Venerable Anthony of Pechersk - “chief of all Russian monks”

Venerable Anthony of Pechersk

Kontakion 1

The election and fulfillment of the Holy Spirit, reverence and God-bearing our fathers, Anthony and Theodosius of Pecherstia, the most beautiful Russian land of vegetation.
wonderful decoration of the Russian people, I want me, unworthy, to sing praiseworthy to you, I humbly pray to you: illumine my darkened mind with the light of grace given to you from God, enlighten the darkness of ignorance, destroy inconveniences and obstacles, strengthen my weakness, but all of us, the sons of Russia, Fatherly free us from all troubles and misfortunes, sorrows and illnesses, and in the warmth of our hearts from the depths of our souls we all cry out to you: Rejoice, Anthony and Theodosius, for the first monastic life in Russia.

Ikos 1

An angel who desires a life like this, who in his youth, all the red of the world, disdained the judgment, and likewise rejected the courage from himself, with the feet of children, but you whole, as a gift to Christ God and an offering sanctified, therefore, such is your holy and God-pleasing reasoning will, we bring this to you singing:

Rejoice, God-bearing fathers, who have despised all the earthly, good and red things of the world; Rejoice, having loved Christ from youth with all your heart and with all your soul.

Rejoice, you who counted the house, estates and all the acquisitions of your parents as nothing; Rejoice, O good and sweet yoke of Christ upon your shoulders, having taken it upon your shoulders while you were still alive.

Rejoice, for you have become like the righteous Abel, a God-pleasing offering; Rejoice, as you imitate the speed of the God-loving Noah in his grateful sacrifice upon his departure from the ark.

Rejoice, O your body, instead of fat lambs and calves, which you brought to your Creator; Rejoice, your souls, that instead of fragrant incense, you offered up Christ the Savior.

Rejoice, your hearts having always prepared for the good service of God and the Mother of God and completely devoted themselves to you; Rejoice, you have spent your entire life, like Samuel, in the service of God, even until your last breath, beautifully and pleasing to God.

Rejoice, you have taught many many husbands and wives, young men and virgins to imitate your life; Rejoice, good and light yoke of Christ, who has pleased many.

Rejoice, Anthony and Theodosius, for the monastic life of the first mother in Russia.

Kontakion 2

Seeing the all-seeing eye of the Father of Lights, this is your great undertaking and soul-saving intention, pleasing to God, even if you are not allowed to live collectively, otherwise, not in a long time, unite and unite you, just as you united and united Paul to Peter, so that one yoke carried many into Heaven enter the monasteries: why we are amazed, grateful to God, who arranged this, we sing: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Reason is pleasing to God, Anthony, the most valorous, but for you and others it is beneficial to your soul, by diligently acquiring this day and burden from the all-merciful God, with warm tears, you diligently asked, prophetically saying: tell me, Lord, the way, I will go the other way. Likewise, the man-loving God, having heeded your tearful prayer, put it in your heart, and without delay go to Mount Athos, but you, like the second Abraham, walked the path with great diligence, fulfilling God’s command, for the sake of which we cry out to you like this:

Rejoice, Father Anthony, who was likened to ancient Abraham, according to the word of God, willingly and obediently, without sorrow and lamentation, moving away from his relatives and friends; Rejoice, to the farthest unknown country, to gain for the sake of monastic life, having sadly departed from your own people.

Rejoice, the long, difficult and regrettable path has been quickly passed without embarrassment; Rejoice, angel of God as a companion on that journey, as sometimes Tobias had.

Rejoice, Mount Athos, having successfully reached by your desire and God's will; Rejoice, thou who has acquired many spiritual, good and soul-beneficial treasures.

Rejoice, having surprised many there with your wise life in fasting and prayer, tireless work and vigil, and unrequited obedience for the Lord’s sake; Rejoice, in your monastic labors and labors the great elder compared the Holy Mountains to you.

Rejoice, Anthony, like the God-wise bee, who has gathered monastic sweetness from those who labor there, like from various flowers; Rejoice, you who brought sweetness safely to the Fatherland, and here you successfully planted and grew a hundredfold.

