Historian proposes burial of Sts. Anthony and Theodosius in Heroes’ Pantheon

Venerable Anthony and Theodosius of the Caves. Photo: open sources

In Ukraine, as the concept for a National Pantheon is being developed, a proposal has been made to commemorate the founders of monasticism in Rus’ – Venerable Anthony and Theodosius of the Caves. The initiative was put forward by historian Vadym Anikievych in Hromadske. In his view, the holy ascetics should be included among the outstanding figures who shaped the people’s identity.

The author of the proposal considers the founders of “Ukraine’s oldest cave monastery” to be key figures in the history of statehood. Alongside the saints of the Caves, the scholar’s preliminary list of “heroes” includes Prince Volodymyr the Great, Yaroslav the Wise, Danylo of Halych, and Metropolitan Petro Mohyla.

The Pantheon is envisioned as a final resting place for those whose graves are currently abroad or at risk of destruction. For figures whose burial sites have not survived to the present day, the memorial complex is expected to include sculptural images and information stands. Government officials and scholars are now discussing the criteria by which “makers of history” will be selected for the repatriation of remains and solemn reburial.

The project’s practical implementation began in May 2026, when the remains of OUN leader Andriy Melnyk and his wife were brought to Ukraine and solemnly reburied. Such initiatives to include the saints of the Lavra in a “state list of heroes” are being voiced against the backdrop of systematic attempts to reinterpret the monastery’s spiritual legacy and administrative pressure on its brethren.

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