Simon was the son of Cleopas, and Cleopas was the brother of Joseph the Betrothed. Accordingly, Simon is, according to custom, the cousin of the Lord Jesus.

After the martyrdom of Jacob and the conquest of Jerusalem, which took place immediately afterward, the rest of the Lord's apostles and disciples who were still alive gathered together with the Lord's relatives according to the flesh to consult who was entitled to succeed Jacob. Everyone agreed that Simon, the son of Cleophas, who was also mentioned in the Gospel of John (19:25), and whose mother’s name was Mary, who was one of those standing at the cross of Jesus, was worthy of being assigned the “bishopric of that diocese.”

He worked to confirm people in the right faith and fought every heresy that changed the truth of the Lord God and His teachings. Such as the Nazarene and Ebionite heresy.

The testimony of the church historian Ephesus of Caesarea, quoted by Saint Hegesippus, states that Simon was martyred during the days of the Roman Emperor Traianus Caesar, who ruled between the years 98 and 117 AD, and the governor Atticus. Traianus issued an order to liquidate everyone who was a descendant of King David. Some heretics complained about Simon, considering that he was a descendant of David and a Christian. He was arrested and tortured for many days. As for his death, it was on the cross like his teacher.

Simeon's sleep is not completely specific, it was said 107 AD and it was said 116 AD. He was one hundred and twenty years old when he was martyred. The church celebrates it on April 27.

Troparia in the first tune
We praise you, O high priest and relative of Christ, the brave martyr Simeon, because you overturned tyranny and preserved the faith. Therefore, by today’s celebration of your all-holy memory, we obtain through your prayers forgiveness of sins.

Qandaq with the fourth tune
Today, the Church has achieved Simon, who is searching for God, a great star. When she is enlightened by him, she cries out: Peace be upon you, venerable foundation of martyrs.