Saint Antony of Kiev, a charismatic and saintly figure, was the spiritual guide of Saint Agapetus, who, seeking to heal his soul and spirit from the sins of worldly life, decided to become a monk. Following the example of Saint Antony, he took care of the sick, caring for them through prayer and with the healing herbs he prepared himself. His reputation as a healer spread throughout Kiev. Soon crowds of people flocked to him in search of cure and comfort.
At the same time, there lived an Armenian physician renowned for his ability to foresee coming death. Yet Saint Agapetus succeeded in healing a patient, keeping him alive despite his difficult and painful condition. Filled with envy, the Armenian sought to harm the saint. He poisoned his food, but Agapetus remained completely unharmed.
When Prince Vladimir the Monomakh fell gravely ill, he requested the saint’s help. Not wishing to leave the monastery, Saint Agapetus decided to sent him medicinal herbs, which restored his health. Grateful, the prince came to the monastery in order to thank him. However, the saint hid himself, avoiding honor and praise. He accepted the gifts offered to him but ordered that they all be distributed to the poor, insisting that the healing had been accomplished by God’s power and not his own.
Later, when the saint fell seriously ill, the Armenian doctor visited him, predicting his death and disdaining his healing gift. However, Saint Agapetus, grounded in his faith in God, replied with confidence that he would indeed die in three months. He continued to heal all who came to him, and soon he departed to the Lord, leaving behind a shining example of holiness.
After his repose, the Armenian physician, now convinced of the saint’s sanctity, desired to follow his example and became a monk himself. Saint Agapetus, who worked tirelessly without taking anything in return and cared for the sick, received the crown of glory in the heavenly Kingdom.
