Ηegumen / Abbot
Saint Theodosius of the Caves was the founder of the first cenobitic monastery in Russia. He was born at the beginning of the 11th century near Kyiv. At baptism, he received the name Theodosius. From his youth, he was pious, diligent, and deeply devoted to the Church and the services of God.
At the age of twenty-three, he secretly left his home and went to Kyiv, to Saint Anthony, who lived in a cave. There, Theodosius was tonsured a monk and began living in a cave cell, spending his days and nights in fasting, prayer, and humble labor. Later, he was appointed abbot and founded a cenobitic monastery on Pechersk Hill, where he built cells and a church in honor of the Dormition of the Mother of God.
Each Great Lent, Saint Theodosius withdrew to a cave for silent prayer and spiritual struggle, overcoming demonic temptations through the grace of God. He reposed in 1074, and his body was buried in the same cave where he had spent many years in prayer. His holy relics were later translated to the Cathedral of the Dormition in the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.
Saint Theodosius left a profound spiritual legacy through his teachings and letters on monastic life. He firmly opposed pagan customs and instructed all people to live according to the Gospel. His memory is celebrated on May 3 and August 14.
