Hierarch 9th century

Arsenius Archbishop of Kerkyra

d. 959

Also known as Arsenius of Corfu

Archbishop of Corfu and a hymnographer who pleaded for his people before the emperor.

Feast Day

January 19

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Commemorated as

Our Father among the Saints Arsenius, Archbishop of Corfu

Life

Arsenius, Archbishop of Corfu, also called Arsenius of Kerkyra, was a hierarch, hymnographer, and spiritual writer of the ninth and tenth centuries. He is commemorated on January 19.

By the accounts he was a native of Palestine, born at Bethany near Jerusalem, and entered the monastic life as a young man, completing his studies at Seleucia before his ordination to the priesthood. He served for a time in Constantinople, where he was esteemed by the patriarch.

He was appointed bishop of Corfu, and when the see was raised to the rank of an archdiocese he became its first archbishop. By the accounts the island withstood a Saracen attack during his episcopate, under his leadership.

Contributions & Legacy

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Hymnographer and Pastor

Arsenius was remembered as a highly educated man and a renowned spiritual writer. By the tradition he gave the service for the blessing of oil, the sacrament of Holy Unction, the form in which it has since been used in the Church. He is also remembered for constantly defending his flock from the wrath of the emperor, pleading on their behalf.

Returning from a journey to Constantinople, he fell gravely ill and reposed at Corinth, by the accounts in the year 959. His relics were afterward brought to Corfu, where he is venerated as a patron of the island.

Sources: OCA Synaxarion (oca.org), Jan 19