Among the many saints of the Russian Orthodox Church, a special place is occupied by the Monk Theodosius of the Caves, whose icon opens this article. Born shortly after the accession of Christianity in Russia, he became one of the founders of Russian monasticism, showing the way to spiritual heights for many subsequent generations of monks. His memory is celebrated four times a year: May 3, August 14, August 28 and September 2.

Birth and early years of the righteous

The life of St. Theodosius of the Caves tells that he was born in 1008, in the family of a military man from the squad of Grand Duke Vladimir the Holy. The beginning of his life took place in the village of Vasiliev, not far from Kiev, but then, when his father received a transfer to Kursk, his family went there with him.

From birth, the Lord intended the child for monastic deeds, instilling in him love for church service and wearing chains, which Theodosius, as a child, constantly wore against the wishes of his mother. Feeling no attraction to the games and amusements of his peers, the future ascetic spent all his days in church and begged his parents to send him to study reading and writing with a local priest.

Young Servant of God

Having achieved amazing success in a short time, the lad amazed those around him not only with the number of sacred books he read, but also with their surprisingly wise interpretation, which betrayed his extraordinary mind and abilities. His religiosity took on even deeper forms after the Lord called his father to His Heavenly Abodes at the age of fourteen, and the young man was left alone under the supervision of his mother - a woman who had a strict and domineering character.

Despite her ardent love for her son, she could not comprehend the deep aspirations of his soul, and she treated such early manifestations of extreme religiosity with distrust. Wishing Theodosius happiness, she put into this concept only a simple worldly meaning, the essence of which was to succeed and well-being in this world. However, for the young man it consisted in serving God.

Two escapes from home

The life of Theodosius of the Caves contains a curious episode from his youth. It tells how one day the Lord brought a group of wanderers to his mother's courtyard, who were on a pilgrimage to holy places. Struck by their stories about the monasteries and the monks working in them, the young man, wanting to see everything with his own eyes, secretly left the house and followed them. However, the fugitive was soon overtaken by his mother, who discovered his absence and set off in pursuit. For his arbitrariness, Theodosius was beaten by her and locked up in a hut for several days.

A sharp turning point in the life of the future ascetic came when, at the age of twenty-four, he finally decided to leave native home and look for a monastery where they would agree to accept him as a novice. From an early age, Theodosius of Pechersk remembered the words of Jesus Christ, who said that he who loves his father or mother more than Him is not worthy of Him. This gave him the strength to decide to escape again. Having seized the moment when his mother was not at home, the young man, picking up a staff and stocking up on a loaf of bread, went to Kiev.

Blessing of Anthony of the Caves

The path was not close, and the road was unfamiliar, but the Lord sent him a passing convoy, with the help of which the young wanderer reached the Mother of Russian cities. However, his hopes of meeting a warm welcome in any of her cloisters were in vain. To whomever of the abbots he turned, everywhere he met with a refusal. Some did not like the rags in which Theodosius was dressed, others were embarrassed by his too young age.

But the Lord did not allow despair to settle in the heart of His humble servant and directed his feet to the banks of the Dnieper, where the great righteous and ascetic, the founder of the Kiev-Pechersk monastery, elder Anthony labored in an earthen cave in those years (a photo of his icon can be seen below). Endowed with the gift of clairvoyance, he was able to discern in a poorly dressed young man a true vessel of the Holy Spirit and blessed him for monastic deeds.

The feat of cave hermitage

The life of Theodosius of the Caves, reporting on his taking monastic vows, indicates that this rite was performed on him at the command of St. Anthony in 1032 by the rector of the Kiev-Pechersk monastery Nikon. From that time on, his communion with monastic life began, filled with unceasing prayers and nightly vigils, in the depths of gloomy silent caves, illuminated only by the dim flickering of a lamp.

After four years, near the cave in which Theodosius of the Caves lived, his mother suddenly appeared, who had been looking for him all these years and finally found him, guided by the voice of her heart. However, despite the sincere love of his sons, the young caveman at first refused to go out to her, saying that from now on he, a monk, has no relatives except the Lord God.

Only the exhortations of the Monk Anthony, who convinced him of the appropriateness of such a meeting, forced Theodosius to leave his refuge for a while and go to his mother. Seeing her son, the unfortunate woman in tears persuaded him to change his mind and return home, but he was adamant, and not only did not succumb to a momentary temptation, but after a long conversation managed to persuade his mother herself to renounce the world, to embark on the path of serving God. When, having listened to his words, she closed herself in the convent of St. Nicholas, Theodosius, falling on his knees, thanked the Creator for the mercy He had shown.

At the head of the Kiev Caves Monastery

The harsh life filled with incessant deeds, which Theodosius of the Caves led, earned him the deepest reverence of all the brethren. After a few years spent in cave seclusion, he was ordained a priest (hieromonk), and after some time he became abbot of the Kiev-Pechersk monastery, founded by his spiritual mentor and teacher, the Monk Anthony. Under his leadership, life in the monastery was raised to an even greater spiritual height.

Having assumed even greater burdens of monastic deeds, Saint Theodosius of the Caves introduced in the monastery the charter of the cenobitic Studian monastery, founded in the 5th century in Constantinople and distinguished by unusually strict rules. Its main difference was the refusal of the monks from personal property and the complete socialization of property. It was precisely this principle, which determined the entire further direction of the development of monasticism in Russia, that St. Theodosius of the Caves took as a basis.

Regardless of faces and titles

The strictness of the rules established by the new rector equally applied to both the inhabitants of the monastery and its visitors, regardless of ranks and titles. For example, there is a known case when Prince Izyaslav Yaroslavovich of Kiev, having arrived at the monastery at an odd hour, was forced to wait at its gates until the time came for the admission of pilgrims. Proud and arrogant Everyday life, he nevertheless humbled himself and dutifully stood among the other pilgrims.

Vivid evidence of how wisely the abbot knew how to build relationships with people is the very life of Theodosius of the Caves. His analysis shows that, communicating with representatives of the most diverse social strata, he always unmistakably found the right tone, guided by God's commandment of love for one's neighbor, which always met with a response in the hearts of those around him. And there are many examples of this.

Hegumen with the reins in his hands

In this regard, the episode associated with his visit comes to mind. Kiev prince Izyaslav, which was already mentioned above. Warmly received in the palace, the ruler Theodosius of the Caves, returning on foot to the monastery and fairly tired on the road, asked to be in a cart to a peasant who was traveling in the same direction. He agreed, but, not knowing that before him was the abbot of the famous monastery, accepted and revered by the prince himself, he began to boast that he was a hard worker, earning bread in the sweat of his brow, and his passenger was simply a loafer monk.

In response to this, filled with truly Christian humility, Theodosius volunteered to drive the horse himself, and offered the peasant to rest quietly in the cart all the way. What was the amazement of this commoner, who saw how the oncoming nobles stopped and bowed low to his voluntary driver. Arriving at the monastery and finding out what was the matter, the peasant was terribly frightened, but the monk only with fatherly love blessed his recent detractor and ordered him to feed him dinner, thus making him his sincere admirer.

