Anthony and Theodosius of Pechersk: who is it?
Svenskaya Pechersk Icon of the Mother of God with the upcoming Venerables Anthony and Theodosius of Kiev-Pechersk
The names of Anthony and Theodosius of the Pechersk are forever inscribed in the history of monastic asceticism of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra. Anthony created the first cave, which became the harbinger of the monastery. He will serve as her ascetic, as well as a kind mentor for the inhabitants, in labors and prayers until the end of his days. Theodosius became Anthony's successor and continued his endeavors, strengthening the glory of the monastery.
Life of St. Anthony
He was born at the end of the tenth century in the city of Lyubech, near Chernigov. At baptism the baby received the name Antipas - this was his worldly name. From an early age he strove to serve the Lord, wanting to become a monk.
“From a young age I had the fear of God, and wished to be clothed in a monastic image,” says the life.
Athos
As a teenager, Antipas left home and traveled for a long time. In Byzantium, he visited Constantinople and went to the Holy Mountain. He walked around monasteries, observed the monks and realized that this was exactly the kind of life he wanted - to live in the service of Christ. In one of the monasteries he was tonsured a monk with the name Anthony.
Anthony's monastic life was full of labors and prayers. Obediently carrying out his obedience, he was a virtuous monk and won the respect and love of the other inhabitants. Often the monks asked Anthony for spiritual advice and help.
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He lived on Mount Athos for several years, until the abbot received a sign - Anthony needed to return.
“Antony, go back to Rus', so that there you can be of benefit and affirmation to others, and may the blessing of the Holy Mountain be on you.”
Blessed, he left Athos.
Returning to Kyiv, St. Anthony began to live in a cave on the bank of the river. Dnieper. After the death of Prince Vladimir, his heirs began to quarrel among themselves, etc. returned to Athos. When the internecine wars ceased, Anthony, with the blessing of God, returned to the banks of the Dnieper.
Venerable Anthony of Pechersk. Icon of the iconostasis of the cave church of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra.
Hermit life. Appearance of students
In his cave he began to live the life of a hermit, as his life tells:
“Praying to God, eating dry bread, drinking only water, and then in measure, every other day or two, sometimes digging a cave for weeks, not giving yourself rest either day or night, always being in labor, prayer, vigil.”
The rumor about the ascetic who came from Mount Athos spread throughout the area. Those who dreamed of devoting themselves to serving Christ began to come to him.
Among them was St. Moses Ugrin and other monks. Here the Monk Anthony met his faithful companion, the Monk Theodosius.
Privacy. First successor Varlaam
Izyaslav sat on the Kyiv throne. He heard a lot about St. Anthony, and came to him along with the warriors asking for a blessing. Soon the son of a famous man came to Anthony, who wanted to become a monk.
St. Anthony never rejected those who asked for his help, and accepted those who wanted to devote themselves to monasticism. However, this young man was from a noble family, and Anthony wanted to test him, asking if he would like to return to a wealthy life again. The young man was firm, and the monk blessed him to be tonsured under the name Varlaam.
His father tried to return his son from the monastery, but these attempts were unsuccessful. When the prince found out about this, he was very angry and threatened to fill up the cave if the young man did not return to his parents. Hearing such words, St. Anthony left the cave. All the monks went with him to another place.
The ruler sent warriors to ask them to return. The monk accepted the prince's apology. After returning, the monks dug a large cave with cells and a church, which still exist today. St. Anthony strove for monastic solitude, and began to pray in seclusion in one of the cells, leaving St. Rev. as abbot. Varlaam.
After some time, he went to another place to dig a cave for himself. Abbot Varlaam and the monks remained.
Chernigov. Founding of the monastery
The number of inhabitants grew and it became crowded. The monks decided to build a wooden church. Varlaam began to serve as rector of the Dmitrievsky Monastery, and St. Petersburg became the abbot of the Pechersk monastery. Feodosius.
"Reverend Anthony and Theodosius of Pechersk." Saida Afonina. Fragment
Meanwhile, the Polovtsian troops defeated the Russian squads. There was a rebellion in Kyiv, and the townspeople drove out Izyaslav. Vseslav was placed in the principality. A year later, Izyaslav, having fled to Poland, returned with a large army and won the throne.
He punished the rebels. The prince believed the slanderers who accused Rev. of helping the rebels. Antonia. He was convinced that he was Vseslav’s adviser and the organizer of the unrest.
Anthony was in grave danger. Svyatoslav learned about this, who deeply revered St. Antonia. To save the saint, he ordered him to be secretly brought to Chernigov.
The saint went to Boldin Mountain, dug a cave there and settled in it. Immediately people began to flock to him. So a monastery appeared in those places.
