On the high bank of the Dnieper, the golden domes of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra shine. For almost a thousand years, the ringing of its bells has been heard over the water, turning people’s thoughts to eternity and filling souls with the warmth of God’s Grace. This ancient monastery became a monument to its creator, whose name is St. Anthony of Pechersk. At the beginning of the 11th century, the Lord brought him to these places, blessing him to live a monastic life and found one of the main strongholds of Russian Orthodoxy.

The path to becoming a monk

His life only briefly mentions where Anthony of Pechersk spent his early years. It is known that the future ascetic was born in 983 in Lyubech, a small village not far from Chernigov, and at holy baptism he was named Antipas. That's probably all that is known about his childhood. History has not even preserved the names of the parents who gave the world one of the brightest pillars of the Orthodox Church.

From an early age, feeling an irresistible desire to serve God, he went on foot to distant Palestine to see with his own eyes the places where the years of Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry passed. Having fulfilled this intention, on the way back Antipas visited another spiritual center of Christianity - Saint Athos. Here he not only offered prayers in front of the miraculous images kept in ancient temples, but also, with blessing, received them with the name Anthony.

Homecoming

The life of Anthony of Pechersk in the days of Saint Prince Vladimir - the Baptist of Rus' - took place mainly among the Athonite monks. For several years he lived within the walls of the monastery, strengthening his faith and comprehending Divine teaching under the guidance of wise mentors. But the Lord wished that, having succeeded in the sciences, Anthony would return to his homeland, bringing the light of Christ’s truth to the banks of the Dnieper. He expressed this will of His to the abbot of the Athos monastery, and he, having blessed the monk, sent him on his way back to the newly consecrated Russian lands, to plant monasticism there too. This is how Saint Anthony of Pechersk ended the period of his wanderings.

His life tells how in 1028, having returned to Kyiv, for the exploits of ascetic life he chose a cave dug on Berestovaya Mountain by Presbyter Hilarion, the future Metropolitan of Kyiv. On the banks of the Dnieper in those years there were already several monasteries built by the Greeks, but life in none of them met the high spiritual demands that Anthony’s soul demanded. Secluded in a cave, he indulged in fasting and prayers, content every other day with only stale bread and a sip of water.

Since ancient times in Rus', ascetics who renounced earthly goods for the sake of serving God were revered, so the fame of the ascetic life of the hermit who tied himself up on Birch Bark Mountain quickly spread not only to Kyiv, but also to many other cities. Hundreds of people, seeking instruction, blessing, or wise advice in a difficult life situation, began to come to his cave, and the Monk Anthony of Pechersk did not refuse anyone.

The arrival of numerous brethren

Soon those who wanted to settle with him and perform the feat of monastic service together appeared. The first to make such a request was a priest named Nikon. Following him came from Kursk the future holy associate of Anthony, the Monk Theodosius. He also, from a young age, was inflamed with love for the Lord and saw his destiny in serving Him with his whole life.

Anthony and Theodosius of Pechersk, and with them Priest Nikon, became the first inhabitants of the future monastery. It was with them that the world-famous Lavra began. The life of St. Anthony of Pechersk tells that when about a dozen more followers joined them, he left the already inhabited cave and, retiring to a neighboring mountain, dug a new one, where he settled in solitude. But everything that happened before was repeated - monks began to settle near him again. This was the beginning of the Near and Far caves of the Lavra, which can still be seen today.

Glory to the great ascetic

The Monk Theodosius, who remained in his original place, was soon elected rector of the monastery, the life of which he organized in accordance with the charter of the Constantinople Studite Monastery. These were strict rules that provided for the community of all property and a life spent in constant prayer and labor. Each monk carried out the obedience assigned to him by the abbot, who decided what he could do. An indispensable condition of life in the monastery were daily confessions, during which the monks opened their souls and confided their most secret thoughts to the mentor.

When Prince Izyaslav, the grandson of the baptizer of Rus', Saint Prince Vladimir, came to power in Kyiv, the glory of the Monk Anthony had already spread throughout the Russian land. It strengthened even more when Izyaslav and his entire retinue came to the caves to ask him for a blessing for himself and his army. The life of the Monks Anthony and Theodosius of Pechersk reports that after this the number of those wishing to become a monk increased significantly. Most of these lovers of Christ were tonsured on Berestovaya Mountain and became a worthy continuation of the work they began.

Conflict with Prince Izyaslav

But it was not only the joy of spiritual communication that the laypeople who came to them brought to the monks. They were the result of their comings and sorrows, integral to our earthly life. The short life of Anthony of Pechersk gives such a sad example. One day two Kievites came to him - the son of a noble boyar named Varlaam and the prince's eunuch Ephraim. Both of them wished to become monks and were soon tonsured. However, such a godly deed had the most unexpected and regrettable consequences for the entire brethren.

When Varlaam’s father found out about his son’s tonsure, he, without feeling the slightest sympathy for his action, came to the caves with his numerous servants. Having pushed the brethren away in the most inappropriate manner, he forcibly took home the boy who dared to take such an important step in life without his father’s blessing. Antony and experienced what happened with bitterness. But what was their grief when Grand Duke Izyaslav himself was filled with anger upon learning of the tonsure of his beloved eunuch!

Forced departure from the caves

The ruler of Kiev, in the heat of anger, threatened to seize and imprison the venerable monks if they did not convince Varlaam and Ephraim to renounce their monasticism and continue their former worldly life. Izyaslav also threatened to disperse the entire brethren of the monastery and bury the caves themselves. There is no doubt that the prince was prompted to such furious anger by the “enemy of the human race” himself.

Anthony of Pechersk, who built his life solely on the fulfillment of God's commandments and did not bow his head before earthly rulers, was forced to leave the caves and, together with the Monk Theodosius and all the brethren, go in search of a new place to live. Only the intercession of the princess served to soften the ruler’s heart and made it possible for the monks to return to their original place.