Prince - usurper of power

It is known that many princes highly valued the spiritual conversation with the Monk Theodosius and never fell into anger for exposing their unrighteous deeds, allowing him to openly express his opinion. For example, after Vsevolod and Svyatoslav Yaroslavovichi expelled their older brother Izyaslav, the legitimate heir to the princely throne, from Kiev, Theodosius openly denounced them as treachery and refused to commemorate them in prayer. Only some time later, due to the petition of the brethren of the monastery, he changed his mind. Svyatoslav, who seized power in Kiev, repented and made considerable contributions to the church treasury.

Death and subsequent canonization

Foreseeing his imminent death, Saint Theodosius called on all the monastic brethren and, having prayed with them, blessed them for further labors for the salvation of their souls. Having given a few last orders, he peacefully reposed in the Lord on May 3, 1074. His body was buried in a cave, dug out by him once on the banks of the Dnieper, where the deceased righteous man began his service to God, blessed by his spiritual mentor - the Monk Anthony.

Fifteen years after that, wanting to transfer the ashes of his rector to the tomb of the Church of the Assumption founded by him Holy Mother of God and having opened the grave for this, the brethren found his relics incorrupt. This event, as well as the miracles of Theodosius of the Caves, manifested at the place of his burial, such as the healing of the sick, the gift of abundant childbearing, deliverance from misfortunes, etc., served as the reason for his canonization, which took place in 1108. His first life was compiled shortly before that by a monk of the Kiev-Pechersk monastery - the famous chronicler Nestor.

It should be noted in passing that even today there are many testimonies of miracles through prayers to the saint, lifted up near the places of his former asceticism. In this regard, we can mention many entries made in the books of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. They provide facts of healing even the most hopeless patients and finding family happiness for those who have lost their last hope in this.

Literary works of St. Theodosius of the Caves

About twenty different works are attributed to Theodosius of Pechersk as a literary heritage, but his authorship of only half of them has been scientifically proven. Among the creations, undoubtedly belonging to his pen, included eight instructions of spiritual content, a message to Prince Izyaslav of Kiev, as well as a prayer composed by Theodosius of the Caves.

The teachings of the monk are a kind of testament to all future generations of Orthodox monks. In them, he calls on those who have embarked on the path of serving God not to succumb to the temptations of the flesh and to evade the demonic thoughts that the enemy of the human race instills in the hearts of the monks. In addition, in many of his addresses, he urges monks to eschew laziness, which is also sent by the demon and is the cause of most vices.

He also points to the true cause of the strife and strife that sometimes arises between them. As their constant culprit, the saint points, again, to the devil - the eternal enemy of goodness and love. Therefore, Theodosius teaches to consider every bad thought in relation to one's neighbor as another admonishment of the enemy. As one of the most effective means in the fight against the evil one, he offers confession and repentance brought with all sincerity and frankness.

The memory of the Monk Theodosius of the Caves

For the nine centuries that have passed since the death of the Monk Theodosius, he has been one of the most revered Russian saints, whose life is among the most widely read religious works. Akathists were composed in his honor and temples were erected. Today on the territory Russian Federation the most famous is the temple of Theodosius of the Caves, located in the Crimea in the village of Okhotnikovo. In total, there are thirteen of them, some of which are owned by monasteries. In Kiev itself, a church in the name of this saint was erected on the site where, according to legend, his cave was located.

Rehabilitation center named after Theodosius Pechersky

In addition, in the city of Kursk for many years there has been a medical and social rehabilitation center Theodosius of the Caves. It provides comprehensive medical and psychological help disabled people, including children. Located in a picturesque place called the Solyanka tract, the center has gained well-deserved fame due to its high professional level medical staff and the quality of patient care.

F Theodosius of the Caves was the second saint solemnly canonized by the Russian Church, and its first reverend. Just as Boris and Gleb forestalled St. Olga and Vladimir, St. Theodosius was canonized earlier than Anthony, his teacher and the first founder of the Kiev Caves Monastery. Together they became the founders of monasticism in Russia.

Founded by St. Anthony and arranged by St. Theodosius, the Kiev-Pechersk monastery became a model for other monasteries and was of great importance for the development of the Russian Church. Famous archpastors, zealous preachers of the faith and remarkable writers came out of its walls. Of the hierarchs, vows of the Kiev-Pechersk monastery, Saints Leonty and Isaiah (bishops of Rostov), ​​Nifont (bishop of Novgorod) are especially famous. Rev. Kuksha (illuminator of the Vyatichi), writers Rev. Nestor the Chronicler and Simon.

... H at the dawn of the 11th century (not exactly established) in the city of Vasiliev, not far from Kiev, a baby appeared in the judge's family.

The priest gave him the name Theodosius and predicted that the newborn would devote himself to God.

Indeed, the boy was very different from his peers, and this was noticed by many in Kursk, where soon after the birth of Theodosius, at the behest of the prince, the family settled. Theodosius bypassed the frisky children, preferred clothes that were discreet, even patched, showed an increased interest in the church.

Concerned parents persuaded Theodosius to surrender to children's amusements, to dress more decently, but the boy did not respond to these persuasion and only asked to teach him divine literacy. When, finally, his will was fulfilled, Theodosius greedily became addicted to religious literature. He discovered brilliant abilities for studying, but he did not boast about it, maintaining emphasized humility and obedience both in relations with the teacher and in communication with fellow students.

As soon as Theodosius was 13 years old, his father died, and his mother began to dominate the house even more energetically. Early widowed, she lived freely, but this did not prevent her from "holding a large trade in her hands." The house was a full bowl, one of the richest in Kursk. The upper floor was occupied by a family, a kitchen downstairs, warehouses in the yard, workshops, residential huts, and all - behind a high log fence with a prickly comb of iron spikes. Family wealth increased.

The mother was hard on the hand to her slaves, did not spare her son. When Theodosius went to work in the field, her mother considered this an insult to her honor and did not let go of the cuffs on the back of the head, like other parents, instructing children, but beat him, sometimes cruelly, like adults who were obedient to her.

Fascinated by the earthly life of Jesus Christ, Theodosius dreamed of making a pilgrimage. When wanderers once appeared in the city, he asked them to take him as a companion to visit places connected with the life of Jesus Christ.

The secret departure of the young man from the house was noticed, and the mother, taking only her youngest son with her, set off in pursuit of the pilgrims.

She traveled a long way before she caught up with the blessed Theodosius, "and grabbed, and in anger grabbed his hair, and, knocking him to the ground, began to kick, and showered reproaches on the wanderers, and then returned home, leading Theodosius, bound, as if robber. And she was in such anger that when she came home, she beat him until she was exhausted.

Theodosius was tied up and left locked up in seclusion. His mother fed and released him only two days later, having first pacified her son's legs for a long time with heavy shackles so that he would not run away from home again.

She loved her son with a heavy love. Theodosius accepted it as a punishment, only strengthening his will and thoughts of asceticism in the name of the Lord.

When mercy nevertheless won, the fetters were removed, and the son was allowed to "do whatever he wants." And the lad again frequented the church. I once noticed that there is often no liturgy due to the lack of prosphora. I was very sad about this until I decided to take up the production of prosphora for everyone. It took about a dozen years, but every day Theodosius "was again this miracle - that from a pale dough, damp smelling, the power of fire and the cross will create the flesh of God, the salvation of men."

With bright joy, believers bought prosphora (“It was God who so desired that pure prosphora be brought to the church of God from the hands of a sinless and immaculate child”).