Prince Izyaslav figured it all out and realized that St. Anthony is not to blame for anything. Regretting his anger, he sent people to Chernigov asking the saint to return to the Pechersk monastery. All the monks prayed for the same thing. Hearing their prayers, Anthony returned to Kyiv in 1072 and again settled in his cave, continuing his monastic service.
Temple in Pechery. Death of the Elder
Towards the end of the life of St. Anthony regretted that the monastery did not have its own stone church. He constantly prayed to the Lord for help in its creation. These prayers were heard. One day, when Rev. Theodosius and Anthony were praying, then they suddenly found themselves in the Blachernae Church, where they saw the Mother of God.
She gave the saints gold to build a church, and they again ended up in the cave. And after some time, Greek builders appeared. They said that the Mother of God appeared to them and ordered them to build a stone church. Prince Svyatoslav donated his field for this purpose, on which a beautiful stone church grew.
St. Anthony was by that time already a very old man, about ninety years old. He blessed the start of work on the construction of the church, and died in 1073. At his request, he was buried in the same cave where he served. By God's will, his relics remain hidden from view.
What do they pray to the saint for? Icons
Name of St. Anthony the Church glorifies on July 23. Thanks to this man, the true traditions of monasticism spread in Rus'.
Interesting fact
According to the historian E. E. Golubinsky, the establishment of the celebration of his memory occurred between the second quarter of the 12th and the first quarter of the 13th century.
Today, many churches decorate the faces of the saint. As a rule, we see him in monastic robes with a scroll in his hand. Often next to St. Anthony is portrayed by St. Theodosius, his student and successor.
The icon of the Mother of God of Svensk is loved and revered, in which we see the Virgin Mary on the throne with the child Jesus. Next to the throne on both sides are the prpp. Theodosius and Anthony of Pechersk.
Svenskaya Pechersk Icon of the Mother of God with the upcoming Venerables Anthony and Theodosius of Kiev-Pechersk. Fragment
They ask St. Anthony for help in their everyday affairs, for the harvest, for healing from illnesses, consolation in sorrow, deliverance from troubles, for peace on earth, for saving the country from enemies. The monks ask St. Anthony on patronage. And most importantly, St. Anthony helps those who sincerely want to repent, and so that this repentance is accepted by the Lord.
There is wonderful confirmation that St. Anthony does not leave believers in this desire - this is the story of blessed Erasmus, a Pechersk monk who spent a lot of gold on decorating the church, and then began to regret this gold. The price to pay was illness. He lay unconscious, but could not die. The Lord did not want him to die in a sacred place without repentance.
Then the saint came to the blessed one. Anthony with St. Theodosius and said:
“We prayed to God for you, and He granted you time to repent.”
Erasmus immediately became healthy and repented of his sins. After some time he died. The Lord had mercy on him and allowed him to leave in peace. Subsequently, by the will of God, Erasmus was glorified among the ranks of saints.
Life of St. Theodosius
St. Theodosius Pechersky. Icon of the iconostasis of the cave church of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra.
St. Theodosius was born in the city of Vasilyev, near Kiev, in the family of a princely warrior. The date of his birth has not reached us.
Youth. Deciding to become a monk
Theodosius grew up as a God-fearing child - he went to church every day and read divine books. When he was 13 years old, his father died. His mother began managing the farm. She wanted Theodosius to be her support and support, but he was engaged in asceticism.
Together with the peasants, he worked in the field, as an equal with them, and not as a master, which greatly upset his mother. Theodosius dressed not like a noble man, but like a beggar. When his mother made comments to him, he did not listen to her. The monk dreamed of visiting holy places. He went with the pilgrims to Jerusalem. But the mother caught up and returned the fugitive home.
Theodosius again began to attend church every day. With his own funds, he bought wheat and baked prosphora. They made fun of him - a young man from a wealthy family humiliates himself with his labors. To which Theodosius said that
“The Lord Jesus Christ Himself gave us an example of humiliation and humility, so that we too, in His name, would humble ourselves...”
Theodosius dreamed of entering a monastery and went to Kyiv, where he went around many monasteries with a request to accept him. But I only heard refusal. Having learned about St. Anthony, he went to him and began to beg for acceptance into the monastic community.
Apprenticeship to Anthony. Election as abbot
St. Anthony blessed Theodosius, and the young man became a monk. He meekly carried out obedience in deeds and prayers, and earned respect. He was ordained a priest.
In 1062, Abbot Varlaam became rector of the monastery of the Great Martyr Dmitry. Rev. was elected abbot in Pechery. Feodosius. With the rank of abbot, he continued his humble service: he was the first to appear at work and the last to leave, he helped the monks, fulfilling the Savior’s commandment:
“Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave.”
Monastic Charter
The number of monks grew and soon the monastery became crowded. St. Theodosius began to work to move part of the monastery to the surface, where a church and cells for the inhabitants were built. After the establishment of the above-ground part of the monastery, it was decided to create its charter, the basis of which was the charter of the Studite monastery.