Rejoice, for through the same sweetness you attracted many into monasticism, with whom you also attracted Theodosius the Great in word and deed; Rejoice, for you have abundantly filled your gathered brethren with spiritual sweetness and strengthened them in virtues.

Rejoice, Anthony and Theodosius, for the monastic life of the first mother in Russia.

Kontakion 3

The power of the Most High is in your purity and immaculate heart, most blessed Theodosius, so you have kindled everything with God’s love, as if you were to move away from all earthly and temporary things, but teach you and teach you to seek the eternal and endless, so that you see such diligence and zeal for the salvation of the soul, touchingly To Almighty God we sing: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

You, Blessed Father Theodosius, had a great desire to visit the holy places in Jerusalem, and you found the desired convenience for this task, joining those coming to Jerusalem, but the evil enemy set you back and created an obstacle, for your mother told him that he was chasing after you , and having reached, like a villain, tied up, drawn into the house, through many beatings, firmly imprisoned in the temple, you, like an adamant, patiently bore this misery, therefore you were released from prison, and went back to baking the church liturgy decently, marveling at it, We cry out to you:

Rejoice, Father Theodosius, unshakable and indestructible pillar of patience; Rejoice, most wonderful and beautiful image of humility and meekness.

Rejoice, you who graciously and courageously endured the heavy beatings and trampling underfoot; Rejoice, even though you caress and kiss you, you impute deadly harm to yourself.

Rejoice, having loved the service of God and the Mother of God most of all; Rejoice, diligent in church service from childhood with all zeal.

Rejoice, you who were mocked and ridiculed by your peers in honor of yourself; Rejoice, having presented to you the image of humility and meekness to all old and young.

Rejoice, you have sincerely forgiven the sins of all those who have offended you; Rejoice, praised, beloved and revered by all virtuous people, your peers are more than your peers.

Rejoice, you who adorned you with good morals and piety, more red than bright vestments; Rejoice, motherly and sovereign robes, like a bad blade, imputed.

Rejoice, Anthony and Theodosius, for the monastic life of the first mother in Russia.

Kontakion 4

You appeared invincible from godless pleasures and unrest, O Reverend Father Theodosius: for you, who constantly worked for the Lord, always having will in your mind and heart, every day you extended your labors to greater lengths, and every day you strove to be the most pleasant and most lovable to God. , conquering all voluptuousness and love of the world, you sang to the One God: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Hearing, blessed Father Theodosius, the cruelty of Saint Anthony and the acute life in the cave seclusion, fleetingly, like the tree on the springs of water, the secret from your mother flowed to him, where, having arrived, you diligently prayed to him, so that he would accept you into his cohabitation and among the monastics will write, he, having seen the living grace of God in you, immediately commanded that the image of the monk be placed on the monk, but you thanked God the benefactor for this, with both hands of the monk you appeared in your life, and with Anthony you worked incessantly, about which we are thinking, so we appeal to to you:

Rejoice, Anthony and Theodosius, founders of the monastic life; Rejoice, first mentors of new monks in Russia.

Rejoice, in monastic calm, like in some safe ship, guides are coming to you; Rejoice, thou who are kind to the rulers of this world who are kind in the depths of this world.

Rejoice, you who put the worldly storms, unrest and riots into silence; Rejoice, you who kindly guide everyone into a good and saving haven.

Rejoice, you who pacify the fierce enemies of vacillation wisely; Rejoice, you who conveniently save you from all the hostile overwhelms that flow to you.

Rejoice, you who are all under your protection and fatherly protection; Rejoice, protecting everyone without partiality from all misfortunes and troubles.

Rejoice, those who are in need always and in everything, and in every place present goodness; Rejoice, for those who are offended, embittered and humiliated, ever intercessors.

Rejoice, Anthony and Theodosius, for the monastic life of the first mother in Russia.

