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.
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