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About St. Arnold of Metz

Saint Arnold (Arnulf) of Metz started out as a prominent nobleman and high-ranking advisor at the Merovingian royal court of Austrasia. Deeply weary of political life and desiring a quiet life of prayer, Arnold and his close friend, fellow courtier Saint Romaric, initially planned to withdraw from the world together to become monks. However, the king and the people refused to dispense with his administrative talents; instead of joining a monastery, Arnold was intercepted and consecrated Bishop of Metz around 611, seeing in this, the will of God. His wife, Doda, subsequently entered a convent, and Arnold accepted the office, continuing to serve as a chief minister and tutor to the young King Dagobert I.

Years later, still yearning for monastic peace, Arnold sought to resign his bishopric. This infuriated King Dagobert, who threatened to execute Arnold's sons if he abandoned his post. Rather than backing down, Arnold entrusted his sons entirely to the will of God. Enraged by this response, the king drew his sword to strike Arnold—prompting the queen to intervene and warn her husband that killing a holy man would bring down God's wrath upon them, which ultimately led Dagobert to repent and grant him leave.

Arnold finally retired to the wilderness of the Vosges mountains. There, he embraced radical humility by personally tending to lepers and cooking for the poor. In his final years, he fulfilled his lifelong dream by reuniting with Romaric—who had preceded him to the mountains to co-found Remiremont Abbey—living out his remaining days in ascetic peace until his death around 640.

Saint Arnold is commemorated on August 16th (Julian Calendar) which marks the day of his repose.

Listen to His Eminence, Metropolitan Demetrius of America, discuss the Bishop who left his throne for a hut.