With the proceeds, Theodosius bought grain, ground himself and baked prosphora again. Profits were generously distributed to the poor, being in many ways similar to them. On this occasion and in connection with his unusual occupation, the young man heard a lot of insulting words that his peers rained down on him. But the good fellows of Kursk would know who they are mocking - a man who was destined to enter the circle of advanced enlighteners and contemporary society and future generations.

The mother increasingly insistently excommunicated Theodosius from an unusual occupation for a young man, but Theodosius reasoned differently: “Jesus Christ gave bread to his disciples with the words “Take and eat, this is my body, broken for you and for many others, so that you may be cleansed from all sins.” If the Lord Himself has called our bread His flesh, how can I not rejoice that He has made me partake of His flesh. The mother insisted:

Drop it! Well, what a prosphora business to bake! And she backed up her claim with beatings. One day, a desperate young man left his parents' house again in the dead of night.

He was sheltered by a priest in one of the cities close to Kursk. It can be seen that he was a perspicacious person, since he was attentive to the interests of the young man.

Theodosius was allowed to stay in the church permanently. Fascinated by him, more than once they gave expensive clothes, but the young man distributed them to the poor, and under a shabby robe he began to wear an iron belt made by a blacksmith. Gnawing into the body, the belt every minute reminded of humility and asceticism. And youthful faith was strengthened, and consciousness was encouraged and enlightened. In the name of love for God, Theodosius was ready for any trials.

He read the Gospel as a keepsake: "If anyone does not leave his father and mother and follow Me, then he is not worthy of me ... Come to me, all who are suffering and burdened, and I will give you rest. Put my burden on yourself, and learn from me meekness and humility, and you will find peace for your souls..." And he burned with zeal and love for God, dreaming of going to a monastery, to Kiev itself.

When such an opportunity presented itself, Theodosius was on the road for three weeks. Having reached the coveted Kiev, he went around all the monasteries, begging him to accept him, until he heard about blessed Anthony, who lives in a cave.

Anthony, perspicaciously foreseeing that the young man had a great future, allowed Theodosius to stay with him.

Theodosius completely devoted himself to the service of God, prayed and fasted furiously, like the Monk Anthony and the great Nikon, who were next to him. Then, at their great request, the first of the princely boyars, John, in monasticism Varlaam, and the manager of the princely house, named in monasticism Ephraim, were tonsured monks at their great request. Upon learning of this, Prince Izyaslav was terribly angry, but Nikon explained: "By the grace of God, I tonsured them, at the command of the heavenly King and Jesus Christ, who called them to such a feat."

Life in a cave. Rye bread and water. On Saturdays - lentils or only boiled vegetables.

Gradually the number of monks increased. Some shoes were woven so that in the city they could buy grain with the money received for it, others were engaged in the garden. They converged in church together, buried the prescribed hours and performed the service. And again, having eaten some bread, each returned to his work.

Theodosius of the Caves excelled everyone in humility and obedience. He was well-tailored and well-tailored, and he shouldered the hardest work. He carried firewood from the forest. At night he was awake, glorifying God in prayers. Sometimes they noticed how at night he bared his body to the waist, spinning wool for weaving shoes and singing David's psalms. Gadflies and mosquitoes mercilessly bit his body, saturated with blood. Having experienced this torture, Theodosius was the first to come to matins. His authority steadily increased, and one day the monks unanimously "announced to St. Anthony" that they "appointed themselves as abbot" blessed Theodosius, "for he ordered the life of the monastery according to order, and knew the divine commandments like no one else." It happened in 1057. Although Theodosius became the eldest above all, he did not change his usual humility, he remembered the words of the Lord, broadcasting: "If any of you wants to be a mentor to others, then let the servant be more modest than everyone and everyone ..."

And many nobles came to the monastery and gave him some share of their wealth.

Hegumen Theodosius used these donations, as well as other funds collected from the people, to build a church in the name of the holy and glorious Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary. "And he surrounded that place with a wall, and built many cells. And he moved there" from the cave with the brethren in the year 6570 (1062). And since that time, by divine grace, that place has risen and there is a glorious monastery, which to this day we call Pechersk ... "

The holy hegumen of Theodosius for the first time in Russia introduced a cenobitic charter. It was borrowed from the Studion Monastery (Constantinople) and subsequently became the main regulatory document for all ancient Russian monasteries. The activities of Abbot Theodosius in many respects contributed to the fact that the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery became the center of Russian culture.

During Lent, Theodosius retired to his cave, shutting himself up until Palm Week, and on Friday of that week, at the hour of evening prayer, he returned to church, taught everyone and consoled them in asceticism and fasting. After the evening singing, he sat down to take a nap, because he never went to bed, but if he wanted to sleep, he "sat down on a chair and, having dozed there a little, got up again for night singing and kneeling."

He taught monks to faithfully follow the monastic charter, not to talk with anyone after evening prayer, secluded in their cell, pray to God, and not allow idleness. Engage in a craft, singing the psalms of David, in order to feed the poor and wanderers with your labor.

At the monastery, Theodosius arranged a hostel for the poor and the poor, to whom he wrote off a tenth of the monastery income. "Every week the monk sent a cartload of provisions to the prisons."

The Kiev Caves Monastery attracted a great multitude of believers, and the Monk Theodosius became the spiritual mentor of many princes and boyars. Confessing to the great Theodosius, they did not skimp on donations, some gave complete settlements, others gave the monastery gold and other valuables. And the good abbot hatched plans for the construction of a large church, since the wooden one became small for the people flocking to it.

The dignity of abbot in no way changed the image of Theodosius' life. As before, he went to work before everyone else, he was the first to go to church and the last to leave it. A sackcloth made of prickly wool served as his clothes, which he hid under a dilapidated retinue. "Many foolish people mocked this wretched dress, reproaching him."

Meanwhile, the influence of the abbot extended to political life.

By his way of life, the Monk Theodosius strengthened the strength of those around him. He ate, as before, only dry bread and vegetables boiled without oil, washed down with water. But he supported all those who turned to the monastery both spiritually and financially.

Theodosius was the intercessor not only of the disadvantaged people, but also in princely circles his word was weighty.

Upon learning that the princes Svyatopolk and Vsevolod had expelled their elder brother Izyaslav from Kiev, Theodosius of Pechersky wrote to the prince: "The voice of your brother's blood cries out to God, like the blood of Abel to Cain."

The prince is angry! But, having cooled down, he did not dare to raise his hand against the great righteous man and asked permission to come to the monastery in order to make peace with him. “But what can, good lord, our anger against your power?” Theodosius replied. “But it is fitting for us to rebuke you and teach about the salvation of the soul. And you should listen to this.” And he continued to insist that the throne be returned to Izyaslav, who was entrusted by his father.

Being at the head of the monastery, Theodosius constantly communicated with the Monk Anthony and he received spiritual instructions from him. He survived the elder by only one year, but managed to lay the spacious stone church of the Assumption Mother of God.

Theodosius worked on the new building with rapture, not shying away from the most menial work, but the construction of the church was completed after the soul left his body. The abbot predicted when he would go to the Lord. And he bequeathed: "... so you will know about my boldness before God: if you see that our monastery is flourishing, then know that I am near the Lord of heaven; if you ever see the impoverishment of the monastery, and it falls into poverty, then know because I am far from God and do not have the courage to pray to Him." And he asked to put his body in a cave where he was fasting.