Construction of the first building of the future Lavra

However, the monk did not hold any grudge in his heart against those who caused him suffering. Seeing in this only the machinations of the evil one, he opened his heart even wider to all the children of God. And the Lord did not leave him. Soon everyone who had left them gathered in the caves, seeking salvation from the prince’s wrath. The pious monastic life, interrupted by such an unfortunate circumstance, was resumed.

When the number of brethren increased considerably, a wooden church was built on the mountain in the name of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary - the first building of the future Lavra. During this period, evidence appears of miracles performed by Anthony of Pechersk. The life of the saint is filled with examples of how he healed the sick who came to him and predicted many future events hidden from the eyes of ordinary people. This gift of God puts him on a par with the great saints who once found themselves in the sultry deserts of Egypt. Anyone who carefully reads the life of St. Anthony of Pechersk will no doubt agree with this statement.

Leaving for Chernigov

Years passed, and the Lord again allowed sorrow to penetrate Anthony’s pure heart. Again the evil one chose the Kyiv prince Izyaslav as his weapon. This time he darkened his mind with the slander that Anthony was allegedly mentally disposed towards his enemy Vseslav Borisovich, the Polotsk prince from the Rurik family, and supported him when he caused unrest in Kyiv. This accusation was of a political nature and could have the most dire consequences.

Help unexpectedly came from Chernigov, where Izyaslav’s brother, Prince Svyatoslav, ruled in those years. Having learned about what had happened, he secretly took Anthony to his domain, where he could continue his monastic service in safety. For a solitary, reclusive life, he dug a cave in the Boldin Mountains, which also laid the foundation for the monastery of the Holy Mother of God that was subsequently created there, as the life of St. Anthony of Pechersk tells us, a brief summary of which formed the basis of this article.

The result of a holy life

In the last years of his life, the holy ascetic, due to lack of strength, withdrew from the management of the monastery he created. He now devoted all his time to prayer and preparation for that great moment when he would be destined to appear before the throne of the Most High. He ended his earthly journey on May 7, 1073. His relics have not been found to this day and, according to church expression, “remain under cover.”

The Kiev Pechersk Lavra, which became the main work of his life, became a model for other monasteries built in Orthodox Rus'. It gave the world many outstanding church figures, among whom were archbishops, preachers and writers who went down in history. For them and for all in whose hearts the truth of Christ lived, the textbook of serving God has always been the repeatedly published life of Anthony of Pechersk. Its brief content can only to a small extent give an idea of ​​the whole variety of spiritual feats he accomplished.

Venerable THEODOSIY OF PECHERSK (†1074)

The founder of the cenobitic monastic charter and the founder of monasticism in the Russian land, one of the founders of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, a disciple, the third saint (after Boris and Gleb), canonized by the Russian Church, and its first reverend. The Far (Feodosievye) caves of the Lavra and the source of Theodosius on the territory of the Lavra are named after Theodosius.

Born around 1008 in the village of Vasilevo, near Kyiv. He spent his childhood in Kursk, where, by order of the prince, his parents moved. From a young age, he discovered an irresistible attraction to the ascetic life, leading an ascetic life while still in his parents' house. He did not like children's games and hobbies; he constantly went to church. He himself begged his parents to give him to learn to read the sacred books and, with excellent abilities and rare diligence, he quickly learned to read books, so that everyone was amazed at the boy’s intelligence. At the age of 14, he lost his father and remained under the supervision of his mother - a strict and domineering woman, but who loved her son very much. She punished him many times for his desire for asceticism, but the Reverend firmly took the path of asceticism.

Being devout since childhood, Theodosius wore chains and dreamed of monasticism. In 1032, in the 24th year of his life, he secretly left his parents' house and went with pilgrims to Kyiv. There he tried to take monastic vows in the Kyiv monasteries, but was refused everywhere due to his young age. Having learned about Saint Anthony, Theodosius came to him and took monastic vows (Nikon of Pechersk performed tonsure at the direction of Anthony) in the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery with the name Theodosius. He settled in a cave with Nikon the Great and Anthony.

Four years later, his mother found him and with tears asked him to return home, but the saint himself convinced her to stay in Kyiv and accept monasticism at the monastery of St. Nicholas at Askold’s grave.

The Monk Theodosius worked more than others at the monastery and often took on part of the brethren’s labors: he carried water, chopped wood, ground rye, and took flour to each monk. On hot nights, he exposed his body and gave it to mosquitoes and midges as food, blood flowed through him, but the saint patiently worked on his handicrafts and sang psalms. He appeared at the temple before others and, standing in place, did not leave it until the end of the service; I listened to the reading with special attention.

In 1054, the Monk Theodosius was ordained to the rank of hieromonk, and in 1057 he was elected abbot.

During the period of abbess in 1060-62, he organized the construction of a wooden building of the monastery, where all its then inhabitants, numbering about 100 people, moved. On the initiative of Theodosius of Pechersk, the first Charter of the Pechersk Monastery was adopted, drawn up on the basis of the studious cenobitic charter, a list of which was sent at the request of Theodosius from Constantinople around 1068. Under Theodosius, construction began on the main monastery church in honor of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The monk is also known as the founder and director of one of the first church libraries in Rus' - the library of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra.

INIn the rank of abbot, the Monk Theodosius continued to fulfill the most difficult obediences in the monastery. The saint usually ate only dry bread and boiled greens without oil. His nights passed without sleep in prayer, which the brethren noticed many times, although God’s chosen one tried to hide his feat from others. No one saw the Monk Theodosius sleeping lying down; he usually rested while sitting. During Great Lent, the saint retired to a cave located not far from the monastery, where he labored, unseen by anyone. His clothing was a stiff hair shirt, worn directly on his body, so that in this poor old man it was impossible to recognize the famous abbot, whom everyone who knew him revered.

