October 2005		St. Peter of Galatia Feast Day October 9				Mark Merlino - Home page
The following is the life of "Peter of Galatia." The Greek original text can be found in Syntax CP 121-24, 125 f. As well, an on-line version of this text is made available in the Dumbarton Oaks Hagiography Database. This 'Life' briefly recalls the life and career of Peter of Galatia, who lived c.814- c.886.
Peter the Wonderworker. This saint came from the province of Galatia, from a village called Gena by the metropolis Gangra. He was the son of Theophilos and Eudokia and was given the name Leo in holy Baptism. When he had grown up, he was very handsome and had a good stature. He prepared for village work but in the time of the hated Emperor Theophilos, he was chosen and assigned to the tagma of Exkoubitores. Having been distinguished in the army in a short period of time and seeing the uncertainty and helplessness of life, he took residence at Daphneonos, cut his hair and called himself Peter. Having been at Olympos, he surrendered himself to the many there so that they may receive him. He fasted on the seventh, second and third. From that spot, he set out to holy places. From there to Cyprus, then to Laodikeia and to Attaleia. And with all the hard work in the journeys, he nobly rescued the uneducated soul of the Ismaelites and he returned back to Olympos. And when the height of his civic virtue was made known to the Emperor, the royal and most pious one asked him most earnestly to ascend to the place that is called the house of Saint Phokas in Stenos. For the land had been offered to him as a gift and nearly 150 brothers were gathered together in this place. And he drove on to a great old age; in peace his spirit came before God, bringing forth light, marked with the sign of greatness.