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Society of St. Simeon and St. Anna

The modern age has tended to sideline seniors, to think of them as “over the hill,” unable to give much to others. We often think of them primarily as those who need our care rather than those who have anything much to give to others.

The Society of St. Simeon and St. Anna challenges this fallacy. It was founded in 1991 in the Diocese of Alaska by Bishop Steve Charleston. Bishop Charleston wanted to express the Native American value of honoring the wisdom and experience of the tribal elders. The biblical figures of Anna and Simeon (Luke 2:25-38) were selected as the patron saints of the society because they embody the long service and mature faith of those rich in years.

The Society came to the Diocese of Southern Ohio in 1995 and, most years since then, nominees from across the diocese have been honored and inducted in a public ceremony. Due to COVID-19 health protocols, the 2021 induction service was held via Zoom on April 20. Nine saints of our diocese were honored with induction into the Society:

Bradley Alexander, Christ Church, Xenia
Britton Barlow, Christ Church, Ironton
Anice Ellis, St Mark’s, Columbus
Clara Leigh, All Saints, New Albany
Don and Carolyn Mullen, All Saints, New Albany
Judy Pfeiffer, St Luke’s, Marietta
James Roberts, All Saints, New Albany
Madeleine Trichel, Trinity, Columbus

The Revs. Gregory and Margaret Sammons serve as co-chairs for the Society of St. Simeon and St. Anna induction ceremony.