"The Kiev-Pechersk Monastery was orphaned by its great abbot in the year 6582 (1074) of the month of May, on the third day, on Saturday, as St. Theodosius predicted, after sunrise."

Orthodox Church honors the Monk Theodosius of the Caves as the founder of monasticism in Russia. Secular society recognizes in Theodosius of the Caves an outstanding ancient Russian writer, the founder of the famous Kiev-Pechersk monastery and the reformer of its Charter, as an influential political figure of his time.

Unfortunately, the authorship of works of ancient Russian literature is not always possible to establish. However, it is known for certain that Theodosius of the Caves is the creator of at least eleven works. These are two messages to Prince Izyaslav Yaroslavich - "On the Week" and "On the Peasant and Latin Faith", 8 "Words" and "Instructions" to the monks, namely: "On Patience and Love", "On Patience and Humility", "On the Spiritual benefit”, “On going to church and on prayer”, believers also know his prayer “For all the peasants”.

The people of Kursk have the right to be proud that the ancestor of Russian spirituality was formed on our land and as a person who managed to build his own destiny in spite of the life around him.

3 May the church celebrates the day of memory of Theodosius of the Caves. Kuryans honor their great countryman - "the father of Russian monasticism", the ancestor of Russian spirituality. The Kursk Orthodox Gymnasium bears the name of this saint. In the region there is the Regional Medical and Social Rehabilitation Center named after. Reverend Theodosius of the Caves.

Theodosius of the Caves (c. 1036 - 1074), hegumen, reverend, founder of the cenobitic monastic charter and founder of monasticism in Russia

Memory - May 3, August 14 (transfer of relics), September 2, in the Cathedrals of all St. fathers of the Kiev-Pechersk, St. fathers of the Far Caves, as well as the Kiev and Kursk saints.

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To enlarge - click on the image

Saida Afonina. Saints Anthony and Theodosius of the Kiev Caves

WITH Among the ancestors who glorified our Kursk region, Theodosius of the Caves occupies the most honorable place.

Theodosius of the Caves was the second saint solemnly canonized by the Russian Church, and the first of its reverends. Just as Boris and Gleb forestalled St. Olga and Vladimir, St. Theodosius was canonized earlier than Anthony, his teacher and the first founder of the Kiev Caves Monastery.

Under the influence of the ascetic Anthony, Theodosius of the Caves became the founder of monasticism in Russia.

At the dawn of the 11th century (not exactly established) in the city of Vasiliev, not far from Kiev, a baby appeared in the judge's family.

The priest gave him the name Theodosius and predicted that the newborn would devote himself to God.

Indeed, the boy was very different from his peers, and this was noticed by many in Kursk, where soon after the birth of Theodosius, at the behest of the prince, the family settled. Theodosius bypassed the frisky children, preferred clothes that were discreet, even patched, and showed an increased interest in the church.

Concerned parents persuaded Theodosius to surrender to children's amusements, to dress more decently, but the boy did not respond to these persuasion and only asked to teach him divine literacy. When, finally, his will was fulfilled, Theodosius greedily became addicted to religious literature. He discovered brilliant abilities for studying, but he did not boast about it, maintaining emphasized humility and obedience both in relations with the teacher and in communication with fellow students.

As soon as Theodosius was 13 years old, his father died, and his mother began to dominate the house even more energetically. Early widowed, she lived freely, but this did not prevent her from "holding a large trade in her hands." The house was a full bowl, one of the richest in Kursk. The upper floor was occupied by a family, a kitchen downstairs, warehouses in the yard, workshops, residential huts, and all - behind a high log fence with a prickly comb of iron spikes. Family wealth increased.

The mother was hard on the hand to her slaves, did not spare her son. When Theodosius went to work in the field, her mother considered this an insult to her honor and did not let go of the cuffs on the back of the head, like other parents, instructing children, but beat him, sometimes cruelly, like adults who were obedient to her.

Fascinated by the earthly life of Jesus Christ, Theodosius dreamed of making a pilgrimage. When wanderers once appeared in the city, he asked them to take him as a companion to visit places connected with the life of Jesus Christ.

The secret departure of the young man from the house was noticed, and the mother, taking only her youngest son with her, set off in pursuit of the pilgrims.

She traveled a long way before she caught up with the blessed Theodosius, "and grabbed, and in anger grabbed his hair, and, knocking him to the ground, began to kick, and showered reproaches on the wanderers, and then returned home, leading Theodosius, bound, as if robber. And she was in such anger that when she came home, she beat him until she was exhausted.

Theodosius was tied up and left locked up in seclusion. His mother fed and released him only two days later, having first pacified her son's legs for a long time with heavy shackles so that he would not run away from home again.

She loved her son with a heavy love. Theodosius accepted it as a punishment, only strengthening his will and thoughts of asceticism in the name of the Lord.

When mercy nevertheless won, the fetters were removed, and the son was allowed to "do whatever he wants." And the lad again frequented the church. I once noticed that there is often no liturgy due to the lack of prosphora. I was very sad about this until I decided to take up the production of prosphora for everyone. It took about a dozen years, but every day Theodosius "was again this miracle - that from a pale dough, damp smelling, the power of fire and the cross will create the flesh of God, the salvation of men."

With bright joy, believers bought prosphora (“It was God who so desired that pure prosphora be brought to the church of God from the hands of a sinless and immaculate child”).

With the proceeds, Theodosius bought grain, ground himself and baked prosphora again. Profits were generously distributed to the poor, being in many ways similar to them. On this occasion and in connection with his unusual occupation, the young man heard a lot of insulting words that his peers rained down on him. But the good fellows of Kursk would know who they are mocking - a man who was destined to enter the circle of advanced enlighteners and contemporary society and future generations.

The mother increasingly insistently excommunicated Theodosius from an unusual occupation for a young man, but Theodosius reasoned differently: “Jesus Christ gave bread to his disciples with the words “Take and eat, this is my body, broken for you and for many others, so that you may be cleansed from all sins.” If the Lord Himself has called our bread His flesh, how can I not rejoice that He has made me partake of His flesh. The mother insisted:

Drop it! Well, what a prosphora business to bake! And she backed up her claim with beatings. One day, a desperate young man left his parents' house again in the dead of night.

He was sheltered by a priest in one of the cities close to Kursk. It can be seen that he was a perspicacious person, since he was attentive to the interests of the young man.

Theodosius was allowed to stay in the church permanently. Fascinated by him, more than once they gave expensive clothes, but the young man distributed them to the poor, and under a shabby robe he began to wear an iron belt made by a blacksmith. Gnawing into the body, the belt every minute reminded of humility and asceticism. And youthful faith was strengthened, and consciousness was encouraged and enlightened. In the name of love for God, Theodosius was ready for any trials.

He read the Gospel as a keepsake: "If anyone does not leave his father and mother and follow Me, then he is not worthy of me ... Come to me, all who are suffering and burdened, and I will give you rest. Put my burden on yourself, and learn from me meekness and humility, and you will find peace for your souls..." And he burned with zeal and love for God, dreaming of going to a monastery, to Kiev itself.

When such an opportunity presented itself, Feodosia was on the road for three weeks. Having reached the coveted Kiev, he went around all the monasteries, begging him to accept him, until he heard about blessed Anthony, who lives in a cave.

Anthony, perspicaciously foreseeing that the young man had a great future, allowed Theodosius to stay with him.

