Saint Paul of Xeropotamou was born in Constantinople into a deeply devout family. His father renounced worldly life, entered a monastery, and completed his life with ascetic devotion, while his mother had a vision foretelling the birth of her son.
As he grew up, the saint was raised with prudence and love, received an excellent education, and distinguished himself for his knowledge of philosophy. Yet, sensing the vanity of the world, he withdrew into the desert, where he lived in solitude and took the monastic name Paul.
He settled in a hut near the Holy Monastery of Xeropotamou in Mount Athos. There he began to practice the principles of monastic life. His humility and virtues became an example to many monks, who soon gathered around him, forming a monastic community.
Emperor Romanos, having learned of the saint’s activity and enlightened personality, called him to Constantinople. Paul healed the emperor of the illness that afflicted him. In gratitude, the emperor renovated the Monastery of Xeropotamou and donated to the brotherhood a fragment of the life-giving Wood of the Cross of the Lord.
After returning to Mount Athos, Paul founded a new monastery dedicated to Saint George.
Two days before his death, he called the brethren together and spoke to them about the importance of humility and love. He fell asleep in the Lord on July 28, leaving behind a rich legacy of teachings and spiritual counsel. His relics were transferred with great honor to Constantinople.