St. Theodosius was one of the consistent fighters against Judaism. The “Kievo-Pechersk Patericon” tells about the night visits of St. Theodosius of religious meetings of Jews with the aim of exposing the latter in their plans against Christianity and saving Russian Christians from Jewish deceptions. “The blessed one,” it is narrated in the Patericon, “had the following habit: many times at night he got up and secretly from everyone went to the Jews and argued with them about Christ; reproached them and annoyed them, calling them apostates and lawless people, because he wanted to be killed for confessing Christ.”At that time in Kyiv there were many Jews who feignedly converted to Orthodoxy, but continued to profess Judaism and harm Christians in every possible way. Secret Jews even penetrated the Kiev Pechersk Lavra and harassed the Orthodox in every possible way. The monk had vigilant supervision over these changelings. Not trusting the monastic brethren, among whom there could be some not entirely trustworthy monks, the reverend abbot got up many times at night and personally, secretly from everyone, “went out” (from his chambers) to the insincere baptized Jews exiled to the monastery for correction, argued with them, reproaching and shaming them (the sloppy and annoying one) as apostates and traitors to Christianity, and really risked being subjected to any offensive actions from them.

The Monk Theodosius actively participated in the political life of Kyiv and decisively opposed Prince Svyatopolk, who overthrew Izyaslav in 1073. One day the Monk Theodosius was returning from the Grand Duke Izyaslav. The driver, who did not yet know him, said rudely: “You, monk, are always idle, and I am constantly at work. Go to my place, and let me into the chariot.” The holy elder meekly obeyed and took the servant. Seeing how the oncoming boyars bowed to the monk as they dismounted, the servant was frightened, but the holy ascetic calmed him down and, upon his arrival, fed him in the monastery. Hoping for God's help, the monk did not keep large reserves for the monastery, so the brethren sometimes suffered a need for daily bread. Through his prayers, however, unknown benefactors appeared and delivered to the monastery what was needed for the brethren. The great princes, especially Izyaslav, loved to enjoy the spiritual conversation of the Monk Theodosius. The saint was not afraid to denounce the powerful of this world. Those illegally convicted always found an intercessor in him, and judges reviewed cases at the request of the abbot, revered by all.

The monk especially cared about the poor: he built a special courtyard for them in the monastery, where anyone in need could receive food and shelter.

Having foreseen his death in advance, the Monk Theodosius peacefully departed to the Lord in 1074. He was buried in a cave he dug, in which he retired during fasting.

The relics of the ascetic were found incorrupt in 1091.

The Monk Theodosius was canonized in 1108.

The memory of St. Theodosius is celebrated:

• 16th of May(May 3, old style);
• August 27(August 14, old style) - transfer of relics;
• 10 September(August 28, old style) - as part of the Council of the Reverend Fathers of the Kiev Pechersk, resting in the Far Caves;
• September 15th(September 2, old style) - together with the Monk Anthony of Pechersk.

From the works of St. Theodosius, 6 teachings, 2 messages to the Grand Duke Izyaslav and a prayer for all Christians have reached us.

The Life of St. Theodosius was compiled by St. Nestor the Chronicler, a disciple of the great Abba, a little over 30 years after his repose and has always been one of the favorite readings of the Russian people.

Material prepared by Sergey SHULYAK

for the Church of the Life-Giving Trinity on Sparrow Hills

Prayer to St. Theodosius, Pechersk Wonderworker
Oh, sacred head, earthly angel and heavenly man, venerable and God-bearing Father Theodosius, eminent servant of the Most Holy Theotokos, in Her holy name he built a wonderful monastery on the Pechersk mountains, and shone with many miracles in it! We pray to you with many zeal, pray for us to the Lord God, and ask from him great and rich mercies: right faith, undoubted hope of salvation, unfeigned love for everyone, unshakable piety, health of soul and body, satisfaction with everyday needs, and not in Let us turn evil into the good given to us from His generous right hand, but into the glory of His Holy Name, and into our salvation. Save, saint of God, through the intercession of your saints, our country, the Orthodox Russian Church, your city, and your Lavra unharmed from all evil, and all the people who flock to worship your honest tomb and stay in your holy monastery, autumn with your Heavenly blessing and from all evils and mercifully deliver from troubles. Most of all, at the hour of our death, show us your many-powerful protection: may we, through your prayers to the Lord, deliver ourselves from the power of the fierce ruler of the world and be worthy to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. Show us, Father, your mercy and do not leave us orphaned and helpless, so that we may glorify the wondrous God in His saints, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and your holy intercession, forever and ever.Amin.

Troparion, tone 8
Having risen to virtue, having loved the monastic life from childhood, having valiantly achieved your desire, you moved into a cave, and having adorned your life with fasting and lordship, you remained in prayers as if you were bodiless, shining like a bright light in the Russian land, Father Theodosius: pray to Christ God to be saved to our souls.

Kontakion, tone 8
He was the heir of the fathers, reverend, following their life and teaching, morality and abstinence, prayer and standing. Because you have boldness towards the Lord, ask for forgiveness of sins and salvation for those crying out to you: Rejoice, Father Theodosius.

Venerable Theodosius of Pechersk

Broadcast about the life of St. Theodosius of Pechersk from the cycle “Lives of the Saints of Pechersk”.
Production: TV studio of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. year 2012

The great luminaries, the holy monks Anthony and Theodosius of Pechersk are the founders of monasticism in Rus'.

Human life is often a search: a person is constantly in search of the meaning of life, life path, calling, place in life, etc., but everything ultimately comes down to the search for truth - that which is worth living for. To seek truth means to seek the object of love! And the monks chose an unusual path for this. As Rev. wrote. John Climacus: “If people knew how difficult it is for monks, no one would go to the monastery; and if they knew what reward was prepared for them in heaven, there would be no one left in the world!” Monasticism is a great feat.

One of these ascetics is the Monk Anthony of Pechersk. The founder of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, Saint Anthony, was born in 983 near Chernigov, in the town of Lyubeche, and was named Antipa in baptism. From a young age, he felt an attraction to a higher spiritual life and wanted to devote himself to serving God, thinking about monasticism. Having come of age, he set out to wander and, having reached Athos, was inflamed with the desire to imitate the exploits of his holy inhabitants. Having taken monastic vows here, the young monk pleased God in everything and, striving on the path of virtue, especially succeeded in humility and obedience, so that all the monks rejoiced looking at his holy life. Seeing that the monk had acquired spiritual experience, seeing the holiness of his life and seeing in Anthony a great future ascetic, the abbot of the Athos monastery, at the inspiration of God, blessed him to return to his native land in order to establish a monastic residence there, hitherto not common in Rus', and saying: “ Anthony! It is time for you and others to lead in holy living. Return to your Russian land, may the blessing of the Holy Mount Athos be upon you, many monks will come from you.”

