The Hymn of Elder Simeon in Luke 2:29-32. Its Narrative Context and Theology

Abstract

In the Gospel of Luke, we find several canticles, particularly in the Infancy narratives. Three main characters of the Gospel praise the Lord in wonderful hymns that are preserved and used in the Orthodox Liturgy until today: The Megalynarion of the Lady (1: 46-55), the Evlogetos of Zechariah the Priest (1:67-79), and the Nyn Apolyeis of Simeon the Elder (2: 29-32). This paper proposes to focus attention on the hymn of Simeon and the role this character plays in the Lucan narrative. In Luke's eyes, all the effects of Christ’s incarnation are brought together in this passage of the presentation of Mary's Firstborn. The aged man sees in this newborn child the fulfillment of the promises of olden days. Luke presents Simeon as a model of a believer who is blessed when he blesses and who reflects the light before his eyes.