Saint Veniamin of Pechersk lived in the 14th century. Before taking monastic vows, he was a merchant and possessed great wealth. While listening to the church service, he heard the psalm: "Thou shalt destroy all that speak leasing" (Ps. 5:7) and, applying this word to himself, he reflected on his life. Later, upon hearing the Gospel word: "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God" (Matt. 19:23), he decided to distribute all his possessions to the poor and to the houses of God. Joining the poor in spirit, he became a monk, serving the Lord God through fasting, prayer, poverty, and obedience until the end of his life.
Having attained a blessed end, he passed from earth to heaven to the Lord Christ, receiving from Him the crown of eternal reward. His relics rest in the Theodosian cave, and his memory is celebrated on October 13/26, as well as on August 28/September 10 and on the second Sunday of Great Lent.