Theodosius completely devoted himself to the service of God, prayed and fasted furiously, like the Monk Anthony and the great Nikon, who were next to him. Then, at their great request, the first of the princely boyars, John, in monasticism Varlaam, and the manager of the princely house, named in monasticism Ephraim, were tonsured monks at their great request. Upon learning of this, Prince Izyaslav was terribly angry, but Nikon explained: "By the grace of God, I tonsured them, at the command of the heavenly King and Jesus Christ, who called them to such a feat."

Life in a cave. Rye bread and water. On Saturdays - lentils or only boiled vegetables.

Gradually the number of monks increased. Some shoes were woven so that in the city they could buy grain with the money received for it, others were engaged in the garden. They converged in church together, buried the prescribed hours and performed the service. And again, having eaten some bread, each returned to his work.

Theodosius of the Caves excelled everyone in humility and obedience. He was well-tailored and well-tailored, and he shouldered the hardest work. He carried firewood from the forest. At night he was awake, glorifying God in prayers. Sometimes they noticed how at night he bared his body to the waist, spinning wool for weaving shoes and singing David's psalms. Gadflies and mosquitoes mercilessly bit his body, saturated with blood. Having experienced this torture, Theodosius was the first to come to matins. His authority steadily increased, and one day the monks unanimously "announced to St. Anthony" that they "appointed themselves as abbot" blessed Theodosius, "for he ordered the life of the monastery according to order, and knew the divine commandments like no one else." It happened in 1057. Although Theodosius became the eldest above all, he did not change his usual humility, he remembered the words of the Lord, broadcasting: "If any of you wants to be a mentor to others, then let the servant be more modest than everyone and everyone ..."

And many nobles came to the monastery and gave him some share of their wealth.

Hegumen Theodosius used these donations, as well as other funds collected from the people, to build a church in the name of the holy and glorious Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary. "And he surrounded that place with a wall, and built many cells. And he moved there" from the cave with the brethren in the year 6570 (1062). And since that time, by divine grace, that place has risen and there is a glorious monastery, which to this day we call Pechersk ... "

Rev. Theodosius draws up the Charter of the Caves Monastery

The holy abbot Theodosius for the first time in Russia introduced a cenobitic charter. It was borrowed from the Studion Monastery (Constantinople) and subsequently became the main regulatory document for all ancient Russian monasteries. The activities of Abbot Theodosius in many respects contributed to the fact that the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery became the center of Russian culture.

During the period of Lent, Theodosius retired to his cave, shutting himself up until Palm Week, and on Friday of that week, at the hour of evening prayer, he returned to church, taught everyone and consoled them in asceticism and fasting. After the evening singing, he sat down to take a nap, because he never went to bed, but if he wanted to sleep, he "sat down on a chair and, having dozed there a little, got up again for night singing and kneeling."

He taught monks to faithfully follow the monastic charter, not to talk with anyone after evening prayer, secluded in their cell, pray to God, and not allow idleness. Engage in a craft, singing the psalms of David, in order to feed the poor and wanderers with your labor.

At the monastery of Theodosius, he arranged a hostel for the poor and wretched, to whom he wrote off a tenth of the monastery income. "Every week the monk sent a cartload of provisions to the prisons."

The Kiev Caves Monastery attracted a great multitude of believers, and the Monk Theodosius became the spiritual mentor of many princes and boyars. Confessing to the great Theodosius, they did not skimp on donations, some gave complete settlements, others gave the monastery gold and other valuables. And the good abbot hatched plans for the construction of a large church, since the wooden one became small for the people flocking to it.

Mercy of Theodosius of the Caves to the suffering. 19th century engraving

Hegumen of the Kiev Caves Monastery Theodosius (1036-1074) - the organizer of the first hospital in Russia. He arranged at his monastery a special courtyard with the church of St. Stephen and took the poor, the blind, the lame and the lepers there for residence and treatment, allocating a tenth of the entire monastery estate for their maintenance. The Theodosia Hospital had a staff of attendants and provided medical care to the entire surrounding population. In addition, Theodosius once a week sent a cartload of bread to the prisoners.

The dignity of abbot in no way changed the image of Theodosius' life. As before, he went to work before everyone else, he was the first to go to church and the last to leave it. A sackcloth made of prickly wool served as his clothes, which he hid under a dilapidated retinue. "Many foolish people mocked this wretched dress, reproaching him."

Meanwhile, the influence of the abbot extended to political life.

By his way of life, the Monk Theodosius strengthened the strength of those around him. He ate, as before, only dry bread and vegetables boiled without oil, washed down with water. But he supported all those who turned to the monastery both spiritually and financially.

Theodosius was the intercessor not only of the disadvantaged people, but also in princely circles his word was weighty.

Upon learning that the princes Svyatopolk and Vsevolod had expelled their elder brother Izyaslav from Kiev, Theodosius of Pechersky wrote to the prince: "The voice of your brother's blood cries out to God, like the blood of Abel to Cain."

The prince is angry! But, having cooled down, he did not dare to raise his hand against the great righteous man and asked permission to come to the monastery in order to make peace with him. “But what can, good lord, our anger against your power?” Theodosius replied. “But it is fitting for us to rebuke you and teach about the salvation of the soul. And you should listen to this.” And he continued to insist that the throne be returned to Izyaslav, who was entrusted by his father.

Being at the head of the monastery, Theodosius constantly communicated with the Monk Anthony and he received spiritual instructions from him. He outlived the elder by only one year, but managed to lay the spacious stone church of the Dormition of the Mother of God.

Theodosius worked on the new building with rapture, not shying away from the most menial work, but the construction of the church was completed after the soul left his body. The abbot predicted when he would go to the Lord. And he bequeathed: "... so you will know about my boldness before God: if you see that our monastery is flourishing, then know that I am near the Lord of heaven; if you ever see the impoverishment of the monastery, and it falls into poverty, then know because I am far from God and do not have the courage to pray to Him." And he asked to put his body in a cave where he was fasting.

"The Kiev-Pechersk Monastery was orphaned by its great abbot in the year 6582 (1074) of the month of May, on the third day, on Saturday, as St. Theodosius predicted, after sunrise."

The Orthodox Church venerates the Monk Theodosius of the Caves as the founder of monasticism in Russia. Secular society recognizes in Theodosius of the Caves an outstanding ancient Russian writer, the founder of the famous Kiev-Pechersk monastery and the reformer of its Charter, as an influential political figure of his time.

Unfortunately, the authorship of works of ancient Russian literature is not always possible to establish. However, it is known for certain that Theodosius of the Caves is the creator of at least eleven works. These are two messages to Prince Izyaslav Yaroslavich - "On the Week" and "On the Peasant and Latin Faith", 8 "Words" and "Instructions" to the monks, namely: "On Patience and Love", "On Patience and Humility", "On the Spiritual benefit”, “On going to church and on prayer”, believers also know his prayer “For all the peasants”.

The people of Kursk have the right to be proud that the ancestor of Russian spirituality was formed on our land and as a person who managed to build his own destiny in spite of the life around him.

"History and modernity of the Kursk region" ed.pr. B.N. Koroleva, Kursk, 1998

Troparion to Anthony and Theodosius of the Caves

D Let us honor the warrior of the initial Russian luminaries, Anthony, sent by God, and Theodosius, bestowed by God: these are the first, equal-angelic life in Russia shone from the mountains of Kiev, illuminating our fatherland all the ends, and showing the right path to Heaven to many, and, the first fathers were a monk, God has brought the faces of those who are being saved, and now, coming in the highest to the unflickering Divine Light, they pray for our souls.

