Saint Peter the Athonite was of Greek origin. He had served as a military commander until, after a period of captivity in Arabia, he resolved to live a monastic life. While he was imprisoned, he reflected on his former life and recalled his earlier desire to become a monk. He therefore began to pray to Saint Nicholas, promising that if he was freed, he would not return to live a worldly life. Saint Nicholas appeared to him in a dream, encouraged him, and directed him to Saint Symeon the God-receiver, who would be his guide and intercessor before God.
After many prayers and strict fasting, Saint Symeon released Venerable Peter from his chains. Peter traveled to Rome, where he became a monk and venerated the tomb of Apostle Peter. Saint Nicholas continued to protect him on his journey. Wishing not to return to his relatives, Peter made his way to Mount Athos, where he chose to withdraw into a remote cave.
For fifty-three years he lived in prayer and fasting, enduring temptations and attacks from demons. The Lord cared for him by sending an angel to bring him food. One day, a hunter got frightened upon seeing him. However, Peter made him feel safe and spoke to him about his life. The hunter returned to the saint, seeking guidance and faithfully keeping all his instructions.
A year later, when he came to visit the saint together with his brother and other monks, they found the saint dead. The hunter’s brother touched the saint’s body and got healed of the demons that had afflicted him.
The holy relics of Venerable Peter were transferred to a church, where the funeral service was celebrated.
