Venerable Lawrence the Recluse, Bishop of Turov

Venerable Lawrence, Recluse of the Kiev Caves and Bishop of Turov, labored in the later 12th century. He began monastic life at a Kiev monastery of St. Demetrius of Thessalonica, then moved to the Kiev Caves Monastery, taking up the ascetic feat of enclosure — solitary confinement in a cave for unceasing prayer. God granted him gifts of healing and exorcism; he is remembered for healing a demoniac other ascetics could not cure. In 1182 he was elevated to the see of Turov, succeeding St. Cyril of Turov, governing the diocese for twelve years while maintaining strict asceticism. He reposed in 1194 and was buried in the Near (Anthony's) Caves of the Kiev Caves Lavra, where his incorrupt relics rest. Venerated both as hierarch and among the Venerable Fathers of the Kiev Caves.