Venerable Arsenius of Latros
Saint Arsenios lived in Constantinople during the VIII and IX centuries1 and was the son of wealthy, illustrious, and devout parents. He was made Patrician and General of the Kibyrraiote (Κιβυρραιωτῶν)2Military Theme.
Once, while traveling by sea with his soldiers, there was a storm and all the ships sank. Saint Arsenios was the only surviver. Afterward, he became a monk, and mortified his flesh by austere fasting, vigils, and hardships.
Later, he came to a certain place on Mount Latros (in Asia Minor), where he killed a poisonous viper by his prayers and by making the Sign of the Cross. Then he settled in the nearby Kelliboria Monastery (Μονὴ Κελλιβάρων) on the north side of the mountain, where he was chosen as Igoumen. Disturbed by many distractions and by people who wanted to see him, he longed for stillness. Therefore, Saint Arsenios left the Monastery and went to live in a cave, where he drove off the wild beasts with prayer. Saint Arsenios had attained such perfection that he was fed by an Angel. He was also granted the grace of performing miracles. For example, was able to stir bitter water with his staff and change it into sweet water.
The brethren of the Monastery begged him to come back to them. He did return, but not to live with the other monks. He lived alone in a small cell, and for six days of the week he did not eat any food, nor would he converse with anyone. Only on Sundays would he consent to see the brethren and eat with them.
Foreseeing the day of his repose, Saint Arsenios summoned all the monks of the Monastery, and after advising them to put aside all worldly cares and vanities, he went to the Lord in peace.
The Saint continues to work miracles even after his death.
1 Some sources say he reposed in the XI century.
2 The Byzantine Empire was divided into 29 Themes, or districts.