Venerable Leontios of Achaia

Commemorated on December 10.

Saint Leontios (Leóntios) was born in Monemvasia in the Pelopónnēsos. His parents were Andrew and Theodora, and he received the name Leon at his Baptism. His father was sufficiently wealthy and a prominent man.

Emperor Andronikos II Palaiológos (1283 – 1328) gave him an important position in the central administration of the Moriᾶ. Therefore Leon received much attention from his parents and studied foreign languages, philosophy, and theology at Constantinople. When his father died, Leon returned to Monemvasia and took care of his mother. Then his mother retired to a monastery and, with her blessing, Leon got married.

He was a model husband, the head of his family, and a good worker. But then he faced some great trials. First his wife died, and then his children. So he decided to become a monk. He was tonsured with the name Leontios, and went to live with an experienced ascetic named Menides, and remained close to him for a long time.

Later he went to the Holy Mountain, where he acquired greater experience and returned to the Pelopónnēsos. He chose to live on a mountain close to Aigialeia, and he went to the cities of Achaia, preaching the Word of God. Nearby there were other zealots of the angelic life. Later, many of them excelled as members of the clergy.

Saint Leontios reposed peacefully and his reputation endured after his death. The brothers Thomas and Anthony Palaiológos built a monastery in honor of the Saint in the place of his ascetical contests, and dedicated it to the Archangel Michael.

In Greek usage Saint Leontios is commemorated on December 11. Most of his Holy Relics are located in the Monastery of the Archangels at Aigialeia.