Troparion to Theodosius, hegumen of the Kiev Caves, tone 8:

V ascending to virtue, loving monastic life from childhood, reaching a valiant desire, dwelling in a cave, and decorating your life with forgiveness and lordship, in prayers, as if you were incorporeal, in the Russian land, like a bright luminary, shining Father Theodosius: pray to Christ God, save souls ours.

The Monk Theodosius of the Caves, the founder of the cenobitic monastic rule and the founder of monasticism in the Russian land, was born in Vasilevo, not far from Kiev.

From a young age, he showed an irresistible attraction to the ascetic life, leading an ascetic life in his parental home. He did not like children's games and hobbies, he constantly went to church. He himself begged his parents to give him for teaching the reading of sacred books, and, with excellent abilities and rare diligence, he quickly learned to read books, so that everyone was surprised at the mind of the boy.

At the age of 14, he lost his father and remained under the supervision of his mother - a strict and domineering woman, but who loved her son very much. For striving for asceticism, she punished him many times, but the Reverend firmly took the path of achievement.

In the 24th year, he secretly left his parents' house and took the vows, with the blessing of the Monk Anthony, in the Kiev-Pechersk monastery with the name Theodosius. Four years later, his mother found him and with tears asked to return home, but the saint himself persuaded her to stay in Kiev and accept monasticism at the monastery of St. Nicholas at Askold's grave.

The Monk Theodosius labored in the monastery more than others, and often took upon himself part of the work of the brethren: he carried water, chopped wood, ground rye, and brought flour to each monk. On hot nights he exposed his body and gave it to mosquitoes and midges as food, blood flowed through him, but the saint patiently did needlework and sang psalms. He appeared in the temple before the others and, standing in place, did not leave it until the end of the Divine service; I listened to the reading with great attention. In 1054 the Monk Theodosius was ordained to the rank of hieromonk, and in 1057 he was elected abbot.

The fame of his exploits attracted many monks to the monastery, in which he built a new church and cells and introduced the Studium cenobitic charter, written off, on his behalf, in Constantinople. In the rank of abbot, the Monk Theodosius continued to perform the most difficult obediences in the monastery. The saint usually ate only dry bread and boiled herbs without butter. Nights passed with him without sleep in prayer, which the brethren noticed many times, although the chosen one of God tried to hide his feat from others. No one saw that the Monk Theodosius slept lying down, he usually rested while sitting. During Great Lent, the saint retired to a cave located not far from the monastery, where he labored, unseen by anyone. His clothes were a stiff sackcloth, worn directly on the body, so that in this poor old man it was impossible to recognize the famous abbot, who was revered by all who knew him.

Once the Monk Theodosius was returning from Grand Duke Izyaslav. The driver, who did not yet know him, said rudely: “You, monk, are always idle, but I am constantly at work. Go to my place, and let me into the chariot.” The holy elder meekly obeyed and took the servant away. Seeing how the boyars who met him were bowing to the monk, getting off their horses, the servant was frightened, but the holy ascetic calmed him and, upon arrival, fed him in the monastery.

Hoping for God's help, the monk did not keep large supplies for the monastery, so the brethren sometimes endured the need for daily bread. Through his prayers, however, unknown benefactors appeared and delivered to the monastery what was necessary for the brethren. The Grand Dukes, especially Izyaslav, loved to enjoy the spiritual conversation of St. Theodosius.

The saint was not afraid to denounce the mighty of this world. The unlawfully convicted always found in him an intercessor, and the judges reviewed cases at the request of the abbot, revered by all. The monk was especially concerned about the poor: he built a special courtyard for them in the monastery, where anyone in need could receive food and shelter.

Foreseeing his own death in advance, the Monk Theodosius peacefully departed to the Lord in 1074. He was buried in a cave dug out by him, in which he retired during fasting. The relics of the ascetic were found incorrupt in 1091. Saint Theodosius was canonized as a saint in 1108.

From the works of the Monk Theodosius, 6 teachings, 2 epistles to the Grand Duke Izyaslav and a prayer for all Christians have come down to us. The life of St. Theodosius was compiled by the Monk Nestor the Chronicler, a disciple of the great abba, a little over 30 years after his repose, and has always been one of the favorite readings of the Russian people.

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Galina Usacheva

FEODOSIY PECHERSKY, FOUNDER OF RUSSIAN SPIRITUALITY

Among the ancestors who glorified our Kursk region, the Monk Theodosius of the Caves occupies the most honorable place.

The teacher is famous for his students. Theodosius of the Caves had a worthy disciple - the Monk Nestor. Following The Tale of Bygone Years, The Tale of Boris and Gleb, Nestor the Chronicler created The Life of St. Theodosius of the Caves, admiring the fact that "it was in our land that such a man appeared." This story is a monument of literature Ancient Russia as outstanding as his hero himself. Under the influence of the ascetic Anthony, the Monk Theodosius of the Caves became the founder of monasticism in Russia.

At the dawn of the 11th century (not exactly established) in the city of Vasiliev, not far from Kiev, a baby appeared in the judge's family.

The priest gave him the name Theodosia and predicted that the newborn would devote himself to God.

Indeed, the boy was very different from his peers, and this was noticed by many in Kursk, where soon after the birth of Theodosius, at the behest of the prince, the family settled. Theodosius bypassed the frisky children, preferred clothes that were discreet, even patched, showed an increased interest in the church.

Concerned parents persuaded Theodosius to surrender to children's amusements, to dress more decently, but the boy did not respond to these persuasion and only asked to teach him divine literacy. When, finally, his will was fulfilled, Theodosius greedily became addicted to religious literature. He discovered brilliant abilities for studying, but he did not boast about it, maintaining emphasized humility and obedience both in relations with the teacher and in communication with fellow students.

As soon as Theodosius was 13 years old, his father died, and his mother began to dominate the house even more energetically. Having been widowed early, she lived freely, but this did not prevent her from "holding a big trade in her hands."

The house was a full bowl, one of the richest in Kursk. The upper floor was occupied by a family, a kitchen downstairs, warehouses in the yard, workshops, residential huts, and all - behind a high log fence with a prickly comb of iron spikes.

Family wealth increased.

The pantries were bursting with smoked and pickled foods, the mother grew fat from the addiction to a hearty meal and was indignant at her son's painful attachment to everything modest, to the constant pastime in the church.

She was hard on the hand of her servants, did not spare even her son. When Feodosia went to work in the field, her mother considered this an insult to her honor and did not let go of the cuffs to him, like other parents, instructing children, but beat him, sometimes cruelly, like adults who were obedient to her.

Fascinated by the earthly life of Jesus Christ, Theodosius dreamed of making a pilgrimage. When wanderers once appeared in the city, he asked them to take him as a companion to visit places connected with the life of Jesus Christ.

The secret departure of the young man from the house was noticed, and the mother, taking only her youngest son with her, set off in pursuit of the pilgrims.

She traveled a long way before she caught up with the blessed Theodosius, “and grabbed, and in anger grabbed his hair, and, knocking him to the ground, began to peep with her feet, and showered reproaches on the wanderers, and then returned home, leading Theodosius, bound, as if robber. And she was in such anger that when she came home, she beat him until she was exhausted.