Venerable Anthony of Pechersk on Mount Athos

When the Monk Anthony returned to Kyiv, several monasteries already existed there, founded by the Greeks at the request of the princes. The saint, not finding such a strict life to which he was accustomed to on Athos, decided to continue his feat in a cave located on the high bank of the Dnieper, in a place that resembled the landscapes of Athos in its appearance. Anthony lived in great abstinence, he hardly ate or drank, slept on the ground and independently obtained food for himself, while being in a constant feat of prayer. Soon his fame spread not only throughout Kyiv, but also throughout other cities. Many Orthodox Christians came to him for spiritual advice and blessings, and future monks who chose fervent prayer and an ascetic lifestyle flocked to the ascetic. Anthony himself did not look for anyone and did not call anyone: people themselves were drawn to him. Some decided to stay with the saint forever. Among the first disciples of the Monk Anthony was Saint Nikon, with the rank of priest, the second was the Monk Theodosius, in whom Anthony saw the future builder of the monastery and a caring abbot. Thus, the words of the abbot of the Athos monastery, spoken at one time to Anthony, began to come true: “many monks will come from you.” Subsequently, a circle of disciples gathered around Anthony and a monastic monastery was formed.

The Monk Theodosius of Pechersk, the founder of the cenobitic monastic charter and the founder of monasticism in the Russian land, was born around 1008 in Vasilevo, not far from Kyiv. He was a humble youth in a rich family; he spent his youth in Kursk. His mother saw in him the heir to all his father's estates, but from a young age he discovered an irresistible attraction to the ascetic life, leading an ascetic life in his parents' house. He did not like children's games and hobbies, he gravitated more towards a solitary life, read and constantly went to church. He himself begged his parents to give him to learn to read the sacred books and, with excellent abilities and rare diligence, he quickly learned to read books, so that everyone was amazed at the boy’s intelligence. He was distinguished by modesty, humility and other good qualities. Having learned that the liturgy was sometimes not served in the church due to a lack of prosphora, he decided to take up this matter himself: he bought wheat, ground it with his own hands, and brought the baked prosphora to the church. At the age of 14, he lost his father, and only his mother, a strict woman, began to raise him. She loved her son dearly, but did not sympathize with his aspirations for asceticism, she punished him many times, but the monk firmly decided to become a monk. Having once heard the words of the Lord in church: “Whoever loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37), at the age of 23 he decided to leave both his mother and his hometown and came to Kyiv to the Monk Anthony and, falling at his feet, he asked to accept him. “Do you see, child,” Anthony asked him, “that my cave is modest and cramped?” “God himself brought me to you,” answered Theodosius, “I will do what you command me.”

Four years later, his mother found him and with tears asked him to return home, but the saint himself convinced her to stay in Kyiv and accept monasticism at the monastery of St. Nicholas at Askold’s grave.

Theodosius worked hard in obedience to his elder Anthony, fulfilled all orders unquestioningly, performed all deeds with prayer, was ordained into an angelic monastic image, his soul burned with devotion to God. In his ascetic labors, Saint Theodosius surpassed everyone who lived with him in the monastery: he carried water, chopped wood, ground rye and took flour to each monk.

The disciples of St. Anthony, under his leadership, built a temple and constructed cells, originally located in caves; That's why the monastery received the name Kiev-Pechersk.

Kelia in the caves

When the number of his companions increased to 12, the Monk Anthony, who invariably strove for solitude, appointed Varlaam abbot to the brethren, and he himself retired to a nearby mountain, dug himself a cave here and began to asceticize in a seclusion. If any of the monks strove for a more severe ascetic life, he settled next to the Monk Anthony. This is how the Near (Antoniev) and Far (Feodosiev) cave monasteries were formed.

The monastery on the old site was gradually improved. The number of brethren grew, the cave temple became too small. The monks built a small wooden church over the cave in honor of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Then it was decided to build a monastery on the surface of the earth. This undertaking was carried out with the blessing of St. Anthony. Simultaneously with the construction of the Pechersk Monastery, the foundation of a monastery in the name of St. Demetrius of Thessaloniki by Prince Izyaslav took place. The Monk Varlaam was appointed abbot to it. With the blessing of St. Anthony and with the general consent of the brethren, the meek and humble Theodosius was elected as abbot of the Pechersk Monastery in 1057. By that time the number of brethren had already reached one hundred people. The Grand Duke of Kiev Izyaslav gave the monks a mountain on which a large temple and cells were built, and a palisade was placed around it. This is how the glorious Kiev-Pechersk monastery was formed.

In the underground temple of St. Theodosius of Pechersk

Having become abbot, the Monk Theodosius began to try to establish a proper hostel according to the charter of the Constantinople Studite Monastery. The main features of the hostel he established were the following: all property of the brethren should be common, time was spent in constant work; the labors were divided according to the strength of each by the abbot; every task began with the prayer and blessing of the elder; thoughts were revealed to the abbot, who was the true leader of all to salvation. At the same time, he continued to carry out the most difficult monastic obediences. The monk himself was an example for the brethren in everything: he carried water, chopped wood, worked in a bakery, wore the simplest clothes, came first to church and to monastic work. In addition to his ascetic deeds, the Monk Theodosius was distinguished by his great mercy towards the poor and love for spiritual enlightenment, and tried to win over his brethren towards them. In the monastery he built a special house for the residence of the poor, the blind, the lame, and the paralytic, and allocated a tenth of the monastic income for their maintenance. In addition, every Saturday he sent a whole cart of bread to prisoners in prison.

