Saint Paul of Latra came from the city of Elea, born to noble parents. At an early age, he lost his father and was raised in the monastery of Saint Stephen in Phrygia. After the death of his mother, he dedicated himself to the service of God in a monastery on Mount Latra. Mortifying the flesh, the saint never lay down on a bed, but devoted himself to prayer and contemplation, often hanging stones on his back to overcome sleep. Having withdrawn into silence in a cave, he later settled on a high mountain, where a shepherd brought him food. Paul acquired the gift of foresight and performed miracles, attracting many ascetics who founded a monastery. Emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitus and the Pope of Rome honored him for his God-pleasing life. Yearning for silence, he twice withdrew to the island of Samothrace, where he restored monasteries. Returning to Latra, he predicted the hour of his death and peacefully surrendered his spirit to the Lord on December 16, 956.
