Saint Arsenius The Great

Biography

Saint Arsenius The Great, also known as Arsenius the Roman, Arsenius the Deacon, and Arsenio, was born in 354 in the Roman Empire to a wealthy noble family. From an early age, he displayed great piety and a yearning for spiritual knowledge. Arsenius was ordained as a deacon and eventually became the tutor to the sons of Emperor Theodosius the Great around the year 383. However, around 395, Arsenius made the decision to leave behind his prestigious position and worldly attachments to pursue a life of deeper spirituality. He traveled to Alexandria, Egypt, where he joined the community of monks. It was during this time that he established a close relationship with the renowned desert father, Saint John the Short, from whom he sought spiritual guidance and instruction. After the death of Emperor Theodosius, Arsenius felt a calling to a more solitary existence. He retreated to the wilderness of Scetis, where he embraced the life of a hermit. His remarkable asceticism and austere lifestyle became widely known, and he gained a reputation for his extraordinary acts of self-denial. Arsenius dedicated himself entirely to prayer, fasting, and contemplation, seeking unity with God through a life of simplicity and detachment from worldly pleasures. Throughout his years as a hermit, Arsenius demonstrated unwavering faith and spiritual strength, inspiring many who sought his counsel. He became recognized as a wise and holy man, sought after by those seeking spiritual guidance or simply longing to witness a life entirely devoted to God. Arsenius lived a life of complete obedience to the will of God, finding solace and fulfillment in his isolation from the distractions of the world. Saint Arsenius The Great's exemplary life came to an end around 449 at the age of ninety-five. He passed away in Troë, near Memphis, Egypt, from natural causes. His legacy as a model of asceticism and devotion to God lives on, with his feast days celebrated on July 19th and May 8th in the Eastern Orthodox tradition, and the 13th of Pashons in the Coptic Orthodox tradition. While Saint Arsenius The Great is not associated with any specific patronage, his life serves as an inspiration to all those seeking a deeper relationship with God and an understanding of the transformative power of simplicity, humility, and complete surrender to the Divine. His pre-congregation canonization status signifies the recognition of his holiness by the church even before the process of formal canonization was established. Saint Arsenius The Great remains an important figure in the history of early Christianity, reminding believers of the power of self-denial, prayer, and contemplation in their journey toward spiritual enlightenment. His life serves as a beacon of light and an example of faithfulness to God's calling, offering guidance and encouragement to all who encounter his story.