The root of all evil is the love of money (1 Tim. 6:10), says the holy Apostle Paul. Blessed Theodor, having left the world and given his wealth to the poor, became a monk of the Pechersk Monastery, living in strict abstinence. However, the devil, stirring up sorrow in him over his distributed possessions, led him to despair. Blessed Basil, wishing to help, suggested to Theodor to reclaim his wealth, but he, realizing the danger of his thoughts, repented and strengthened himself in virtue.
The devil, taking the form of Basil, again tempted Theodor, advising him to pray for treasures. The blessed one, succumbing to temptation, found gold and silver, but despite the devil's counsel, decided to give it to the poor. After Basil's return, Theodor realized that he had been tempted and began to pray to forget about the treasure.
Blessed Theodor, working for the good of the brotherhood, ground grain on the millstones, and even when the demons tried to hinder him, he overcame them with prayer. Together with Basil, they established the custom of discussing their thoughts to avoid temptations. When the monastery was burned down, Theodor, despite the devil's schemes, continued to work, carrying logs for construction and even commanding the demons to work for him.
Prince Mstislav, succumbing to deceit, tried to force Theodor to reveal the treasures, but he, forgetting about them, endured torments. Both blessed ones were imprisoned, and not enduring the tortures, they departed to the Lord in 1098. Their bodies were buried in the Varangian cave, where they spent their lives.
After their death, the prince, wounded by an arrow, realized that this punishment was for his evil deeds. Blessed Theodor and Basil, as victors over the love of money, were crowned with eternal glory and honor from the Lord.