The height of spirituality and holiness to which the Monk Anthony ascended was attested to God's mercy through many miracles. There is a known miracle associated with the construction of the cathedral church of the Pechersk monastery, when the Most Holy Theotokos herself appeared to the monks Anthony and Theodosius in the Blachernae church in Constantinople, where they were miraculously taken, and promised not to leave the Pechersk monastery. At this appearance, the near time of his death was revealed to the Monk Anthony. One day, master masons from Byzantium came to the Monks Anthony and Theodosius. They said that they were summoned to Blachernae by the Queen, who, being surrounded by many soldiers - among them were Saints Anthony and Theodosius - sent them to Rus' to build Her a temple and gave her an abundance of gold, as well as the relics of the holy martyrs and the local icon.

Those who listened to the Greeks glorified God. The Monk Anthony explained to them that a miracle had happened - he and Saint Theodosius did not leave the monastery. The site of the future cathedral church of the monastery was revealed through the prayers of St. Anthony, and he revealed himself to be spiritually similar to the ancient prophets Gideon and Elijah. On the first night of prayer, the Lord appeared to him and revealed that the monk had found grace before Him. Then Saint Anthony prayerfully asked that the next morning dew would fall throughout the entire area, with the exception of the site of the future temple. And so it happened. The next night, the Monk Anthony asked that the opposite happen - and dew appeared on the holy place. On the third day, after praying, they measured the length and width of the temple with a golden belt, and the Monk Anthony sent down fire through prayer, which cleared the designated place of vegetation. Thus was laid the foundation of the cathedral church of the Kiev-Pechersk monastery.

Assumption Cathedral today

While talking about this, the chronicler notes that although there are many monasteries built by the wealth of kings and boyars, they cannot compare with those built by the prayers of saints, their tears, fasting and vigil. Likewise, the Monk Anthony did not have gold, but with his labors he increased the monastery, incomparable with others, which became the first spiritual center of Russia.

Founded by the Monk Anthony and arranged by the Monk Theodosius, the Kiev-Pechersk monastery became a model for other monasteries and was of great importance for the development of the Russian Church. From its walls came famous archpastors, zealous preachers of the faith and wonderful writers. Among the saints who were tonsured at the Kiev-Pechersk monastery, Saints Leonty and Isaiah (bishops of Rostov) and Nifont (bishop of Novgorod) are especially famous. Reverend Kuksha (enlightener of the Vyatichi), writers Reverend Nestor the Chronicler and Simon.

Modern view of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra

The holy venerables Anthony and Theodosius set an example of monastic life. The Monk Anthony is a man of prayer, a recluse, whose feat was repeated many centuries later by monks who desired a strict, ascetic life and became the first monks in the Gethsemane monastery. Special trials fall on the shoulders of the abbot of the monastery, who, following the example of St. Theodosius, needs to build the life of the monastery, with special wisdom give obedience to the monks and set an example of observing a prayerful attitude.

Reverends Anthony and Theodosius

The holy life of St. Anthony illuminated the entire Russian land with the beauty of monastic feats. In his reclusive feat, the Monk Anthony overcame the infirmities of fallen human nature and received from the Lord the gift of insight and miracles, healing and casting out demons. The monk passed on the gift of a healer to his disciple Saint Agapit, who became famous as a most skillful physician.

The Monk Anthony reposed in the Lord at the 90th year of his life on May 7, 1073. The venerable relics of this venerable leader were then placed in the same cave under the great monastery in which he died. His relics are hidden from view and God, marvelous in His saints, has miraculously forbidden us to see them until now: many who dared to excavate the place where the venerable body of our venerable father Anthony was laid were punished by fire and bodily illnesses until they repented of their daring. But if the relics of our venerable father Anthony are removed from our sight, then his help is always with us and close to all who call on him. His relics work endless miracles, helping everyone who flows with faith to the holy tomb of the saint. Canonized in 1130.

Tomb of St. Anthony of Pechersk

in the Near Caves

The memory of St. Anthony is celebrated:

– September 28 (October 11) – as part of the Council of the Reverend Fathers of the Kiev Pechersk, resting in the Near Caves.

The Monk Theodosius died on May 3, 1074. They buried him in a cave he dug, in which he retired during fasting. The relics of the ascetic were found incorrupt in 1091. The transfer of the relics of the saint to the church took place on the feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos in the presence of many bishops and abbots of Kyiv monasteries. During the Tatar invasion, the relics of Theodosius were placed under cover at the western doors of the temple, where they remain to this day. The Monk Theodosius was canonized in 1108. From the works of St. Theodosius, 6 teachings, 2 messages to the Grand Duke Izyaslav and a prayer for all Christians have reached us.

Tomb of St. Theodosius of Pechersk

in the Far Caves

The memory of St. Theodosius is celebrated:

– August 28 (September 10) – as part of the Council of the Reverend Fathers of the Kiev Pechersk, resting in the Far Caves;

September 15, 2018 on the feast of saints. Anthony and Theodosius of the Kiev-Pechersk, with the blessing of His Grace Ephraim, Bishop of Borovichi and Pestovsky, the dean of the Borovichi district, the rector of the Assumption Cathedral in the city of Borovichi, Archpriest John Moroko, performed the Divine Liturgy in the church in the name of St. Anthony and Theodosius of the Kiev-Pechersk village. The front of the Borovichi deanery in the co-service of the rector of this temple, priest Igor Novikov, and the rector of the temple in the name of the Dormition of the Mother of God of the village. Lubytino priest Vladimir Konstantinov.
At the special litany, special petitions for the unity of the Orthodox Church and peace in Ukraine were read.
The sermon before communion was delivered by the rector of the church, priest Igor Novikov. During the religious procession, Archpriest John Moroko consecrated the memorial Cross on the site of the former temple.
At the end of the service, John conveyed to all those present the blessing of His Grace Ephraim, Bishop of Borovichi and Pestovsky, and congratulated the rector of the church, Priest Igor, Priest Vladimir, as well as all those praying on the Patronal Feast.

Life of Saints Anthony and Theodosius of Pechersk.