Now, according to the rules, everyone was accepted into the monastery: the rich, the poor and the wretched. At first, the candidates wore the clothes they came in. Only after getting used to the rules could the candidate put on the robes of a monk. Such a person was now being tested in obedience. Those who passed the test were tonsured into a mantle. And if a person finally became stronger in his desire for a monastic destiny, only then was he tonsured into the schema.
Views on spiritual life and monasticism
Venerable Theodosius of Pechersk
St. Theodosius held certain views on spiritual life and instilled this vision in his monks. He did not accept idle talk and called for prayer and not idle talk after the evening service.
Didn't take prp. Theodosius is also acquisitive. He said:
“It is not right, brethren, for us monks, having renounced everything worldly, to collect property in our cells... Therefore, brethren, let us be content with the clothing prescribed according to the statute, and the food laid out at meals, and we will not store anything like that in our cells , and then with all your zeal and all your thoughts you will offer pure prayer to God.”
The Monk Theodosius, being an adherent of non-covetousness, put his trust in God. He believed that the Lord would take care of the Pechersk Monastery and provide everything necessary in sufficient quantities.
Indeed, through his prayer, benefactors sent to the monastery everything necessary for its inhabitants.
Library foundation
St. Theodosius respected education, considering it a necessary condition for spiritual development. Precisely Rev. Theodosius founded one of the first church libraries, which became the Lavra library.
Relations with authorities
The saint took part in political life. He opposed the strife between the three Yaroslavich brothers and openly condemned Prince Svyatoslav when he overthrew his brother Izyaslav. He exhorted him, read the Holy Scriptures, spoke about brotherly love. St. Theodosius was not afraid to speak the truth and instruct the prince, although he understood that this could end badly for him.
Written heritage
From the written works of St. Theodosius, six of his teachings to monks have reached us. In his teachings, he calls not to succumb to temptations and drive away demonic thoughts, and also not to be lazy, since laziness is the cause of vices, and also called for confession and repentance. His written heritage also includes two letters to the prince and a prayer for Christians.
St. Theodosius paid a lot of attention to works of mercy. Almshouses and a hospital were established near the Pechersky Monastery, which were maintained at the expense of the monastery. He also supported other monasteries and beggars who came for alms. People imprisoned in prisons also received help - the monks sent them bread.
St. Theodosius was merciful even to the robbers who were caught stealing in one of the monasteries. He took pity on them, ordered them to be untied and fed. And after instructions, he gave them money and let them go.
Often Rev. Theodosius spoke in defense of the offended ordinary people. He demanded justice from the authorities. Contemporaries called him “the protector of widows and the helper of orphans, and the protector of the poor.”
Death of a Saint
3
May
1074 years
After a short illness, Rev. Theodosius of Pechersk died. According to his will, the monks buried him in a cave, where he often fasted in solitude.
In 1091 his relics were found incorrupt. In 1108, St. Theodosius began to be revered by the Church as a saint. Days of remembrance - May 16, August 27, September 10, September 15 simultaneously with St. Anthony Pechersky.
Iconography
St. Theodosius Pechersky
The iconography of the saint is extensive. The icon “St. Theodosius of Pechersk with his Life” (17th century) is kept in the State Russian Museum, and copies from it are in many churches. In all images, Theodosius is in monastic clothing. On some, next to Theodosius, other saints are written, the Virgin Mary and his teacher, Anthony of Pechersk.
What do they ask for in prayers?
St. Theodosius is asked for help in difficult life situations, for spiritual and physical health. St. Theodosius is also considered the patron saint of monks.
According to the prayers to the saint, which were said by believers near the places where during his lifetime the saint carried out his asceticism. Theodosius, miracles happened. Incurable patients were healed, many people found family happiness when they had already despaired of finding a family.
The meaning of the monastery
Venerable Anthony and Theodosius of Pechersk
The Kiev Pechersk Monastery has always played a major role in Russian Orthodoxy. His tonsures were Saints Leonty and Isaiah (bishops of Rostov), Bishop Nifont of Novgorod, the Vyatka enlightener Venerable Kuksha, the writer Venerable. Nestor the Chronicler.
Today, people who find themselves in a difficult life situation can come to the monastery, where they will always find shelter and help. This became possible thanks to the holy fathers Anthony and Theodosius, who laid down the traditions of piety in communication between the world and the monastery.
Temples and chapels in honor of Saints Anthony and Theodosius of Pechersk
The following churches were consecrated in honor of Saints Anthony and Theodosius of Pechersk:
- Refectory Church in the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, Kyiv, st. Lavrskaya, 11;
- Church in Bibirevo, at the address: Moscow, st. Korneychuka, 52-a.;
- temple in Smolensk, village. Pechersk, st. Zagornaya;
- other temples.