Kontakion 5

The revealed stars, which in the firmament of Russia the Premier Sun has revealed, with the rays of your lofty shrine enlightening many, instructing many on the path of knowledge of God, leading many to monasticism, many in virtues, affirming and strengthening the acute and sorrowful life, this God's will has been fulfilled in you for good. visually, we sing gratefully to the all-merciful God: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Having seen many of your godly things in caves, like in tombs, a life enclosed, I am moved by my souls, my hearts are contrite, hastening to you, seeking salvation, flowing, humbly asking, and having made such a life as fellow members, sanctify the eternal service of God: you remember Who said: He who comes to Me will not be cast away; all who come are kindly welcomed, and fatherly in their participation; We crown you with the same chant:

Rejoice, blessed fathers, who have brought many from the laboring yoke of the world into the sweet freedom of the spirit: Rejoice, having taught many to truly work for Christ and to sincerely teach Him to serve.

Rejoice, your virtues lead to many salvation, just as Moses sometimes opened the way to the Promised Land; Rejoice, you have brought many no longer into the promised land, but into the heavenly dwelling itself.

Rejoice, not just in word, but even more in deed and fervent prayer to God, teaching your disciples and followers; Rejoice, your monastic rules and rules governing your congregation are beautiful and magnificent.

Rejoice, having quickly helped those aggravated by various temptations and misfortunes; Rejoice, you always help those who are struggling and seriously oppressed from the adversary.

Rejoice, you who are overcome by those who resist, but who do not despair and who call upon you reliably in prayer, who are strengthened by your sudden help; Rejoice, you who greatly destroy every hostile aspiration.

Rejoice, the spiritual flock you have gathered will be taken out by those watching with a cheerful eye; Rejoice, for constantly teaching your disciples and heirs on the path of God’s commandments.

Rejoice, Anthony and Theodosius, for the monastic life of the first mother in Russia.

Kontakion 6

Yours, reverend fathers, is preached and praised everywhere, a godly and silent life, who, having seen or heard this continued in cave seclusions, is more angelic than men; each time marveling at your patience and the various mortifications of the body, giving due thanksgiving to God, together with you we belted out the song: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

You will shine on the circle of the Russian church region, blessedness, and also to yourself in dark caves, as if hidden behind the scenes, both with the rays of your exploits and virtues, and so will all the surrounding countries be illumined and enlightened, like the sensual sun illuminates and enlightens the world, and so many excite and warm hearts for a godly life, and are convenient for creating good deeds, just as the sun, warming the earth, is convenient for the vegetation of various trees, and fruits, and old crops, and all kinds of grain for the service of man and livestock. For this, thanking God, we bring you a chant:

Rejoice, enlighteners in the darkening of the passions of the abiding; Rejoice, enlighteners in the vanity and self-forgetfulness of those who live.

Rejoice, leaders of those who are in bewilderment and error; Rejoice, stewards of the good life of beginners.

Rejoice, strengtheners in the good of those who are weak and shaken by cowardice and despondency; Rejoice, pathogens in the negligence of those who sleep.

Rejoice, teachers of good cheerfulness and sobriety; Rejoice, you who drive away negligence and idleness.

Rejoice, hard work, the beginning and affirmation of every good, warmest zealots; Rejoice, vigilant guardians of a pure and immaculate life.

Rejoice, graceful and faithful guides to salvation for all; Rejoice, all who want to live piously and pleasingly to God, who desire the wisdom of a teacher.

Rejoice, Anthony and Theodosius, for the monastic life of the first mother in Russia.

Kontakion 7

Although the all-evil enemy of your good undertaking has created an obstacle, the prince has kindled anger and rage against you for the tonsure of his servants into monasticism, more than other loved ones, a certain eunuch and the son of a Bolyarsk, as if you had no need to leave your cave dwellings and settle elsewhere: both Not for long did the enemy rejoice at his cunning, for the good-natured prince, admonished by his God-fearing wife, soon learned your kindness and saw the enemy’s cunning and deceit, with the entreaty of the ambassador to you, so that you may return to your former location, having rejoiced in this, and sang gratefully to God : Alleluia.

Ikos 7

New work and a new feat upon returning to your cave dwellings, the reverend fathers naturally perked up: for the expansion of monastic cells and for the establishment of a prayer temple, strive unstintingly, so that you will trample the insidious enemy’s pride and shame his cold-hearted madness, and the gathered brethren to a more godly and virtuous life arouse and inspire the most zealous service to Christ God, for which we, with intelligent eyes, are crying out to you:

Rejoice, hard-working finders and zealots of the monastic sojourn in the cave; Rejoice at the warmth of monastic life and the glory of the protectress.