Human life is often a search: a person is constantly in search of the meaning of life, life path, calling, place in life, etc., but everything ultimately comes down to the search for truth - that which is worth living for. To seek truth means to seek the object of love! And the monks chose an unusual path for this. As Rev. wrote. John Climacus: “If people knew how difficult it is for monks, no one would go to the monastery; and if they knew what reward was prepared for them in heaven, there would be no one left in the world!” Monasticism is a great feat.
One of these ascetics is the Monk Anthony of Pechersk. The founder of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, Saint Anthony, was born in 983 near Chernigov, in the town of Lyubeche, and was named Antipas at baptism. From a young age, he felt an attraction to a higher spiritual life and wanted to devote himself to serving God, thinking about monasticism. Having come of age, he set out to wander and, having reached Athos, was inflamed with the desire to imitate the exploits of his holy inhabitants. Having taken monastic vows here, the young monk pleased God in everything and, striving on the path of virtue, especially succeeded in humility and obedience, so that all the monks rejoiced looking at his holy life. Seeing that the monk had acquired spiritual experience, seeing the holiness of his life and seeing in Anthony a great future ascetic, the abbot of the Athos monastery, at the inspiration of God, blessed him to return to his native land in order to establish a monastic residence there, hitherto not common in Rus', and saying: “ Anthony! It is time for you and others to lead in holy living. Return to your Russian land, may the blessing of the Holy Mount Athos be upon you, many monks will come from you.”
When the Monk Anthony returned to Kyiv, several monasteries already existed there, founded by the Greeks at the request of the princes. The saint, not finding such a strict life to which he was accustomed to on Athos, decided to continue his feat in a cave located on the high bank of the Dnieper, in a place that resembled the landscapes of Athos in its appearance. Anthony lived in great abstinence, he hardly ate or drank, slept on the ground and independently obtained food for himself, while being in a constant feat of prayer. Soon his fame spread not only throughout Kyiv, but also throughout other cities. Many Orthodox Christians came to him for spiritual advice and blessings, and future monks who chose fervent prayer and an ascetic lifestyle flocked to the ascetic. Anthony himself did not look for anyone and did not call anyone: people themselves were drawn to him. Some decided to stay with the saint forever. Among the first disciples of the Monk Anthony was Saint Nikon, with the rank of priest, the second was the Monk Theodosius, in whom Anthony saw the future builder of the monastery and a caring abbot. Thus, the words of the abbot of the Athos monastery, spoken at one time to Anthony, began to come true: “many monks will come from you.” Subsequently, a circle of disciples gathered around Anthony and a monastic monastery was formed.
The Monk Theodosius of Pechersk, the founder of the cenobitic monastic charter and the founder of monasticism in the Russian land, was born around 1008 in Vasilevo, not far from Kyiv. He was a humble youth in a rich family; he spent his youth in Kursk. His mother saw in him the heir to all his father's estates, but from a young age he discovered an irresistible attraction to the ascetic life, leading an ascetic life in his parents' house. He did not like children's games and hobbies, he gravitated more towards a solitary life, read and constantly went to church. He himself begged his parents to give him to learn to read the sacred books and, with excellent abilities and rare diligence, he quickly learned to read books, so that everyone was amazed at the boy’s intelligence. He was distinguished by modesty, humility and other good qualities. Having learned that the liturgy was sometimes not served in the church due to a lack of prosphora, he decided to take up this matter himself: he bought wheat, ground it with his own hands, and brought the baked prosphora to the church. At the age of 14, he lost his father, and only his mother, a strict woman, began to raise him. She loved her son dearly, but did not sympathize with his aspirations for asceticism, she punished him many times, but the monk firmly decided to become a monk. Having once heard the words of the Lord in church: “Whoever loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37), at the age of 23 he decided to leave both his mother and his hometown and came to Kyiv to the Monk Anthony and, falling at his feet, he asked to accept him. “Do you see, child,” Anthony asked him, “that my cave is modest and cramped?” “God himself brought me to you,” answered Theodosius, “I will do what you command me.”
Four years later, his mother found him and with tears asked him to return home, but the saint himself convinced her to stay in Kyiv and accept monasticism at the monastery of St. Nicholas at Askold’s grave.
Theodosius worked hard in obedience to his elder Anthony, fulfilled all orders unquestioningly, performed all deeds with prayer, was ordained into an angelic monastic image, his soul burned with devotion to God. In his ascetic labors, Saint Theodosius surpassed everyone who lived with him in the monastery: he carried water, chopped wood, ground rye and took flour to each monk.
The disciples of St. Anthony, under his leadership, built a temple and constructed cells, originally located in caves; That's why the monastery received the name Kiev-Pechersk.
When the number of his companions increased to 12, the Monk Anthony, who invariably strove for solitude, appointed Varlaam abbot to the brethren, and he himself retired to a nearby mountain, dug himself a cave here and began to asceticize in a seclusion. If any of the monks strove for a more severe ascetic life, he settled next to the Monk Anthony. This is how the Near (Antoniev) and Far (Feodosiev) cave monasteries were formed.
The monastery on the old site was gradually improved. The number of brethren grew, the cave temple became too small. The monks built a small wooden church over the cave in honor of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Then it was decided to build a monastery on the surface of the earth. This undertaking was carried out with the blessing of St. Anthony. Simultaneously with the construction of the Pechersk Monastery, the foundation of a monastery in the name of St. Demetrius of Thessaloniki by Prince Izyaslav took place. The Monk Varlaam was appointed abbot to it. With the blessing of St. Anthony and with the general consent of the brethren, the meek and humble Theodosius was elected as abbot of the Pechersk Monastery in 1057. By that time the number of brethren had already reached one hundred people. The Grand Duke of Kiev Izyaslav gave the monks a mountain on which a large temple and cells were built, and a palisade was placed around it. This is how the glorious Kiev-Pechersk monastery was formed.
Having become abbot, the Monk Theodosius began to try to establish a proper hostel according to the charter of the Constantinople Studite Monastery. The main features of the hostel he established were the following: all property of the brethren should be common, time was spent in constant work; the labors were divided according to the strength of each by the abbot; every task began with the prayer and blessing of the elder; thoughts were revealed to the abbot, who was the true leader of all to salvation. At the same time, he continued to carry out the most difficult monastic obediences. The monk himself was an example for the brethren in everything: he carried water, chopped wood, worked in a bakery, wore the simplest clothes, came first to church and to monastic work. In addition to his ascetic deeds, the Monk Theodosius was distinguished by his great mercy towards the poor and love for spiritual enlightenment, and tried to win over his brethren towards them. In the monastery he built a special house for the residence of the poor, the blind, the lame, and the paralytic, and allocated a tenth of the monastic income for their maintenance. In addition, every Saturday he sent a whole cart of bread to prisoners in prison.
The height of spirituality and holiness to which the Monk Anthony ascended was attested to the mercy of God by many miracles. There is a known miracle associated with the construction of the cathedral church of the Pechersk monastery, when the Most Holy Theotokos herself appeared to the monks Anthony and Theodosius in the Blachernae church in Constantinople, where they were miraculously taken, and promised not to leave the Pechersk monastery. At this appearance, the near time of his death was revealed to the Monk Anthony. One day, master masons from Byzantium came to the Monks Anthony and Theodosius. They said that they were summoned to Blachernae by the Queen, who, being surrounded by many soldiers - among them were Saints Anthony and Theodosius - sent them to Rus' to build Her a temple and gave her an abundance of gold, as well as the relics of the holy martyrs and the local icon.
Those who listened to the Greeks glorified God. The Monk Anthony explained to them that a miracle had happened - he and Saint Theodosius did not leave the monastery. The site of the future cathedral church of the monastery was revealed through the prayers of St. Anthony, and he revealed himself to be spiritually similar to the ancient prophets Gideon and Elijah. On the first night of prayer, the Lord appeared to him and revealed that the monk had found grace before Him. Then Saint Anthony prayerfully asked that the next morning dew would fall throughout the entire area, with the exception of the site of the future temple. And so it happened. The next night, the Monk Anthony asked that the opposite happen - and dew appeared on the holy place. On the third day, after praying, they measured the length and width of the temple with a golden belt, and the Monk Anthony sent down fire through prayer, which cleared the designated place of vegetation. Thus was laid the foundation of the cathedral church of the Kiev-Pechersk monastery.
While talking about this, the chronicler notes that although there are many monasteries built by the wealth of kings and boyars, they cannot compare with those built by the prayers of saints, their tears, fasting and vigil. So the Monk Anthony did not have gold, but with his labors he increased the monastery, incomparable with others, which became the first spiritual center of Rus'.
Founded by the Monk Anthony and arranged by the Monk Theodosius, the Kiev-Pechersk monastery became a model for other monasteries and was of great importance for the development of the Russian Church. From its walls came famous archpastors, zealous preachers of the faith and wonderful writers. Among the saints who were tonsured at the Kiev-Pechersk monastery, Saints Leonty and Isaiah (bishops of Rostov) and Nifont (bishop of Novgorod) are especially famous. Reverend Kuksha (enlightener of the Vyatichi), writers Reverend Nestor the Chronicler and Simon.
The holy venerables Anthony and Theodosius set an example of monastic life. The Monk Anthony is a man of prayer, a recluse, whose feat was repeated many centuries later by monks who desired a strict, ascetic life and became the first monks in the Gethsemane monastery. Special trials fall on the shoulders of the abbot of the monastery, who, following the example of St. Theodosius, needs to build the life of the monastery, with special wisdom give obedience to the monks and set an example of observing a prayerful attitude.
The holy life of St. Anthony illuminated the entire Russian land with the beauty of monastic feats. In his reclusive feat, the Monk Anthony overcame the infirmities of fallen human nature and received from the Lord the gift of insight and miracles, healing and casting out demons. The monk passed on the gift of a healer to his disciple Saint Agapit, who became famous as a most skillful physician.
The Monk Anthony reposed in the Lord at the 90th year of his life on May 7, 1073. The venerable relics of this venerable leader were then placed in the same cave under the great monastery in which he died. His relics are hidden from view and God, marvelous in His saints, has miraculously forbidden us to see them until now: many who dared to excavate the place where the venerable body of our venerable father Anthony was laid were punished by fire and bodily illnesses until they repented of their daring. But if the relics of our venerable father Anthony are removed from our sight, then his help is always with us and close to all who call on him. His relics work endless miracles, helping everyone who flows with faith to the holy tomb of the saint. Canonized in 1130.

