Theodosius of the Kiev Caves
Venerable
Commemorated May 3
Our venerable Father Theodosius of the Kiev Caves , along with St Anthony of Kiev , is considered to be founder in the eleventh century of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra ( Monastery of the Kiev Caves ) and of monasticism in Russia. He brought cenobitic monasticism to Kievan Rus'. His feast day is May 3 .
Troparion
Having been raised on virtue, you loved the monastic life from your youth,
and having valiantly attained your desire, you lived in a cave;
you adorned your life with the radiance of fasting, persevering in prayer as though bodiless.
Like a bright lamp you illumined the Russian lands, Father Theodosius.
Entreat Christ God that our souls may be saved.
Kontakion
"Today the Virgin..."
Today let us honor a star of Russia,
who shone forth from the East, and came to the West.
The entire world has been enriched by wonders and blessings,
and all of us by grace
and by the establishment of the monastic rule by Blessed Theodosius.