Arcadius of Novotorsk

Venerable Arcadius of Novotorsk (also of Vyazma) was from the city of Vyazma, born to pious parents who taught him prayer and obedience from childhood. The gentle, perceptive, prudent and good youth chose for his ascetic feat to be a fool for Christ. He lived by alms and slept wherever he found himself, in the forest or on a church porch. His blessed serenity and closeness to nature gave the young Arcadius a peculiar spiritual aspect and aloofness from worldly vanity. In church, absorbed in prayer, he often wept tears of tenderness and spiritual joy. Though he seldom spoke, his advice was always good, and his predictions were fulfilled.

An experienced guide, Saint Ephraim the Wonderworker of Novotorsk (28 January), helped the young ascetic to avoid spiritual dangers on the difficult and unusual path of foolishness. After this the people of Vyazma witnessed several miracles worked through Arcadius's prayers, but the saint fled human fame and traveled along the upper Tvertsa River. There he shared the work with his spiritual guide Ephraim, and with him founded a church and monastery in honor of the holy passion-⁠bearers Boris and Gleb (2 May). Entering the newly built monastery, Arcadius became a monk and took on the exploit of full obedience to his spiritual father Ephraim. He never missed Liturgy and was always the first to appear for Matins together with his guide. After Ephraim's repose (28 January 1053), Arcadius continued to pursue asceticism in accord with the last wishes of his elder, dwelling in prayer, fasting and silence. After several years he also fell asleep in the Lord, on 13 December 1077.

In 1594 a chapel dedicated to Arcadius was built in one of the churches of Vyazma. A combined celebration of Saints Arcadius and Ephraim was established by Metropolitan Dionysius in the years 1584 to 1587. The relics of Arcadius, glorified by miracles of healing, were uncovered on 11 June 1572, and on 11 July 1677 they were placed in a stone crypt of the cathedral of Saints Boris and Gleb in the city of Novotorsk (New Market). In 1841 the left side chapel of that cathedral was dedicated in his honor. The solemn celebration of the 300th anniversary of the uncovering of his relics took place in Novotorsk in July 1977. He is commemorated on 11 July (new style; 24 July on the old calendar), on 14 August and on 11 June (transfer of his relics).