Our venerable father Paul was born in Constantinople. His father, Emperor Michael Kurapalates, abdicated the royal dignity and entered a monastery, where he died in monasticism. Paul's mother, Procopius, saw in a dream that she gave birth to a lamb, which became a symbol of the future saint. The birth of Procopius was celebrated throughout Constantinople. After renouncing the royal crown, Procopius received an excellent upbringing and education, becoming a well-known philosopher. Realizing the vanity of the world, he withdrew into the desert, taking the name Paul and being tonsured a monk.
Paul settled in the monastery of Xiropotam, where he began to lead a strict life. His humility and virtues attracted many monks, and soon a community formed around him. Emperor Roman, having learned about the saint, summoned him to Constantinople, where Paul healed him from illness. Roman, wishing to perpetuate the memory of Paul, restored the monastery of Xiropotam and gifted it a part of the life-giving tree of the Cross of the Lord.
After returning to the Holy Mountain, Paul founded a new monastery dedicated to Saint George. Two days before his death, he gathered the brotherhood and reminded them of the importance of humility and love for one another. The venerable one reposed on July 28, leaving commandments about love and humility. His relics were solemnly transferred to Constantinople, where they were placed in the great church, causing joy and veneration among the people.