Pre-Mongol period. Venerable Anthony and Theodosius of Pechersk

The founder of the feat of the saints in Rus' was Anthony Pechersky(983-1073), who transferred the traditions of Eastern monasticism from Athos to our fatherland. At the beginning of his monastic feat, the monk was twice on the Holy Mountain. He saw Eastern monasticism during the period of greatest desire for it in all layers of society, when the Byzantine Empire, figuratively speaking, “represented a continuous monastery,” when entire families were tonsured and many high-ranking officials—emperors—became monks (in the 11th century, 7 ty), members of the imperial house, nobles. According to Archimandrite Cyprian (Kern), in relation to that time “one can safely speak about the dynasties of saints and the families of saints.” This was the period when St. Petersburg was still remembered on Mount Athos. Athanasius of Athos († 1000), when St. Simeon the New Theologian (946-1021) and his mentor Simeon the Reverent (2nd half of the 10th century).

On Athos St. Anthony of Pechersk had the opportunity to become acquainted with different forms of asceticism - both in communal monasteries and in solitude. In addition, he saw what a huge influence monasticism had on the life of Byzantine society, being a model of life in Christ, correcting “all the particular and general shortcomings of his era.” The monks were spiritual mentors of the laity, denouncers of the untruths of the powerful and intercessors for the suffering, fighters for the purity of dogmas and canons, carried out missionary activities, organized schools at various levels, collected libraries and copied spiritual books, engaged in charity work, and gave the highest church hierarchs from their midst. And, of course, the most important task of the monastics was prayer for the world, which directed his entire life towards the Kingdom of Heaven and delivered him from numerous internal and external disasters.

These traditions of Byzantine monasticism, which combined high personal ascetic deeds with service to the world in the spirit of Christian love, were adopted by St. Anthony and subsequently transferred to St. Feodosia.

