Deacon
Our venerable father Achila the deacon (14th century) aspired to a life of asceticism from his youth and, having renounced the world, came to the Pechersk Monastery to serve the Lord. He took on the angelic form and walked the strict path of monasticism with patience, obedience, and humility. In abstaining from food and drink, he surpassed many ascetics, not tasting sweet or cooked food, and consuming greens very rarely and in small quantities. Usually, his food was one prosphora a week. For a long time, the venerable Achila lived in seclusion.
Those who wish to be freed from the 'enslavement of belly passions' and learn abstinence turn to the intercession of Saint Achila.
The memory of the venerable Achila is celebrated on August 28/September 10 (Synaxis of the Venerable Fathers of the Kiev Caves, in the Far Caves) and on the 2nd week of Great Lent (Synaxis of all Venerable Fathers of the Kiev Caves).
