Early Life and Monastic Formation
Arsenius was born in Tver and entered monastic life in his youth at the Kiev Caves monastery, where he received his tonsure and monastic training. According to his vita, he stood out among the brethren for his strictness in keeping his monastic vows, his knowledge of the Church typikon, his study of Holy Scripture, and his love for work.
He served as archdeacon under Metropolitan Cyprian of Kiev. When the Metropolitan was absent, Arsenius governed the administration of the Kiev metropolitanate, a role that reflected the trust placed in him.
Consecration as Bishop of Tver
On July 3, 1390, Arsenius traveled with Metropolitan Cyprian to Tver. A council was convened there to address disputes involving Bishop Euthymius, who was deposed. Metropolitan Cyprian then appointed Arsenius to the vacant see.
Arsenius at first refused the appointment twice, troubled by the turmoil within the city. He accepted episcopal consecration only after he was threatened with suspension. The consecration took place on August 15, 1390, with Saint Stephen, Bishop of Perm, among the consecrating bishops.
Episcopal Ministry and Building Works
As Bishop of Tver, Arsenius was remembered as a man of great prayer and a peacemaker who worked to reduce the local discord that had marked his accession. During his tenure cathedrals were built in honor of the Archangel Michael at Staritsa and Mikulina, and the Savior-Transfiguration cathedral was restored together with its belltower.
He founded the Zheltikov monastery on the river Tmaka near Tver, which included churches honoring Saints Anthony and Theodosius and a stone Dormition cathedral. He also directed the compilation of the 'Arseniev Redaction,' drawn from ancient manuscripts of the Kiev Caves Paterikon.
Relics and Glorification
Saint Arsenius reposed on March 2, 1409, and was buried at the Zheltikov monastery he had founded. His relics were found incorrupt in 1483, and in that same year the hieromonk Theodosius composed a Life and a Canon in his honor.
The Council of 1547 officially recognized Arsenius as a saint, establishing his commemoration church-wide on March 2.
