Monk
Saint Theodotus, born Theodosios Levchenko, was born in the province of Chernihiv, in the Glukhov district, in the village of Chertoryts. He came from a humble Cossack family and never learned to read or write. His father, an honest man and a devout Christian, raised him according to the principles of a virtuous life, inspiring in him a deep love for Christ.
When the time came to leave worldly life behind, Theodosios set out on a journey through various parts of Russia, bidding a permanent farewell to his homeland. He eventually arrived at the Glinsk Hermitage, where he joined the monastic brotherhood and began his ascetic life, serving in the monastery's kitchen. He carried out every task entrusted to him with diligence and humility, without having a cell of his own. Instead, he slept in the kitchen and labored day and night for the benefit of the brotherhood.
His spiritual struggles extended far beyond physical labor. Saint Theodotus devoted himself fervently to prayer, making countless prostrations and continually invoking the Most Holy Theotokos. Although he sometimes endured harsh treatment, he bore every humiliation and insult with patience, thereby freeing himself from passions.
Over time, he attained profound spiritual peace, earning the respect and veneration of his fellow monks. Philaret, the abbot of the Glinsk Hermitage, held him in particularly high esteem and recognized the exceptional depth of his spiritual character.
Saint Theodotus was granted the gifts of divine visions and wonderworking. His prayers were answered, while his reputation for holiness spread throughout the brotherhood. In 1859, weakened by years of hard labor, he took charge of the monastery's apiary. Ten days before his repose, he foretold his approaching death and received the Holy Communion.
On Thursday, July 16, he peacefully surrendered his soul to the Lord, falling asleep in serenity and deep spiritual peace. At the moment of his repose, a wondrous sound was heard, like a heavenly melody announcing his passage into eternal life.
Thus, Saint Theodotus completed his earthly course in peace, leaving behind a lasting legacy and a shining example of holiness for future generations.
