Simeon the Elder (Mor Shem‘un Sobo) — The Righteous Bearer of Christ | Wooden Icon Plaque

This sacred wooden plaque icon depicts Simeon the Elder - ܡܪܝ ܫܡܥܘܢ ܣܒܐ (Mor Shemʿun Sobo), the righteous and God-bearing elder who received the Christ-Child in the Temple and proclaimed the fulfillment of God’s promise.

According to Holy Tradition, Simeon was a learned scribe entrusted with translating the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek. While working on Isaiah 7:14, he attempted to replace the word “Virgin” with “woman,” doubting that a virgin could conceive. Each time he wrote the altered word, it miraculously returned to Virgin. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to Simeon, revealing that he would not see death until he beheld the Messiah born of a Virgin.

Centuries later—having lived, according to the prayers of the Church, nearly 500 years—Simeon finally held the Infant Christ in his arms. At that moment, he uttered the words now prayed daily by the Church:

“Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word;
for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation,
which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people,
a light to enlighten the Gentiles,
and the glory of Thy people Israel.”
— Luke 2:29–32

Based on the Syriac Manuscript: Vatican Library, Syr. 559 is a Syriac manuscript produced around 1220. It is an evangeliary containing the text of the Peshitta. It is one of the few well illustrated Middle Eastern Christian manuscripts from the 13th century.

The location where the manuscript was created is the Jazira region near Mosul, at the monastery of Deir Mar Mattai.

This icon captures Simeon’s profound joy, humility, and fulfillment—his long vigil rewarded by the Light of the world. Printed on a solid wooden plaque, this sacred image is ideal for home prayer corners, churches, monasteries, or as a meaningful devotional gift.

• Material: FSC-certified birch wood, showcasing natural grain for a rustic feel.
• Finish: Clean edges with edge-to-edge prints for a seamless look.
• Thickness: Choose between 10mm (0.4") or 20mm (0.79").
• Hanging Kit: Included; varies by country.

• Honoring Simeon the Elder, witness of the Incarnation

A timeless reminder that God is faithful to His promises—and that those who wait upon the Lord will see His salvation.