Venerable Anthony of the Kiev Caves

Venerable Anthony of the Kiev Caves (c. 983–1073), named Antipas at birth, was born near Lyubech in the Chernigov lands. Drawn to monasticism, he traveled to Mount Athos, where he was tonsured with the name Anthony in honor of Anthony the Great. Sent back to Rus' with his abbot's blessing, he settled around 1051 in a cave on the Dnieper hills near Kiev — previously dug by the future Metropolitan Hilarion. Disciples gathered around him, forming the community that became the Kiev Caves (Pechersk) Monastery. When the brotherhood grew to twelve, Anthony appointed Varlaam as abbot and withdrew into seclusion, digging a further "far" cave. His disciples included Venerables Theodosius of the Caves and Nikon. He reposed in 1073 in his cell of seclusion; his relics rest hidden in the Near Caves. He is venerated as the father of Russian monasticism.