Monasticism and hermit life in Russia began with the acceptance of Christianity. The Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, founded by priest Ilarion and the venerable Anthony, became the heart of Russian monasticism. Hermit life began to develop in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Pskov monasteries, such as the Eleazarov and Kripeck monasteries, also began to emerge. The place where the Pskov caves are located was surrounded by a mysterious aura, and hunters, while hunting in the caves, heard church singing but did not see the singers. This phenomenon was accepted as a blessing. The Izborians acquired this land from the Pskovites, and Ivan Dementyev discovered the 'God-built cave' in 1392. Venerable Mark, the fourth great hermit, left a mark in history, but no detailed information about his life has survived. He could have been a local resident or someone who came from other places. His life was spent in solitude and prayer, and he surrendered his soul to God. His body was buried in an oak hollow, and his name was recorded in the Synodic. In 1642, the relics of the venerable Mark were transferred and are now in a reliquary. His memory was celebrated earlier on March 29, and since 1987 it has been commemorated on the day of the church-wide celebration of the Council of Pskov Saints.
