Arsenius of Paros

Venerable Arsenius of Paros (1800 to 1877) was glorified by the Patriarchate of Constantinople in 1967. On 18 August (new style; 31 August on the old calendar) the Church commemorates the uncovering of his relics; his main feast, "the glory of Epirus and the boast of Paros," is on 31 January.

Arsenius and his elder stayed on Mount Athos six years before being forced to leave by ignorant monks who were against the Kollyvades movement. The Kollyvades called for strict adherence to holy Tradition, opposed memorial services on Sundays and believed that Christians should receive Holy Communion more frequently than four times a year. They also practiced unceasing prayer of the heart (hesychasm), which was misunderstood by many at that time. Some of the Athonite monks, in their ignorance, were highly critical of the Kollyvades, insulting and mistreating them and forcing them into exile. Father Daniel and Arsenius left Athos when anti-⁠Kollyvades sentiment against frequent Communion was particularly intense, just before the start of the Greek War of Independence on 25 March 1821. After a brief stay at the Penteli Monastery near Athens, the two went to the island of Paros. Unable to remain there, they ultimately settled on the island of Pholegandros. Since there were no teachers on the island, the inhabitants asked Father Daniel to permit Father Arsenius to teach their children. The elder agreed and had Arsenius ordained a deacon by the Metropolitan of Thira. After his ordination the Greek government appointed him a teacher. His teaching career lasted from 1829 to 1840. His relics are in the Christou Dasous Monastery on Paros.