In the Pechersk Monastery, there is a tradition about Zafaria, a monk of Pechersk. During the tenure of the blessed Nikon as igumen, two men from Kyiv, Sergius and John, saw a miraculous icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, from which a great light emanated, and decided to form a spiritual brotherhood. Before his death, John bequeathed to Sergius his son Zafaria a thousand hryvnias of silver and a hundred hryvnias of gold, so that he would receive the inheritance upon reaching adulthood. When Zafaria turned fifteen, he asked Sergius for the inheritance, but he replied that John had given all the property to the poor. Zafaria insisted on receiving at least part of it, and Sergius, swearing in the church, declared that he had taken nothing. However, the Most Holy Theotokos punished him for his false oath, and Sergius was unable to approach the icon. In fear, he began to call upon the venerable Anthony and Theodosius, asking for help. Soon, sealed boxes with two thousand hryvnias of silver and two hundred hryvnias of gold were found. Zafaria gave the money to Igumen John and took monastic vows, passing away in the Pechersk Monastery. After his tonsure, he decided to eat nothing but herbs, and he was terrifying to demons, who feared even his name. He often saw Angels and was granted eternal life in heaven. His memory is celebrated on March 24.