Prayer to Saints Anthony and Theodosius of Pechersk
For humility and curbing passions
O saints of Christ, our venerable fathers Anthony and Theodosius and all the saints of the Kiev-Pecherstia, bright lamps, the first to shine with the holiness of monastic life on the Russian land, patrons of the city of Kyiv and our entire fatherland! We earnestly flock to you, warm prayer books and unashamed intercessors, asking for consolation and help in our needs and sorrows. Help us, servants of God (names)
, our intercessors! Confirm us in the holy faith, save the Church of God from destructive heresies and schisms, teach us to always keep the commandments of God and all the traditions of the Church, commanded to us from the Father, awaken to us compassionate fathers and warm prayer books, so that we glorify the name of the Life-Giving Trinity, Father and Son and Holy Spirit forever. Amen.
Orthodox Life
Our reverent and God-bearing fathers Anthony and Theodosius, we, sinners and humble ones, come to you as a warm intercessor and a quick helper and a famous representative, we diligently resort to you, humbly asking for neck of help and intercession in the abyss of evils and troubles, immersion, even for us every day and hour and from wicked men and from the spirits of wickedness in heaven, always and everywhere, and with all sorts of images of the destruction of the soul and body of our seekers, they find upon us. We are known without a doubt, since we have great boldness towards the Merciful God: even more on earth among those wandering to the Mountainous Fatherland abiding, the great power of the grace of God, with lips and hands in ashimi miracle worker, showing in yourself like fire from heaven, in the likeness of Elijah, on showing the place on which it was founded, for the honor and everlasting praise of God and the Mother of God, the great church of Pechersk, and the dew, in the image of Gideon, for purification and eternal glorification The love of the same holy place has come down: so we, since there are many husbands and wives, from different countries and peoples, grieving and attacked, or overcome by various serious illnesses, or under the burden of violence and oppression, the inconvenience of those who are falling and their lives in despair, through your prayers With your help and intercession you will receive quick relief and deliverance. Even then, all that help, while still in the mortal being’s wanderings, was mercifully given to the needy, especially today, when the Almighty has already appeared to the Trinity, and greater acceptance of boldness, in its Let us pray for our unworthiness, and console us in our troubles and sorrows, in difficult fight for us in our needs and misfortunes, to intercede and protect us in misfortunes and misfortunes. For this reason, we, with so many hostile slander, bitterness and insidious plots from everywhere, threaten and oppress, your warm and strong according to God, we entrust ourselves with protection and protection, and We sincerely pray for your goodness, keep us unharmed from all troubles and evils, especially from demonic ones intrigues and tricks, flattering approaches and arrogant attacks: let us not be a reproach and ridicule for them, but with your strong help drive them away from us, just as in those days you drove them away from the monastery, many sometimes doing dirty tricks. Their unhelpful sizzle has tamed our rebellions and aspirations, so make us, established in faith, hope and love, constant, so that no bewilderment or doubt prevails over us. But the Holy Mother Church teaches us to believe, and boldly commands us to confess: our hope Build on the Lord God in our souls with the weight and measure of the truth and mercy of God, as if we have too much hope for what is promised from God without labor and effort to perceive, below, seeing a great sin We despair greatly of God's mercy and serious crime. Confirm love in our hearts, and do what is worthy, so that there is nothing earthly and perishable more than God, who created everything and contains everything in Himself, below we think, below we desire, below we prefer. Keep and supply our feelings, both spiritual and physical, in such order and splendid proportions every day and hour, so that we never anger the Good, Human-loving God. Keep your mind chaste, so that it thinks more about God, His omnipresence and good providence, rather than worrying about the temporary and insignificant things that exist. Correct our corrupted will, so that no one wants, even if he resists the will of God, but let him be satisfied with it, and let him abide in these serenely and sorrowlessly, even if the essence is pleasing and pleasing to God, man What a saving and useful thing. Sober up the memory, so that it constantly presents to the mind and this light, the image of the All-Merciful wrath of God and His benevolence, irritation and it, like any other person, except for any doubt about this temporary life life awaits: for this, do not forget your Fatherland, but remain in a peaceful dispensation At the Throne of the Majesty of God, intercede unceasingly. Keep all the people in our country peaceful and carefree, and soon deliver them from every evil situation. When our departure from this temporary life and migration to eternity has arrived, come to our aid and free us from the violence of the enemy, just as you sometimes appeared to Erasmus the monk in heavy laughter. The great calamity that has arisen, and move the chest of our hearts to true repentance and regret for sins, as and his heart labored, and in true repentance he departed from these here to God, and we, in our clear conscience, testify, the Most Holy and Undivided One who presented himself to the Trinity, glorify Yukup but with you and all the saints for ever and ever. Amen.
