Ηegumen / Abbot
Venerable Stephen, though he suffered greatly from the brotherhood of his monastery, bore all misfortunes with joy, regarding them as a gift from God that would lead to his salvation. Under the guidance of the abbot Theodosius of Pechersk, he was appointed a housekeeper of the monastery. He instructed the brotherhood to have an ascetic life of obedience and common labor. After the repose of Saint Theodosius, Stephen became abbot of the Holy Lavra of Pechersk, where he completed the construction of the church and other monastic buildings.
Saint Stephen established the daily celebration of the Divine Liturgy in memory of the departed monks. However, the enemy of salvation set him many traps because of his great passion and care for the holy monastery. Disputes and divisions arose among the monks, and as a result, the saint was unjustly exiled. Yet the venerable Stephen bore no anger in his heart. Instead, he continued to pray fervently for the brotherhood, and—like the first martyr Stephen—he begged the Lord to forgive them their sins.
With God’s help, he founded a new monastery in the Klov region and built a church in honor of the Most Holy Theotokos. Every year he solemnly celebrated the second day of July, living a God-pleasing life and faithfully preserving the order of the Church.
Later, Saint Stephen was chosen as bishop of the city of Vladimir, where he gave great guidance to his people, setting a shining example of virtue. When the translation of the relics of venerable Theodosius was to take place, Stephen saw a divine light and, learning of the event of translation, came reverently to the cave. After this event, he returned to his occupation, continuing to preach the word of the Gospel with love and affection.
In the year 1094, after completing a life adorned with virtue and patience, Saint Stephen fell asleep in the Lord, receiving an unfading crown of glory.