Rejoice, vigilant and ever-watchful guardians of your abodes; Rejoice, most humble tamers of princely anger and rage.

Rejoice, lovers of your enemies and truth and unhypocrisy; Rejoice, righteous zealots who create insults and misfortunes for you.

Rejoice, most zealous executors of God’s commandments and counsels; Rejoice, leaders of prosperity towards a pure and immaculate life.

Rejoice, excellent teachers of good morals and reverence; Rejoice, you who strive in piety and labor in doing good, omnipotently, by the power of Christ’s helper.

Rejoice, the ascetic was not toilless in her monastic labors; Rejoice, the herd you have gathered, champions of invincibility in everything.

Rejoice, Anthony and Theodosius, for the monastic life of the first mother in Russia.

Kontakion 8

Your strange and great sorrowful life not only surprises people on earth, but also angels in Heaven: you, imprisoned in caves, like in dark tombs, worked diligently in the warmth of your heart and soul for the One God, even as in days and nights The services rendered to your Creator will be unknown and unknown to the world, but known and known to the Creator Himself will appear. For this reason, we always sing to God, who taught and enlightened you: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

All yours, blessed and God-bearing fathers, diligence and all your concern for this, so that you may resist the all-evil generation of the Christian enemy and trample and erase his proud head, but the Creator common to all, together with your disciples, glorify all of you in your souls and bodies and in this goodness Your will and God-pleasing deed, strengthened by power from above, have succeeded to the extent that you have been able to do everything through Christ Jesus who strengthens you. In the same way, the glory of God rose from your caves and illuminated all the ends of the earth, so for this reason we sing praises to you:

Rejoice, zealots and preachers of tireless praise and honor of God in the world; Rejoice, highly intelligent enemies of pride, strong and subduers.

Rejoice, you abolishers of hostile slander and worthy praise; Rejoice, you who have raised up the courage of hostile snares and destructive snares.

Rejoice, having adorned yourself with deep humility and meekness, like precious beads; Rejoice, having confirmed many in the same God-loving virtues.

Rejoice, you who were jealous of the ancient desert dweller in fasting and abstinence; Rejoice, spending your days and nights in tireless prayer, without any depression or despondency.

Rejoice, having taught your followers to remain in the same prayer; Rejoice at being vigilant against the enemy’s slander and overcoming them, the image and path they showed us.

Rejoice, for the mental enemies used fasting, prayer and kneeling instead of weapons; Rejoice, for through your cramped and sorrowful life you have increased the glory of God in the world.

Rejoice, Anthony and Theodosius, for the monastic life of the first mother in Russia.

Kontakion 9

Every rank of human nature, poor and rich, low-born and high-born, looked at your wretched, humble and noble life, giving thanks to God and constantly glorifying His goodness and ineffable mercy, as if you were to pass through a cramped and sorrowful life, so that you may save many Having experienced the soul-destroying paths, guide them pastorally on the path of salvation, teaching them to sing to the Creator and Provider: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

The birth of election was revealed, glorified by our fathers, but not in the image of this world, for even though this world loves, you have hated with all your zeal, and even what is blessed and revered as great, you have despised, and rejected far from yourself, like an indecent and unprofitable lust, the foot for your own sake, you also accept such commendable veneration from everyone:

Rejoice, valiant despisers of the world and all its sweets, beauties and charms; Rejoice, warmest lovers of monastic non-covetousness and poverty.

Rejoice, severe mortifiers of your body and all bodily senses; Rejoice, stewards of meekness, humility and abstinence.

Rejoice, having placed all your consolation and bliss in poverty and lack of possessions; Rejoice, having greatly enriched yourself with silence and withdrawal from the world.

Rejoice, having entrusted yourself entirely to God’s providence and care; Rejoice, you never craved sweet drinks and throat-pleasing drinks.

Rejoice, having placed soft and light robes on you; Rejoice, multi-stitched rags, like precious jewelry, which you have always worn with love throughout your entire life.

