St Paul of Latros ~ A "Bi-Ritual" Saint

Saint Paul of Latros is honoured in both West and East today. Here is his story from both traditions:

From the West:

From Fr Alban Butler's Lives of the Saints:

A 10th-century hermit whose radical pursuit of solitude, prayer, and holiness made him one of the great ascetics of the Eastern Church. Born in Pergamon, St Paul was deeply affected by the death of his father in battle against the Saracens. Though still young, he had already learned the vanity of the world and longed for a life entirely devoted to God. Under the guidance of his brother St Basil the Elder, Paul entered monastic life and later withdrew to the harsh wilderness of Mount Latros, embracing extreme austerity and solitude. Despite severe temptations, physical suffering, and isolation, St Paul persevered in prayer and contemplation. His holiness soon attracted disciples, whom he guided with great charity and wisdom—caring little for his own body but ensuring that others lacked nothing. He later withdrew to the island of Samos, repopulated monasteries destroyed by the Saracens, advised emperors, and showed extraordinary love for the poor—at one point even attempting to sell himself into slavery to help those in need. St Paul the Younger died peacefully on December 15, 956, after celebrating Mass and giving final instructions to his disciples. The Church commemorates him on December 15.

From the East:

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Saint Paul of Latros was a native of the city of Aelen in Pergamum. Early bereft of his father, he was educated at the monastery of Saint Stephen in Phrygia. After the death of his mother, he devoted himself completely to monastic deeds at a monastery on Mount Latra, near Miletos.

Seeking even loftier accomplishments, he secluded himself in a cave. For his ascetic deeds he gained the gifts of clairvoyance and wonderworking. The emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogenitos (912-959) often wrote to him, asking his prayers and counsel. Saint Paul twice withdrew to the island of Samos, where he established a monastery and restored three monasteries ravaged by the Hagarenes (Arabs). Foretelling his end, the monk reposed in the year 955.

Troparion — Tone 4

Since you dwell together with the bodiless hosts / and are a companion of all the venerable ones, / we praise you, most glorious Paul, / and we beseech you: / “Always pray for us, so that we may find mercy!”

Kontakion — Tone 8

From your youth, O wise one, you bravely desired that which passes understanding / and you forsook the tumult of the world. / Because of your divine way of life you became a dwelling of the Trinity / and enlighten those who turn to you with faith! / Therefore we cry out to you: “Rejoice, most wealthy Paul!”