Saint Polycarp was known for his virtues and ascetic struggles. He became a monk and, by overcoming all passions, he remained a faithful and humble servant of the Lord.
His spiritual teacher was Saint Simon, Bishop of Vladimir and Suzdal, who contributed significantly to his education and spiritual formation. Upon returning to the Pechersky Monastery, the saint continued to preserve and follow the teachings of his elder.
After the death of Akindynos, the abbot of the Lavra, Polycarp was elected as his successor. He strictly observed the monastic rules and became a model of virtue for both monks and laypeople. Among them, there was the Grand Prince Rostislav Mstislavich, who, inspired by Polycarp’s example, strove in every way to practice virtue and even desired to become a monk, something he did not live to accomplish.
Saint Polycarp fell asleep in the Lord on July 24, 1182.
After his repose, the brotherhood was unable to elect a new abbot. The monks prayed for several days until they received a divine enlightenment, enabling them to appoint the priest Basil as his successor. Basil was ordained by Metropolitan Nicephorus and proved to be an outstanding shepherd for the monks.
