The Gospel does not show to what rank Simeon belonged, but, based on the fact that he took the Infant Jesus into his arms, as one must think, to perform the rite of dedication over Him, and, after that, also blessed Mary and Joseph (Luke 2:28, as well as based on the meaning of church hymns, directly indicating his rank, we can assume that he was one of the priests of the Jerusalem temple. But the Gospel, keeping silent about his title, definitely depicts his moral qualities, saying that he was a righteous and pious man; he fulfilled all the proper duties in relation to God and love for his neighbor, and had a living faith in the coming Savior, eagerly awaiting the day of His coming, which is why he became the chosen vessel of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is in him, says the Evangelist.
Like other Old Testament righteous people, Simeon was preparing to die with faith in the immutable fulfillment of the promises of God, but the Holy Spirit told him that he would receive a better lot and would not see death - without seeing Christ the Lord; after which revelation, he lived in the hope of seeing the Salvation of God and joyfully contemplated the continuation of his long days.
On the day of bringing the Eternal Child to the church for dedication, the Holy Spirit unexpectedly commanded Simeon to go there and opened the veil over everything that had happened before his eyes.
The poor Mother with the Baby in her arms was still standing among the people, preparing to make her meager sacrifice, when this venerable and respected old man approached the church, approaching the Blessed One, Simeon took the Newborn from Her hands and, fixing his attentive gaze on Him, exclaimed in sacred delight: Now you release Your servant, Master, according to Your word in peace! I have been waiting for You for a long time, yearning for Your coming, and now, finally, that blessed hour has come that You predicted to me, Lord of life and death! Now there are no more reasons to keep me on earth, just as for me - from now on there are no more goals in life; for the first and last of them have already been achieved by me; I saw You and now I can calm down. Rejoicing, I go to proclaim joy to my forefathers and fathers, for my eyes have seen Your salvation! I saw the One Whom our patriarchs and kings so ardently desired to see! (Heb. 11:13). Am I not the most blessed of them all? Isn’t he the most blessed and the very father of the believers Abraham, who here, on Mount Moriah, saw only the image of his Christ?
Isn't it more blessed than the great lawgiver Moses, who from Mount Nabab saw only the country where You were to appear? And I, not far away, but here, in my arms, I see - not an image, and not a canopy - but I have prepared Your very salvation before the face of all people! Oh, if all these people knew that this is the One about whom You, God, spoke through the mouth of the Holy One. Thy prophet! I gave You as a covenant for generations, as a light for the nations, so that You may be saved, even to the last of the earth (Is. 49:6)! For Your salvation is not for the Jews alone, but for the entire human race! O All-Good Father of Lights! Before the darkness of death that is coming to me, I see Your saving light! He shone here, but will spread throughout the whole world and illuminate all nations - this is the Light in the revelation of tongues, having to disperse their disastrous darkness and saying to everyone in chains: come out! And to those who are in darkness: open yourselves (Is. 4:9)! He will reveal to them You, the True God and Savior, and will flow out from among the people You protect, having justified the words of the Prophets and the Glory of Your people Israel!
From the east of the sun to the west, the peoples of all countries and tribes, from now until forever, will glorify our patriarchs, who shamelessly hoped for the coming Redeemer; they will glorify the Prophets who infallibly predicted Your appearance; glorify and bless Your Most Holy Mother; They will glorify and reverence Yours, O Jehovah, Divine, eternal Glory! So, Sovereign Lord! I now see and feel the life and light of the whole world, the Glory and joy of Israel, and the wealth of all believers! I feel that, having applied this Treasure to my heart, I united with Him in spirit, and therefore, there is no longer earthly life for me, but a new life has been opened, endless! Let go, O Master, of Thy servant, according to Thy word, in peace!