Church commemorates St. Theodosius of the Caves

The icon of St. Theodosius. Photo: Open sources

On May 16 (May 3 by the Julian calendar), the Orthodox Church commemorates St. Theodosius of the Caves, one of the founders of monasticism in Rus’ and the second hegumen of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. St. Theodosius is known for his ascetic feats, wise leadership of the monastery, and immense contribution to the establishment of Russian monasticism.

St. Theodosius was born in the early 11th century in Vasyliv (now Vasylkiv) near Kyiv. From a young age, he sought the monastic life, despite his mother's opposition. After coming to the Kyiv-Pechersk Monastery and meeting St. Anthony, he took monastic vows and later became the hegumen of the monastery.

Under St. Theodosius, the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra flourished. A significant event during his tenure was the transfer of the entire mountain above the caves to the monastery by the Kievan Prince Iziaslav Yaroslavich, where the great Lavra was later built. St. Theodosius introduced the Studite Rule to the monastery, founded a hospital and a guesthouse for travelers. He was known for his charity to those in need, his care for the poor, as well as his spiritual wisdom and gift of foresight.

St. Theodosius passed away on May 3, 1074. In 1108, his incorrupt relics were discovered and transferred to the Assumption Cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. In 2025, it will be 917 years since his repose.

The legacy of St. Theodosius includes spiritual teachings and the example of true Christian service. He is honored as one of the first Russian saints and is called the "leader" of monastic life in Russia.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote about why the people called Theodosius the "lamp of all Rus’".

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