Arsenios the Cappadocian

Description

Life of Saint Arsenios
Saint Arsenios was born in 1840 in Kephalochori (now Çamlıca) in Cappadocia, Asia Minor. He was baptized with the name Athanasios.
From a young age, he displayed a deep piety and a strong desire for monastic life.
Monastic Calling:

At the age of 26, he became a monk and later was ordained a priest, taking the name Arsenios.
He settled in the village of Farasa in Cappadocia, where he became the parish priest and spiritual father to the local community.

Saint Arsenios was known for his asceticism, humility, and unceasing prayer. Despite his frail health, he tirelessly ministered to his flock, baptizing, teaching, and guiding them spiritually.
His deep love for his people and his closeness to God endowed him with the gift of miracles, including healing illnesses and driving out evil spirits.
He was also known for his ability to foresee events, providing comfort and guidance during difficult time.

During the Greco-Turkish population exchange in 1924, Saint Arsenios led his flock from Farasa to Greece. Despite his advanced age and frailty, he ensured the spiritual and physical safety of his people during this harrowing journey.
Upon arriving in Greece, he lived briefly in Corfu and then settled in Kerkini, near Thessaloniki.
Repose and Burial:

Saint Arsenios reposed in the Lord on November 10, 1924, just a few months after arriving in Greece.
His relics were later transferred to the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian in Souroti, near Thessaloniki, where they remain a site of pilgrimage.

Saint Arsenios reposed in the Lord on November 10, 1924, just a few months after arriving in Greece.
His relics were later transferred to the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian in Souroti, near Thessaloniki, where they remain a site of pilgrimage.

Saint Arsenios was canonized by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in 1986.
His feast day is celebrated on November 10, the day of his repose.

Saint Arsenios continues to inspire Orthodox Christians with his deep faith, humility, and love for his flock. His life is a testament to resilience in the face of persecution and unwavering devotion to Christ.
Numerous miracles are attributed to his intercession, and he remains a spiritual father to many, especially through his connection to Elder Paisios of Mount Athos, who venerated him deeply and recorded much about his life.