Theodosius was tied up and left locked up in seclusion. His mother fed and freed him only two days later, having previously pacified her son's yogi for a long time with heavy fetters, so that he would not run away from home again.

She loved her son with a heavy love. Theodosius accepted it as a punishment, only strengthening his will and thoughts of asceticism in the name of the Lord.

When mercy nevertheless won, the shackles were removed, and the son was allowed to "do whatever he wants." And the lad again frequented the church. I once noticed that there is often no liturgy due to the lack of prosphora. I was very sad about this until I decided to take up the production of prosphora for everyone. It took about a dozen years, but every day Theodosius “was again this miracle - that from a pale dough, damp smelling, the power of fire and the cross will create the flesh of God, the salvation of people.”

With bright joy, believers bought prosphora (“It was God who so desired that pure prosphora be brought to the church of God from the hands of a sinless and immaculate child”).

With the proceeds, Feodosia bought grain, ground himself and baked prosphora again. He generously distributed profits to the poor, being in many ways similar to them. On this occasion and in connection with his unusual occupation, the young man heard a lot of insulting words that his peers rained down on him. But the good fellows-Kuryans would know who they are mocking - a man who was destined to enter the circle of advanced enlighteners and contemporary society, and future generations.

Mother increasingly insistently excommunicated Theodosius from an unusual occupation for a young man, but Theodosius reasoned differently: Jesus Christ gave his disciples bread with the words “Take and eat, this is my body, broken for you and for many others, so that you are cleansed from all sins.” If the Lord himself has called our bread his flesh, how can I not rejoice that he has made me partake of his flesh.” (Today's bakers at bakeries should think like that!).

The mother insisted:

Drop it! Well, what a business of prosphora to bake! And she backed up her claim with beatings. Once a desperate youth in the dead of night again

left the parental home.

He was sheltered by a priest in one of the cities close to Kursk. It can be seen that he was a perspicacious person, since he carefully considered the interests of the young man.

Theodosius was allowed to stay in the church permanently. Those enchanted by him often gave expensive clothes, but the young man distributed them to the poor, and iodine himself began to wear an iron belt made by a blacksmith. Gnawing into the body, the belt every minute reminded of humility and asceticism. And youthful faith was strengthened, and consciousness was encouraged and enlightened. In the name of love for God, Theodosius was ready for any trials.

He read the Gospel as a keepsake: “If someone does not leave his father and mother and follow me, then he is not worthy of me ... Come to me, all who are suffering and burdened, and I will give you rest. Place my burden on yourself, and learn meekness and humility from me, and you will find peace for your souls ... ”And he burned with zeal and love for God, dreaming of going to a monastery, to Kiev itself.

When such an opportunity presented itself, Feodosia was on the road for three weeks. Having reached the coveted Kiev, he went around all the monasteries, begging him to accept him, until he heard about blessed Anthony, who lives in a cave.

The Monk Anthony doubted whether Theodosius would be able to endure all the hardships, but, shrewdly foreseeing that the young man had a great future, he allowed Theodosius to stay with him.

For four years his mother searched with all her might until they told her that they had seen the blessed son in Kiev before he was tonsured a monk. She set off on her journey, went around all the monasteries, until good people suggested that Theodosius was with St. Anthony.

I can't live without seeing you! - pleaded the mother, when after long negotiations Theodosius came out to her.

I can't return to your house! - cut off the young man - If you want to see me all the time, stay in Kiev. Get your hair cut in convent. If you do not do this, then - I tell you the truth - you will not see my face anymore.

More than one such conversation took place before the unfortunate woman overcame her pride and confessed to her son:

It was you who convinced me that our short-term world is insignificant.

And she doomed her soul to repentance, took the vows in the convent of St. Nicholas and lived there until her death.

Theodosius, however, wholly devoted himself to the service of God, prayed and fasted furiously, as did the Monk Anthony and the great Nikoi, who were next to him. Then, at their great request, the first of the princely boyars, John, in monasticism Varlaam, and the manager of the princely house, named in monasticism Ephraim, were tonsured monks at their great request. Upon learning of this, Prince Izyaslav was terribly angry, but Nikon explained: “By the grace of God, I tonsured them, but at the command of the heavenly king and Jesus Christ, who called them to such a feat.”

Life in a cave. Rye bread and water. On Saturdays - lentils or only boiled vegetables.

Gradually the number of monks increased. Some shoes were woven in order to buy grain in the city with the money earned for the dog, others were engaged in the garden. They gathered together in church, buried the prescribed hours and performed the holy service. And again, having eaten some bread, each returned to his work.

Theodosius of the Caves excelled everyone in humility and obedience. He was well-tailored and well-tailored, and he shouldered the hardest work. He even carried firewood from the forest. And at night he was awake, glorifying God in prayers. Sometimes they noticed how at night he bared his body to the waist, spinning wool for weaving shoes, and singing David's psalms. Gadflies and mosquitoes mercilessly bit his body, saturated with blood. Having experienced this torture, Theodosius was the first to come to the eel. His authority steadily increased, and one day the monks unanimously “announced to St. Anthony” that they “appointed themselves as abbot” of the blessed Theodosius, “for he set the monastic life in order and knew the divine commandments like no one else.” It happened in 1057. Although Theodosius became the eldest over everyone, he did not change his usual humility, he remembered the words of the Lord, “broadcasting:“ If any of you wants to be a mentor to others, then let the servant be more modest than everyone and everyone ... And many nobles came to monastery and gave him some share of their wealth.

The hegumen of Theodosius used these donations, as well as other funds collected from the people, to build a church in the name of the holy and glorious Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary. “And he surrounded the place with a wall, and built many cells. And he moved there “from the cave with the brethren in the year 6570 (1062). And since that time, by divine grace, that place has risen and there is a glorious monastery, which we still call Pechersky ...

The holy hegumen of Theodosius for the first time in Russia introduced a cenobitic charter. It was borrowed from the Studion Monastery (Constantinople) and subsequently became the main regulatory document for all ancient Russian monasteries. The activities of Abbot Theodosius in many respects contributed to the fact that the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery became the center of Russian culture.

During Lent, Theodosius retired to his cave, shutting himself up until Palm Week, and on Friday of that week, at the hour of evening prayer, he returned to church, taught everyone and consoled them in asceticism and fasting. After evening singing, he sat down to take a nap, because he never went to bed, but if he wanted to sleep, he “sat down on a chair and, having dozed there a little, got up again for night singing and kneeling.”

He taught monks to faithfully follow the monastic charter, not to talk with anyone after evening prayer, secluded in their cell, pray to God, and not allow idleness. Engage in a craft, singing the psalms of David, in order to feed the poor and wanderers with your labor.

At the monastery of Theodosius, he arranged a hospice for the poor and wretched, to whom he wrote off a tenth of the monastery income. “Every week the monk sent a cartload of provisions to the prisons.”

The Kiev Caves Monastery attracted a great multitude of believers, and the Monk Theodosius became the spiritual mentor of many princes and boyars. Confessing to the great Theodosius, they did not skimp on donations, some gave complete settlements, others gave the monastery gold and other valuables. And the good abbot hatched plans for the construction of a large church, since the wooden one became small for the people flocking to it.