After returning from Athos, St. Anthony settled in a dense forest, in a cave dug for solitary prayer by Metropolitan Hilarion (from 1051) while he was a priest in the village of Berestovo. After Hilarion transferred to the Kyiv See in 1051, the cave was empty. Having settled in it, St. Anthony “began to live that life, praying to God, the poisonous bread was dry, and also (and then only) every other day, and drinking water in moderation, digging a stove, and not giving myself rest day and night, remaining in labor, in vigils and in prayers” .

By the time of the death of Yaroslav the Wise (1054), St. Anthony was already a well-known ascetic; a brotherhood of 12 people gathered around him, among whom was St. Feodosius, future organizer of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra (born between 1035 and 1038, † 1074). Under him, the brotherhood excavated the “great pechera”, setting up a church and kelpies in it. When this happened, Anthony, having blessed the new monastery, left it to dig a cave for himself on a nearby hill. Here Anthony lived for about 14 years, combining senile service with the hermit’s feat: on all important occasions, the brethren of the Pechersk Monastery turned to him for advice, and sometimes laymen also came.

“The meaning of St. Anthony in no way belittles the importance of his student, companion and co-secretary, St. Theodosius, equal to Anthony in merit to the Church and in the greatness of his image.” As prof. Smirnov: “Fathers of Russian monasticism, Venerable. Anthony and Theodosius of Pechersk were ascetics different types: the first, the Athonite tonsure, was a contemplative hermit; the second, already tonsured by Anthony, combined outstanding practical and organizational talent with contemplation and great exploits.” The Monk Theodosius headed the monastery in 1062–1074.

Professor Smirnov believes that this was “the best time in the history of the Pechersk Monastery, and at the same time in the history of Russian monasticism of the first period. Subsequent monks (before St. Sergius) only imitated St. Theodosius, far from reaching either the height of his exploits or the extent of his glory.” The Monk Theodosius is considered the legislator of Russian monasticism. “There could be no talk of any attempt to re-create Russian monasticism, to lead it along a new path, more perfect or sublime than the path of Theodosius, to give it tasks that he would not have indicated.”

St. Theodosius, according to prof. Smirnov was distinguished by the extraordinary integrity of his personal qualities; he was both a strict ascetic and prayer-book, and an administrator, and a merciful shepherd for the laity. “This is an exceptional, rare person, striking in the comprehensiveness of his talents and that extraordinary balance of forces and properties that creates the harmony of a holy personality. A great ascetic who thirsted for the highest feat - death for Christ and for the truth, a never-sleeping man of prayer, an obedient, meek and humble, zealous but never angry monk, a seer and seer, was at the same time a talented and practical administrator and extremely warm-hearted, responsive to human grief and everyday needs. None of these properties was predominant, displacing the others.”

According to the Studite Charter, the confessor of the brethren is the abbot, and the first confessor of the Pechersk brethren was St. Feodosius. He was second after St. Anthony as an old man in Rus'. As mentioned above, St. Theodosius cared for not only the monks, but also the laity: “The abbess, holding Theodosius in her belly, ruling over the flock entrusted to him by God, the monks, were not only united, but also grieved with the worldly for their souls, as if they had been saved.”

Besides shepherding and teaching, care of St. Theodosius about the laity was expressed in prayer for peace. He considered it the necessary duty of a monk to “work in vigil and in prayer to pray for the whole world without ceasing.”

The third duty of a monk, which St. Petersburg demonstrated by his example. Feodosius, - denouncing untruths and interceding for those who suffer(sadness). “In the same way, our blessed father Theodosius was an intercessor for many before judges and princes, delivering those who could not disobey him in anything, leading and (him) righteous and holy. I do not honor him for the sake of port and bright clothes or property for the sake of many, but for the sake of his honest life and bright soul and the teaching of that many, even the Holy Spirit boils from his lips.”

Finally, in the service of St. Feodosia to the world we see wide charity. According to his life, he, like a true monk, was a non-covetous person, did not want to have extra property in the monastery and did not place his hopes on the property. But Theodosius did not refuse to accept offerings for the monastery, since the gifts of wealthy laity gave him the opportunity to do good to the poor laity. The life of the saint speaks of his mercy, that the sight of a poor and beggar in thin clothes aroused pity in him and evoked tears of compassion. Driven by these feelings, the monk built a courtyard with a church behind the monastery fence, and in this courtyard the crippled, the poor and the sick were received. They received full maintenance from the monastery, for which tithes of the monastic income were spent. In addition, every Saturday the Monk Theodosius sent a cart of baked bread to the convicts. In “The Word of Saint Theodosius on Patience and Love,” the monk taught the brethren, referring to the example and words of the Apostle Paul (2 Thess. 3.8-10): “We should feed the poor and strange from our labors, and not remain idle, moving from cell to cell. cell."

Such was the service of St. Theodosius to the world. Professor Smirnov writes that such a detailed story about him is necessary, since he is the father of Russian monasticism, according to the recognition of our ancient monks themselves, “hegumen or archimandrite of all Rus'”, “the head of the rank of the Russians in Rus'”, “the first head of common life in Russia” earth." This means that in his feat our ancient monasticism should have seen (and indeed saw) an example and an obligatory program for its service to the world. Thus, in Russian monasticism at the moment of its inception we see almost the same features as in Byzantine monasticism, which is evidence of the continuity of this feat in all its aspects (high personal monastic work, eldership, service to the world).

Among the Kiev-Pechersk ascetics, 73 saints who rested in the Near (Antoniev) caves, and 50 saints who labored in the Far (Feodosiev) caves (Sept. 28) were canonized.

In addition to the Pechersk ascetics, there were other saints in Rus' at that time: Anthony the Roman(† 1147), Gerasim Vologodsky(† 1178), Avraamy Smolensky(† around 1220), and Varlaam Khutynsky(† 1192).

In the 13th century, Rus' was invaded by the Mongols. The general disaster also affected the life of the Church; in 1240, the Pechersk Lavra suffered along with Kiev. “Monastic life comes to a standstill. Its revival belongs to the following centuries.”