Peter of Alexandria (Athos) Icon - S309

Saint Peter was archbishop of Alexandria for 12 years at the beginning of the 4th century. He it was who excommunicated the priest Arius for his heresy. Saint Peter was arrested and imprisoned at the command of Emperor Maximinus in 312. While in prison, Arius and his followers asked to be received back into the Church. But upon receiving a vision from Christ of what harm Arius would later to to the Church, he refused. Saint Peter was beheaded soon afterwards, and was the last leader of the Alexandrian Church to be martyred under the pagan emperors. His feast is celebrated on November 24.