Saint Theodore, after distributing his wealth to the poor, renounced the world and became a monk in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. There he lived in strict ascetic discipline. However, tormented by demons, he once began to recall the wealth he had given away, and was thus driven into despair. Saint Basil, wishing to help his brother, suggested that he recover his former possessions. Theodore realised that he was deceived and got freed from his passion, continuing his monastic life.
Yet the devil tested the saint once again, taking the form of Saint Basil and advising him to pray for wealth and treasures. He beleived his words and, after prayer, he found indeed gold and silver, which he decided to distribute to the poor. When Basil visited him and realized the delusion into which he had fallen, Theodore began to pray for forgiveness.
According to other accounts, the saint used to work with great zeal in order to contribute to his monastic community. The demons attacked him and tried to hinder him. However, through prayer and supplication he was delivered.
Together with Basil, they resolved always to share their thoughts with one another in order to avoid temptations. When the monastery was burned down, Theodore, despite the constant obstacles placed before him by the devil, continued his efforts, carrying wood and even forcing the demons to work for him.
At one point, the local ruler learned about the two fathers and about the former life of Saint Theodore. Therefore, he believed that they were hiding treasures. He demanded that they hand over whatever they possessed. Since the two saints had no wealth, they refused to yield to his insistence. They were imprisoned and cruelly tortured until they surrendered their souls to the Lord in 1098. Their bodies were buried in the cave where they had spent their lives.
Their memory is celebrated on August 11.