Rejoice, instead of your chosen food, by fasting for many days and by sacrificing the body that nourished you; Rejoice, instead of drinking sweet drinks, you have given yourself tears of heart.

Rejoice, Anthony and Theodosius, for the monastic life of the first mother in Russia.

Kontakion 10

Although the Most Merciful God mercifully expects to save many, all conversions and salvation, reveal you other apostles of Russia, may He enlighten many of you and guide you on the right path of salvation, in which you have labored apostolically, in the ignorance of those who exist in the Gospel truth, without laziness, teaching, leading to orthodoxy and to preservation Continually stir up God's commandments and a godly and pure life in word and deed, singing to God the Helper: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

A solid wall and a strong fence has appeared, all-validating fathers, who have come running to you, not only to monk with you those who want a helping hand, graciously given, but also by various worldly affairs, by misfortunes and sorrows, aggravated and oppressed, so comforting, like the parents of their child, in a situation of sorrows and existing illnesses, they console them, giving them joy with their care and easing the burden of sorrows with fatherly affection. For which of your benefactions we sing our thanksgiving to you:

Rejoice, you who are in need and struggling with various misfortunes are quickly helped by the helper; Rejoice, the offended and embittered, at the news of the protector.

Rejoice, you who are overwhelmed by the heaviness of this world under the guidance of the helmsman; Rejoice, you who enrich those who are impoverished and who enrich those who live in the most sorrowful poverty.

Rejoice, feeders of those who hunger and feast on mercy; Rejoice, you who are unbearably scorched and oppressed by thirst for the most wonderful coolant.

Rejoice, you who open clothing and shelter to those deprived of clothing and shelter in the depths of God’s mercy; Rejoice, you who are blind, and especially those who are led astray in the law of the Lord, who are led in wonder.

Rejoice, wisdom healers of illnesses and serious ailments of the possessed and tormented; Rejoice, you who are strong and strong and drive away all misfortunes, troubles and sorrows.

Rejoice, giver of every good, temporal and eternal; Rejoice, protectors of warmth flowing to you with faith from all sorrowful circumstances.

Rejoice, Anthony and Theodosius, for the monastic life of the first mother in Russia.

Kontakion 11

The singing we bring to you, God-bearing fathers, is not enough to praise your glorious deeds and above-human labors, for God’s life is superior to human life, and befitting of angels, and deserves to be brought to you by praises from Angels, rather than from humans: otherwise our zealous, visual will , kindly accept the singing that we offer, cleanse us from sin and all filth and impurity with your prayers, so that every day and hour we sing to God with a pure heart: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

A light-giving luminary appeared on the earthly circle, filled with God's grace, blessed fathers, the entire universe, from the underground cavern, clearly illuminating with your bright virtues, your deeds from the underground conclusions that rose up, so the whole world came to the knowledge and knowledge, as it pleases the East , and the West magnifies, and the South praises, and the North glorifies more and more. In the same way, we sing to you out of love:

Rejoice, performers of all virtues and non-laziness; Rejoice, co-founders of many monastic monasteries.

Rejoice, bright mirror of all virtues; Rejoice, the strong and irresistible One has taken your abodes.

Rejoice, beautiful and wonderful Spirit of the Holy Dwelling; Rejoice, you are a receptacle for all godly and auspicious deeds.

Rejoice, having pleased your Creator and God well in your temporary life; Rejoice, having perfectly prepared for yourself the end of this temporary and difficult life.

Rejoice, your disciples, like true children, who taught not only in this life, but especially at the end, to live a godly life; Rejoice, also as a disciple, after departing from here, the invisible presence and constant assistance and help of those who promised.

Rejoice, having entered into the heavenly dwelling in God's haste without any obstacle; Rejoice, for you have received the great reward for your monastic suffering from the All-Bounteous Giver of Retribution.

Rejoice, Anthony and Theodosius, for the monastic life of the first mother in Russia.

