Saint Varlaam, the son of noble parents, aspired to the monastic life from his youth, inspired by the teachings of Saints Anthony and Theodosius. He left worldly goods and, having received the monastic tonsure from Saint Anthony, became a monk. Varlaam's father, Boyar Ioann, tried to bring his son back, but Varlaam showed firmness of spirit and did not succumb to temptations. After the increase of the brotherhood in the caves, Varlaam was appointed as the igumen, while Saint Anthony moved to solitude.
Varlaam built a wooden church in honor of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos and became the igumen of the new monastery founded by Grand Prince Iziaslav. He made two pilgrimages to Jerusalem and Constantinople, caring for the spiritual well-being of the brotherhood. Saint Varlaam reposed in 1065 in the monastery in Volhynia and was buried in the Caves Monastery, according to his will.
