Among the ancient Mediterranean cultures, it was common to begin a new year in the autumn, with the end of the previous year’s harvest. From at least the time of the Emperor Constantine, the civil year of the Byzantine (Eastern Roman) Empire began in September, and September 1 became the first day of the Church’s year as well. On this day, the Church’s readings from the Old and New Testament announce “a year of grace of the Lord”, and encourage Christians to pray for the needs of all. In the Troparion of the New Year, we sing: “O Lord, maker of the universe, who alone has power over times and seasons, bless this year with your bounty, preserve our country in peace, and keep your people in peace.”
Also, on this day we commemorate Simeon, Venerable. Saint Simeon Stylites, also called Simeon, The Elder, was a Syrian monk who was the first known stylite or pillar hermit. He was called Simeon the Elder to distinguish him from a 6th-century stylite also named Simeon.
