Our Venerable Father Anthony of the Monastery of the Caves in Kyiv (1073). Forty-Five Martyrs of Nicopolis in Armenia (321-3). Holy Brothers Francis, Mutius and Raphael and Those with Them, Martyred in Damascus (1860).
Polyeleos Feast.
Galatians 5:22-6:2. Luke 6:17-23.
Read Galatians 5:22-6:2
We celebrate the life of an important saint in the history of the Slavic Church today, especially, the Ukrainian Church. St. Anthony of the Kyivan Caves, born Antipas in 983 near Chernigov, displayed devoutness from a young age, yearning for a monastic life. He travelled to Mt. Athos, where he excelled in humility and obedience, earning the respect of his peers. Recognizing his potential, the ihumen sent him back to Rus’ to guide others. In Kyiv, Anthony found no monasteries matching Athos’ rigour until he discovered a cave near the Dnieper River, which reminded him of Athos.
Anthony dedicated himself to prayer, fasting, and physical labour attracting followers. Among his early disciples were Saint Nikon and Saint Theodosius of the Caves. As more monks gathered, they expanded the cave into a larger monastery constructing a church and cells. Anthony appointed Abbot Barlaam to lead, later succeeded by Theodosius. The monastery grew, eventually housing a hundred monks and became a spiritual hub in Rus’-Ukraine.
Anthony’s holiness was recognized by divine gifts including clairvoyance and wonderworking. During the construction of the Great Caves church, he and Theodosius were miraculously transported to Constantinople by the Most Holy Theotokos, who provided gold for the church. Master architects from Constantinople were then sent to build the church in Kyiv as commanded by the Mother of God. She also foretold Anthony’s death which occurred on July 10, 1073. St. Anthony’s virtuous life and spiritual leadership profoundly influenced Slavic monasticism. His relics remain hidden symbolizing his enduring spiritual legacy.
Almost a thousand years have passed, and we are still inspired by the spiritual legacy of St. Anthony. His commitment to seeking Christ and a life of holiness is what propelled him to such heights. Like so many other holy monastics he did not set out to make a change in the Church, but first sought to make a change in himself—to more closely align himself with the living God and purify his heart. Only then did others, who were attracted to God’s grace within him, and his way of life, came to learn from him. Never did he imagine that so many people would be inspired to love Christ through his example. Oftentimes, we get caught up with complex plans of Church renewal or we simply get frozen in our spiritual lives trying to figure out how we can make a difference. St. Anthony reminds us that we ought to seek Christ first in everything we do in our lives, and this will make the biggest impact.