The dignity of hegumen did not change Theodosius' way of life in any way. As before, he went to work before everyone else, he was the first to go to church and the last to leave it. A sackcloth made of prickly wool served as his clothes, which he hid under a dilapidated retinue. "Many foolish people mocked at this wretched dress, reproaching him."

Meanwhile, the influence of the abbot extended to political life. Prince Izyaslav considered it an honor for himself to communicate with the Monk Theodosius, often called him to him and himself came to Theodosius, revering him "as if one of the holy fathers of antiquity."

Somehow, the Monk Theodosius was delayed at Izyaslav, and the prince ordered that the guest be taken to the monastery in a cart. The driver, judging by the attire, mistook the abbot for a simple monk and offered to switch roles. Theodosius humbly agreed and mounted his horse, and the driver got into the cart. With dawn, nobles began to meet on the way and, disturbing the dream of the charioteer, dismounted from their horses to greet the Monk Theodosius with a low bow. The wagoner was embarrassed, frightened that he had created trouble, but the holy abbot returned him to his horse, and upon arrival at the monastery calmed him down with a hearty meal, and even gave money, releasing him in peace.

Everyone who came to Theodosius, after a spiritual conversation, was expected to have a dinner from the monastery supplies: bread, lentils, some fish. Prince Izyaslav himself, while dining, marveled at how tasty the food was, and they explained to him that it was prepared without scandals and scolding, with the blessing of the Lord, and therefore simple and tasty.

Demanding the same from others, the Monk Theodosius was never "unjust or angry, he did not look at anyone angrily: but he was always merciful, and quiet, and compassionate to everyone."

In seclusion, the holy abbot prayed to tears, if someone could not stand the monastic rule and left, he prayed, calling on God to reason with the departed. A joyful meeting awaited the returnee, and everyone was taught that “it is not a man’s soul that can weaken” from sad misfortunes.

By his way of life, the Monk Theodosius strengthened the strength of those around him. He ate, as before, only dry bread and vegetables boiled without oil, washed down with water. But he supported all those who turned to the monastery both spiritually and financially. Once a priest from the city came to the monastery for oil for the liturgy. The sexton cast a little so that it would be left for the monastery.

Pour everything out and don't worry about tomorrow, God will not leave this church without a service, - said the abbot, - but today he will serve us wine in excess.

And so it happened. A certain woman from the household of Prince Vsevolod suddenly sent to the monastery three wagons filled with wine troughs.

A great many such predictions remained in the memory of the monks. And everyone honored the Monk Theodosius “not for the sake of expensive outfits or bright clothes, and not for the sake of great wealth, but for his immaculate life and bright soul, and for many teachings, seething with the holy spirit in his mouth.”

The Monk Theodosius was an intercessor not only for the disadvantaged people, but also in princely circles his word was weighty.

Upon learning that the princes Svyatopolk and Vsevolod had expelled their older brother Izyaslav from Kiev, Theodosius of the Caves wrote to Prince Svyatoslav: “The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to God, like the blood of Abel to Cain.”

The prince is angry! But having cooled down, he did not dare to raise his hand against the great righteous man and asked permission to come to the monastery in order to make peace with him. “And what can, good lord, our anger against your power? - responded Saint Theodosius - But it is fitting for us to rebuke you and teach about the salvation of the soul. And you should listen to it." And he continued to insist that the throne be returned to Izyaslav, who was entrusted by his father.

Being at the head of the monastery, Saint Theodosius constantly communicated with the Monk Anthony and received spiritual instructions from him. He outlived the elder by only one year, but managed to lay the spacious stone church of the Dormition of the Mother of God. They say that this was done at the direction of the Mother of God herself, who appeared to both Anthony and Theodosius. On the new building, St. Theodosius worked with rapture, not shying away from the most menial work, but the construction of the church was completed after the soul had left his body. The holy hegumen predicted when he would go to the Lord. And he bequeathed: “... so you will know about my boldness before God: if you see that our monastery is flourishing, know that I am near the Lord of heaven; if you ever see the impoverishment of the monastery, and it falls into poverty, then know that I am far from God and do not have the command to pray to Him. And he asked to put his body in a cave where he was fasting.

“The Kiev-Pechersk Monastery was orphaned by its great abbot in the year 6582 (1074) of the month of May, on the third day, on Saturday, as St. Theodosius predicted, after sunrise.”

The Orthodox Church venerates the Monk Theodosius of the Caves as the founder of monasticism in Russia. Secular society recognizes in Theodosius of the Caves an outstanding ancient Russian writer, the founder of the famous Kiev-Pechersk monastery and the reformer of its Charter, as an influential political figure of his time.

Unfortunately, the authorship of works of ancient Russian literature is not always possible to establish. However, it is known for certain that Theodosius of the Caves is the creator of at least eleven works. These are two messages to Prince Izyaslav Yaroslavich - “On the Week” and “On the Peasant and Latin Faith”, 8 “Words” and “Teachings” to the monks, namely: “On Patience and Love”, “On Patience and Humility”, “On the Spiritual benefits”, “On going to church and on prayer”; believers also know his prayer "For all the peasants."

In addition, it is believed that the Monk Theodosius is the author of a number of other teachings. This

• "To the Cellar" (about his duties);
• “On the executions of God” (apparently, it was said by the Monk Theodosius in 1067 after an unfortunate battle with the Polovtsians);
• Teaching regarding "dinner and drink" (monks);
• “The word of a certain Christ-lover and zealot in the right faith”;
• "Punishment of the spiritual father to children about pianism";
• “A word about how Vladimir is baptized, near Korsun” and others.

Acquaintance with the writings of St. Theodosius of the Caves allows us to say that they are devoid of even the slightest rhetorical ornateness, are concise, but have a deep emotional impact on the reader.

The writings of Theodosius of the Caves are known in the South Slavic lists, the earliest of which date back to the 13th-15th centuries.

Preaching the foundations of Christian morality, the holy abbot urged the monks to renounce the world “without despondency,” resolutely suppressed the profanity and greed of the monks (everything superfluous was removed from the cells and burned), and in social and political life he spoke out against princely civil strife, which St. Theodosius still does to this day. Pechersky, as a political figure, is quite modern.

The people of Kursk have the right to be proud that this great torch was formed on our land, the father of Russian monasticism, the founder of Russian spirituality and as a man who managed to build his own destiny in spite of the life around him. “It is from Abbot Theodosius,” A. Karpov points out, “that the history of Russian spirituality proper begins; here, in many respects, is the beginning of the phenomenon that will be called "Russian holiness."

CITATED LITERATURE:

• 1. Nikon. Life of Theodosius of the Caves. Monuments of literature of Ancient Russia. XI - beginning of XII centuries. M. Artist. literature, 1978.
• 2. Panova Vera. The legend of Theodosius. In the book "Historical and autobiographical prose. Sobr. op. T. 5, Ld, Khudozh. lit. Linen. department. 1989.
• 3. Reverend Theodosius, hegumen of the Kiev Caves. In book. “About the life of Orthodox saints, icons and holidays. Human Library”, 91. Sverdlovsk. 1991.6.
• 4. Eremina I. P. Lectures on ancient Russian literature. Ld, 1968.
• 5. Life of Theodosius of the Caves. In kg. “Selected Lives of Russian Saints. X-XIV, X-XV centuries.
• 6. A. Karpov. To the reader. There.