Peter the Wonderworker was a 9th-century bishop born in Constantinople to a pious and philanthropic family. Although he initially declined a nomination to become the Bishop of Corinth to remain a monk, he eventually served as the Bishop of Argos and Nauplion. He was highly regarded for his scholarly intellect and his dedicated service to the community, particularly through his leadership in famine relief and the ransoming of captives. His reputation for performing miracles earned him the title of thaumaturge.
Life and service
Born into a wealthy and charitable family, Peter embraced monasticism after hearing a divine calling. As a bishop, he managed food supplies during periods of crop failure, ensuring that resources for the hungry never depleted. He also worked to free prisoners and heal the sick. In 920, he participated in a significant synod in Constantinople regarding Emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitus. His academic contributions are preserved in the Patrologia Graeca.
Veneration and relics
Following his death in Argos, reports emerged of his face undergoing transfiguration and his body producing a sacred oil. His remains were eventually moved to Nafplio and later taken abroad by Venetian forces. After a long search, his relics were found at a monastery near Rome and returned to Argos in 2008. He is honored as the patron saint of Argos, where a cathedral was established in his name in the 19th century.