Arcadius of Constantinople

Holy Venerable Arcadius of Constantinople lived in the fifth century, in the noble family of Xenophon and Maria, together with his brother John. The family is commemorated on 8 February.

The parents were rich and of high birth, but were distinguished by simplicity of soul and goodness of heart. Wishing to give their sons a fuller education, they sent John and Arcadius to the Phoenician city of Beirut. By the providence of God, the ship on which the two brothers sailed was wrecked, and the waves cast them ashore in different places. Grieved by the separation, the brothers gave themselves to God and became monks.

The parents received no word from the children for a long time and thought them lost. But the venerable Xenophon, already old, kept a firm hope in the Lord, comforted his wife Maria and urged her not to grieve but to believe that the Lord would keep the children. After a few years the couple made a pilgrimage to the holy places and met their sons in Jerusalem, who were struggling in different monasteries. Rejoicing, the parents thanked the Lord, who by His providence had joined the whole family again. Xenophon and Maria gave the rest of their lives to God, becoming monastics themselves. The venerable Arcadius and John, taking leave of their parents, withdrew into the desert, where after long labours they became known for the gift of working wonders and of insight. The venerable elders Xenophon and Maria, struggling in silence and strict fasting, also received from God the gift of working wonders.