Saint Athanasius of Pechersk was a monk in the holy Pechersk monastery, where he led a God-pleasing life. After a long illness, he died and lay unburied for two days. The igumen, hearing a voice, came to him and saw that he was alive. The saint said to the brethren: “Be saved!” and called them to obedience, repentance, and prayer. He went into the cave, where he spent twelve years in solitude, not seeing the sun and not speaking a word. Before his death, he again called the brethren and reminded them of the importance of obedience and repentance.
After his death, one of the monks, Vavila, was healed from illness by touching the relics of Athanasius. He recounted that the blessed one appeared to him and said: “Come to me, and I will heal you”. From that time, everyone learned of the holiness of Athanasius, who pleased the Lord and was granted bliss.
By his holy prayers, may we also be deemed worthy, rising from the death of sin, to live God-pleasingly and receive eternal life in Christ Jesus.
