From: rich <
richarra@gmail.com>
June 12: Saint Peter the Athonite
(also known as Saint Peter of Mount Athos)
9th century
Saint Peter the Athonite was the first ascetic of the holy mountain,
Mount Athos. Saint Peter established a long tradition of ascetic and
monastic practices on the holy mountain, which continue today.
Peter was born of noble Greek parents in Constantinople. As a young
man, he vowed to become a monk, filling called by the Lord to a life
of contemplation and prayer. However, he was made to serve in the
Roman army against the Saracens--an action that he was opposed to--and
during battle, was taken captive. Peter was imprisoned in Syria, in
the prison of Samara.
Peter remained in prison for a lengthy period of time, during which he
took inventory of his life, considering his sinfulness, and
contemplating his actions and the retribution of the Lord that had
occurred as a result. He instituted a strict fast and constant,
fervent prayer for forgiveness. Peter further turned to the saintly
men and women who had gone before him for intercession, lifting his
intentions to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, praying that he might
intercede for him with the Lord.
Saint Nicholas later appeared three times to Peter in dreams. First,
he instructed him to call upon Saint Simeon for intercession. 2nd, he encouraged Peter in patience and hope. The third time, Saint Nicholas
appeared with Saint Simeon, who touched Peter's chains with his sta=
ff,
causing them to melt away, and opened his cell door.
Free at last, Peter was assisted by Saint Nicholas across the borders
of the Greek territory. Peter re-committed himself to his vow,
traveling to Rome to embrace the life of a monk. But Saint Nicholas
was not done with Peter. Although he had disappeared, he remained
present, appearing to the Pope in a dream, and notifying him of the circumstances of Peter's liberation from prison.
On the following day, in the midst of a throng of the people who had
gathered for Mass, the Pope stood, pointed Peter out in the crowd, and proclaimed: "Peter, you who are from the Greek lands, and whom Saint
Nicholas has freed from prison in Samara, come here to me." The Pope
gave Peter the tonsure of the monk, blessed him, and sent him on his
journey east.
Uncertain of where to settle, Peter boarded a ship and set off without
much direction. Our Blessed Mother appeared to him in a dream,
providing much-needed direction. He would live on Mount Athos until
the end of his days.=C2 There, he dwelt in the desolate places of the
Holy Mountain, not seeing another person for fifty-three years. His
clothing became tattered, and his hair and beard grew and covered his
body in place of clothes.
Our Blessed Mother said of Mount Athos: "I have chosen this
mountain... and have received it from My Son and God as an
inheritance, for those who wish to forsake worldly cares and
strife.... Exceedingly do I love this place. I will aid those who come
to dwell here and who labor for God... and keep His commandments.... I
will lighten their afflictions and labors, and shall be an invincible
ally for the monks, invisibly guiding and guarding them...."
During his time on Mount Athos, Saint Peter was repeatedly assaulted
by demons who tried to trick him into leaving his holy cave. These
demons appeared in the guise of armed soldiers, beasts and vipers, and
even familiar figures from his childhood. Peter overcame each attack
through prayers to Our Lord and Our blessed Mother. He said "Here have
the Lord and the Most Holy Theotokos led me. I will not leave here
without Her permission." Hearing the name of the Mother of God, the
demons vanished.
Saint Peter died, advanced in years. He was found by a passing hunter
and his brother, who received healing of demonic possession simply by
touching the holy man. His holy relics were venerated on Mount Athos
at the monastery of Saint Clement.
=C2 by Jacob
Saint Quote:
The birds are the saints, who fly to heaven on the wings of
contemplation, who are so removed from the world that they have no
business on earth. They do not labour, but by contemplation alone they
already live in heaven.
--St. Anthony of Padua
Bible Quote:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
mercies and the God of all comfort: Who comforteth us in all our
tribulation, that we also may be able to comfort them who are in all
distress, by the exhortation wherewith we also are exhorted by God. [2 Corinthians 1:3-4] DRB
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Prayer for the help of the Holy Spirit
O God, Send forth your Holy Spirit;
into my heart--that I may perceive,
into my mind--that I may remember,
and into my soul--that I may meditate.
Inspire me to speak with piety,
holiness, tenderness, and mercy.
Teach, guide, and direct my thoughts
and senses from the beginning to the end.
May your grace ever help and correct me,
and may I be strengthened now
with wisdom from on high,
for the sake of your infinite mercy.
--St. Anthony of Padua
--- NewsGate v1.0 gamma 2
* Origin: News Gate @ Net396 -Huntsville, AL - USA (1:396/4)