Kontakion 12

Grace, the All-Merciful and All-Bountiful God, from His inexhaustible treasures, has never been empty and idle in you, but the fruit of your creation is abundant, like good grain cast into good soil, for you are a faithful and wise servant, who received talents from your master, becoming like, Thus, with the forces given to you from above, work hard, so that you may appear pleasing and kind to God, and you will receive endless reward for yourself in the heavenly villages, constantly singing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing your silent and very distant life from everyday and worldly cares, with the One God, we praise your many painful labors and exploits, we honor your daily and all-night vigils and prayers, we glorify your frequent lying down and kneeling, and all that we honor the flesh of mortification and the spirit of contrition, even love For the sake of Christ, we have complacently accepted, and we remember abundantly the rewards that we have received abundantly from the righteous Judge and Giver of God, naturally, and chanting:

Rejoice, having become like an Angel in heavenly endless glory; Rejoice, honor equal to the patriarch of the reception.

Rejoice, in the rank of prophets, for those who have the gift of prophecy are inscribed; Rejoice, to the countenance of the apostles and evangelists, as you have brought the good news to Christ in word and deed.

Rejoice, in the host of martyrs, for you have endured much for the sake of Christ and received it piously; Rejoice, in the assembly of confessors, the rank of confessor is honored.

Rejoice, with those who are virgins, like virgins, exalted; Rejoice, with all the saints who have pleased God well and have gained participation and inheritance.

Rejoice, you who are satisfied with the sweet and blessed sight of the Most Holy Trinity; Rejoice, enjoying endless peace through monastic labors and fasting labors.

Rejoice, unspeakable blessings prepared for the saints from the ages, righteously rewarded with an inheritance; Rejoice, Kingdom of Heaven, all sweetness and beauty, all greatness and bliss, the human mind superior, containing, sharing and possessing the revealed.

Rejoice, Anthony and Theodosius, for the monastic life of the first mother in Russia.

Kontakion 13

For blessedness and all honor worthy, God-bearing fathers, Anthony and Theodosius of Pecherstia, this small prayer, by us, unworthy, brought to you out of love, kindly accepted, yours and our Fatherland from all hostile attacks and enemy slander, unshakably and unharmed, keep us But, filially, who flow to you with faith and love, deliver us from all troubles, sorrows and misfortunes of the father, so that I may sing gratefully to God the Savior for you: Alleluia.

This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos “An Angel like...” and the 1st kontakion “The Chosen One and the Holy Spirit...”.

Prayer

Our reverend and God-bearing fathers Anthony and Theodosius, we are sinners to you, as to warm intercessors and quick helpers and well-known representatives, we diligently resort to you, humbly asking for your help and intercession in the abyss of evils and troubles that we are plunging into, even every day and hour to us and from evil people befall us and from the spirits of evil in heaven, always and everywhere and with all sorts of images of the destruction of the souls and bodies of our seekers, they find on us. We are known without a doubt, since we have great boldness towards the merciful God: even more abiding on the earth among those wandering to the Mountainous Fatherland, the great power of the grace of God, through your lips and hands, working wonders, has shown itself in itself, like fire from heaven, in the likeness of Elijah, on the indication of the place on which it was supposed to be based, for the honor and everlasting praise of God and the Mother of God, the great church of the Pechersk, and the dew, in the image of Gideon, for the purification and eternal glorification of that same holy place. from different countries and peoples, grieving and suffering, or possessed by various serious illnesses, or under the burden of violence and oppression, inconvenience, falling and despairing of their lives, through your prayers and intercession they received quick relief and deliverance. If all that help, even in mortal wandering, was mercifully given to the needy, how much more today, when the Almighty has already appeared to the Trinity, and greater boldness to pray for our unworthiness, and to console us in our troubles and sorrows, in grave to fight for us in our needs and misfortunes, to intercede and protect us in misadventures and disasters. For this reason, we, with so many hostile slander, bitterness and insidious malice from everywhere threatened and oppressed, entrust ourselves to your warm and strong God for protection and protection, and earnestly pray for your kindness: keep us unharmed from all troubles and evils, especially from demonic 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, sometimes doing many dirty tricks. Their unhelpful calico has tamed our rebellions and aspirations, so make us, established in faith, hope and love, constant, so that none of us will be overcome by bewilderment or doubt in those whom the Holy Mother Church teaches to believe and boldly commands to confess. Build our hope in the Lord God in our souls with the weight and measure of God’s truth and mercy, for we have too much hope in what is promised from God without labor and effort to perceive it; below, seeing great sins and grave crimes, we greatly despair of God’s mercy. Confirm love in our hearts, and make it worthy, so that nothing earthly and soon-to-perish, more than God, who created everything and contains everything in Himself, we think below, we desire below, we prefer below. Keep and supply our spiritual and physical feelings in such well-being and splendid regularity 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 temporary and insignificant things. Take away our corrupted will, so that no one wants, even if he resists the will of God, but is caught by those, and in them, let him abid serenely and sadly, even though the essence is pleasing and pleasing to God, and salutary and useful to man. Sober up the memory, so that it constantly presents to the mind and this, the image of the All-Merciful wrath of God and His compassion, irritate and it, like every person, except for any doubt, expects in this temporary life; Do not forget about your fatherland and your Fatherland, but in a peaceful dispensation for him to remain at the Throne of the Majesty of God, continually intercede. Keep all the people living 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, appear to help us and free us from the violence of the enemy, as you sometimes appeared to the monk Erasmus, who found himself in grave mortal distress, and move our hearts to true repentance and regret for sins, as and this heart of heroism, which in true repentance departed from these here to God, and we, in our conscience’s testimony, having presented ourselves to the Most Holy and Indivisible Trinity, glorify You together with you and all the saints to endless ages. Amen.

