Venerable Macarius, the ascetic of the Caves, in the Near Caves (12th century), and Venerable Macarius, the deacon of the Caves, in the Far Caves (13th–14th century), both were deacons. Their memory is celebrated on January 19 due to the name day with Venerable Macarius of Egypt. Venerable Macarius from the Far Caves was distinguished by his non-possessiveness, had great zeal for the house of God, and constantly practiced reading the Holy Scriptures and fasting. According to tradition, he was very ill in childhood, and his parents made a vow to God to dedicate their son to the Caves Monastery if he recovered. Through meekness and humility, he earned the love of the brotherhood, which taught him literacy. For his pious life, he was elevated to the rank of deacon and during his lifetime had the gift of miracles. In addition to this memory, Venerable Macarius from the Near Caves has another memory on September 28, and Venerable Macarius from the Far Caves has one on August 28. The common memory with all the Caves miracle workers is celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of Great Lent.
