Saint Anthony – Feast Day: July 10th
Saint Theodosius – Feast Day: September 2nd, & September 28th and May 3rd, August 14th – Translation of his Holy Relics.
The Life of Saint Anthony: The abbot of Esphigmenou Monastery saw in St Anthony the great future ascetic, and inspired by God, he sent him back to his native land, saying, “Anthony, it is time for you to guide others in holiness. Return to your own Russian land, and be an example for others. May the blessing of the Holy Mountain be with you.”…
The Life of Saint Theodosius: 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…
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Prayers
Prayers to Saint Anthony
Apolytikion – Tone 4: Having departed from worldly tumults, in leaving the world you followed Christ according to the Gospel. You reached the quiet refuge of the Holy Mount Athos, living there a life equal to the Angels. Therefore, with the Blessing of the Fathers, you came to the Kievan hills. There having fulfilled a life loving of labours, you illumined your homeland. And having shown a multitude of Monastics the pathway leading to the Heavenly Kingdom, you led them to Christ. Beseech Him, O Venerable Anthony, that He may save our Souls!
Kontakion – Tone 4: From your youth you gave yourself to God whom you loved above all, O Venerable one; and in love you followed after Him with your whole Soul. Scorning the passing corruption of the world, you made a cave in the earth; and in it you struggled nobly facing the snares of the invisible enemy, while illumining the ends of the Earth like a bright, shining sun. Therefore, with rejoicing you entered into the Heavenly Chambers. Standing now before the Throne of the Master together with the Angels, remember us who honour your Holy Memory, that we may cry out to you: Rejoice, Anthony our Holy Father!
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Prayers to Saint Theodosius
Apolytikion – Tone 4: From thy youth on wings of Virtue thou didst speed on thy Monastic way and attain to thy desire. Thou didst settle in a cave and live radiantly fasting, persevering in Prayer like the Bodiless ones. Thou didst illumine Russia as a shining lamp. O Father Theodosius, Pray to Christ Our God that our Souls may be saved.
Kontakion – Tone 3: Today we Venerate the star of Russia, blessed Theodosius, who has shone from the East to the West; he has enriched his whole land with Miracles and Blessings, and has established there the Monastic life.
Saint Anthony Prayed with tears:
“Lord, let the Blessing of Mount Athos be upon this spot, and strengthen me to remain here.”
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At the age of twenty-four, Saint Theodosius was blessed by Saint Anthony to receive Monastic Tonsure.
Saint Theodosius became the Abbot of the Kiev Caves Monastery and Founder of Cenobitic Monasticism in Russia.
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Saint Anthony dug a new cave for himself, then hid himself within it. There too, Monks began to settle around him. Afterwards, he built a small wooden Church in honour of the Dormition of the Mother of God over the Far Caves.
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