Hierarch4th century

Saint Arkadios the Wonderworker Bishop of Arsinoe

Also known as Arcadius of Arsinoe, Cyprus

A bishop and wonderworker of Arsinoe in Cyprus in the late third and early fourth centuries.

August 29New Calendar

Feast Day

September 11Old Calendar

Suggest a correction Contribute

Icon galleryBrowse icons and imagery elsewhere

Commemorated as

Our Father among the Saints Arkadios the Wonderworker, Bishop of Arsinoe

Life

Arkadios was a bishop of Arsinoe in Cyprus, remembered in the Orthodox tradition as a wonderworker. The synaxarion places him in the early Christian centuries of the island; the in-repo record assigns him to the late third and early fourth centuries. He is commemorated on August 29.

According to the tradition, Arkadios was born at Arsinoe to pious and wealthy parents named Michael and Anna. He travelled to Constantinople for his education and, according to the account, preserved his Christian way of life amid the temptations of the capital before returning to Cyprus.

Back on the island he became known for his ascetic discipline and his virtues, withdrawing to the mountains and caves to pursue a life of prayer. The tradition credits him with the gifts of casting out demons, healing the sick, and foreseeing future events, from which his title of wonderworker derives.

He was eventually raised to the episcopal throne of Arsinoe in succession to Bishop Nikon. As bishop he is said to have devoted himself to instructing his flock in the Orthodox faith against the heretical currents of his day. The tradition relates that he shepherded the people of Arsinoe until his peaceful repose on August 29.

Troparion1 hymnReadHide

TroparionTone 4

In truth you were revealed to your flock as a rule of faith,
an image of humility and a teacher of abstinence;
your humility exalted you;
your poverty enriched you.
Hierarch Father Arkadios,
entreat Christ our God
that our souls may be saved.

Text used with permission of the Orthodox Church in America (oca.org).

Contributions & Legacy

3 contributionsReadHide

Ascetic Life and Spiritual Gifts

The tradition presents Arkadios first as an ascetic rather than as an administrator. After his studies in Constantinople he returned to Cyprus and, according to the account, sought out the mountains and caves of the land for solitary prayer and struggle.

It was from this ascetic life that his reputation as a wonderworker grew. The synaxarion relates that, by the grace of God, he drove demons from those who were afflicted, cured illnesses, and was given the gift of foreseeing things to come.

Episcopate at Arsinoe

By tradition, Bishop Nikon of Arsinoe, recognizing Arkadios's sanctity, drew him into the clergy, and after Nikon's death the people of Arsinoe chose Arkadios as his successor on the episcopal throne. The account notes that he was reluctant to leave his ascetic calling for the office.

As bishop, Arkadios is remembered for guarding his flock from heresy. The account names the Arian, Pneumatomachian, and Gnostic teachings as the errors he opposed, working to ground the people of Cyprus in the Orthodox faith.

Veneration

Local veneration of Arkadios is associated with the Paphos region of Cyprus. According to the tradition, a monastery built in the fifth century near Kinousa honored his memory, and shrines connected with him existed in the villages of Kathikas and Giolou.

Family1 relativeShowHide

Named in the tradition as the brother of Arkadios, also venerated at Arsinoe in Cyprus.

Saint Theosebiosthe God-bearer of Arsinoe

Companions1 figureShowHide

Arkadios's predecessor on the episcopal throne of Arsinoe, who according to the tradition first drew him into the clergy.

Saint Nikon the GreatBishop of Arsinoe

Related SaintsShowHide

Browse other saints who share his calling and place.

More Wonderworkers205 More Hierarchs580 More Bishops702

Sources: OCA Synaxarion (oca.org), Lives of the Saints