Saint
Theodosius of the Caves, was the Father of monasticism in Russia.
He was born at Vasilevo, not far from Kiev. From his youth he
felt an irresistible attraction for the ascetic life, and led an ascetic
lifestyle while still in his parental home. He disdained childish games
and attractions, and constantly went to church. He asked his parents to
let him study the holy books, and through his ability and rare zeal, he
quickly learned to read the books, so that everyone was amazed at his
intellect.
When he was fourteen, he lost his father and
remained under the supervision of his mother, a strict and domineering
woman who loved her son very much. Many times she chastised her son for
his yearning for asceticism, but he remained firmly committed to his
path.
At the age of twenty-four, he secretly left his
parents' home and Saint Anthony at the Kiev Caves monastery blessed him
to receive monastic tonsure with the name Theodosius. After four years
his mother found him and with tearfully begged him to return home, but
the saint persuaded her to remain in Kiev and to become a nun in the
monastery of St Nicholas at the Askold cemetery.
Saint Theodosius toiled at the monastery more
than others, and he often took upon himself some of the work of the
other brethren. He carried water, chopped wood, ground up the grain, and
carried the flour to each monk. On cold nights he uncovered his body and
let it serve as food for gnats and mosquitoes. His blood flowed, but the
saint occupied himself with handicrafts, and sang Psalms. He came to
church before anyone else and, standing in one place, he did not leave
it until the end of services. He also listened to the readings with
particular attention.
In 1054 Saint Theodosius was ordained a
hieromonk, and in 1057 he was chosen igumen. The fame of his deeds
attracted a number of monks to the monastery, at which he built a new
church and cells, and he introduced coenobitic rule of the Studion
monastery, a copy of which he commissioned at Constantinople.
As igumen, Saint Theodosius continued his
arduous duties at the monastery. He usually ate only dry bread and
cooked greens without oil, and spent his nights in prayer without sleep.
The brethren often noticed this, although the saint tried to conceal his
efforts from others.
No one saw when Saint Theodosius dozed lightly,
and usually he rested while sitting. During Great Lent the saint
withdrew into a cave near the monastery, where he struggled unseen by
anyone. His attire was a coarse hair-shirt worn next to
his body. He looked so much like a beggar that it was impossible to
recognize in this old man the renowned igumen, deeply respected by all
who knew him.
Once, Saint Theodosius was returning from
visiting the Great Prince Izyaslav. The coachman, not recognizing him,
said gruffly, "You, monk, are always on holiday, but I am constantly at
work. Take my place, and let me ride in the carriage." The holy Elder
meekly complied and drove the servant. Seeing how nobles along the way
bowed to the monk driving the horses, the servant took fright, but the
holy ascetic calmed him, and gave him a meal at the monastery. Trusting
in God's help, the saint did not keep a large supply of food at the
monastery, and therefore the brethren were in want of their daily bread.
Through his prayers, however, unknown benefactors appeared at the
monastery and furnished the necessities for the brethren.
The Great Princes, especially Izyaslav, loved
to listen to the spiritual discourses of Saint Theodosius. The saint was
not afraid to denounce the mighty of this world. Those unjustly
condemned always found a defender in him, and judges would review
matters at the request of the igumen. He was particularly concerned for
the destitute. He built a special courtyard for them at the monastery
where anyone in need could receive food and drink. Sensing the approach
of death, Saint Theodosius peacefully fell asleep in the Lord in the
year 1074. He was buried in a cave which he dug, where he secluded
himself during fasting periods.
The relics of the ascetic were found incorrupt
in the year 109, and St Theodosius was glorified as a saint in 1108. Of
the written works of St Theodosius six discourses, two letters to Great
Prince Izyaslav, and a prayer for all Christians have survived to our
time.
The Life of Saint Theodosius was written by
Saint Nestor the Chronicler (October 27), a disciple of the great Abba,
only thirty years after his repose, and it was always one of the
favorite readings of the Russian nation. St Theodosius is also
commemorated on September 2 and 28.
