After the repose of Saint Peter the Athonite (June 12) in 734, two monks who had robbed his grave stole the Saint’s relics. Fleeing Mount Athos, they eventually arrived at the village of Phokai, which was located in Thrace. In the village stood a well, where the monks sat down to eat bread after their weary journey. Meanwhile, the relics of the Saint hung in a sack from the branch of a nearby olive tree.
As the monks were eating, a number of men, women, and children approached them, shouting:
“Where is the great Peter who has come from Mount Athos? We must go out and meet him!”