Venerable Alypius of the Kiev Caves, the Icon-painter

Venerable Alypius labored in the Kiev Caves Monastery from his youth. When Greek craftsmen arrived at the monastery in 1083 to decorate the Dormition Cathedral, Alypius learned the art of icon-painting from them and, having mastered it, painted icons without taking payment for his work. He was known for the gift of working miracles even during his lifetime: according to tradition, he healed a Kievan afflicted with leprosy by anointing his sores with paint. According to the Paterikon, when the venerable one fell gravely ill and could not finish an icon commissioned from him in time, it was miraculously completed by an Angel. He died around 1114. He is considered the first Old Rus icon-painter known by name.