Symeon was born in 949 in Paflagonia by noble parents. His father Vasileios and his mother Theofano offered him the traditional education which he completed in Constantinople. At the insistence of an uncle he entered the Emperors Circle but after his death, Symeon asked to join the Soudio monastery. His was initially rejected as being too young. Afterwards when he was allowed to join he met Symeon who became his spiritual father and the one to guide him in the realm of theology and spiritual life. He later became Abbot in the monastery of St Mamas but had to resign since he was not allowed to enforce the monastic life which St Basil had advocated. He devoted his life to the study of theology and to writing. He was accused of celebrating his Elder Symeon as a Saint and because of this he suffered sis years of hardship. Eventually he was exiled to the chapel of St Marina in the Asian coast of Propontis, where he reposed to the Lord around 1020. Ninety two of his Discourses, 282 theologian chapters and several theologian hymns have been preserved and published. For his theologian expertise he was named New Theologian. His memory is celebrated on the 12th of March.