Biography

The Monk Anthony of Pechersk was born in 983 near Chernigov, in the town of Lyubeche. According to some sources, his worldly name was Antipas[1]. Burning with a desire to see the places of the earthly life of Jesus Christ, he visited Palestine and on the way back took monastic vows on Mount Athos, where he lived for several years. As his life tells, the abbot received an inspiration from God to release Anthony back to the Russian land: “ Antony! Go back to the Russian land, and let those who live there prosper through you and become established in the Christian faith; May the blessing of the holy mountain be with you!

»[2].

In 1028 he returned to Kyiv, where he indulged in the hermit’s labors in a cave on Berestovaya Mountain, dug by the priest Hilarion, the future Metropolitan of Kyiv[3]. As his life tells, he settled there:

His ascetic feat attracted people to him. Some came for a blessing, while others wanted to live next to the saint: “ and we began to honor the great Anthony

" Anthony's first students were Nikon and Theodosius (he took monastic vows from Nikon in 1032 at Anthony's direction). This is how the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra began to form.

After the number of monks reached 12 people, under the leadership of Anthony, a large cave was excavated, in which a church, a refectory and separate cells for the monks were built (these structures are currently preserved in the Far Caves of the Lavra). After this, Anthony appointed Varlaam abbot, left the monastery and, having dug a new cave, went into seclusion. However, monks began to settle next to him again. This is how the Near and Far caves of the Lavra were formed. Even during Anthony’s lifetime, the Monk Theodosius was appointed abbot of the monastery he founded. When the number of inhabitants reached one hundred people, with the blessing of Anthony, the brethren built the first wooden church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the mountain.

The life of Anthony tells that he had the gift of working miracles: he healed the sick by giving them the greens that he ate; predicted the defeat of Russian troops in the battle with the Cumans on the Alta River in 1066[2].

Because of the conflict with Prince Izyaslav, Anthony left Kiev twice: the prince was angry at the tonsure of his associates as monks, and in 1068 the prince began to be angry with the Monk Anthony, whom someone had slandered before him - that Anthony allegedly loved Vseslav Bryachislavich, who had captured The Kiev grand prince's table gave him advice that he was supposedly the main culprit of all the unrest that took place in Kyiv[2].

The Prince of Chernigov Svyatoslav, having learned that his brother Izyaslav was very angry with the Monk Anthony, sent for the saint at night and secretly took him to his place in Chernigov, where the ascetic lived, having dug a cave in the Boldin Mountains[2].

He spent the last years of his life in solitude, withdrawing from the management of the monastery. Anthony died on May 7, 1073. The relics of the saint are kept under wraps (that is, they have not been found to this day).