The Monk Arsenios

Commemorated on December 13

The Monk Arsenios, the son of rich, illustrious and pious parents, was born at Constantinople. The emperor decorated him and made him military-commander and a patrician of the Cyberrhiote military thema. One time, when he was sailing with his soldiers upon the sea, a storm came up. The ships sank. Of all the soldiers only Saint Arsenios was saved. After this he accepted monasticism and he wearied the flesh by fasting, vigil and fetters. After such doings he came to a certain place on Mount Latros, situated in Asia Minor. There he killed a poisonous viper by his prayer and the sign of the cross, and then he settled in the nearby Kelliboreia monastery on the north side of the mountain, where he was chosen hegumen. From the monastery the Monk Arsenios set off to a cave, where he repelled wild beasts by prayer. Brethren gathered to him. Usually he sat the entire week in the narrow cell, and on Sunday he took food and instructed the brethren. Finally, the Monk Arsenios attained such perfection, that he was nourished by an Angel. By his staff he changed bitter water into sweet, and having done many other miracles, he peacefully died amidst the brethren.
They suggest the lifetime of the Monk Arsenios as between the VIII and X Centuries.