Venerable Macarius the Deacon of the Kiev Caves

Venerable Macarius the Deacon labored in the Far (Theodosian) Caves of the Kiev Caves Monastery, likely in the 13th–14th centuries. From youth he was called to a silent monastic life, shunning childish games and keeping strict fasting. As a child he fell gravely ill; his parents vowed to give him to the monastery if he recovered, and after his healing they fulfilled the vow. The Caves elders taught him letters and monastic virtue; on reaching maturity he was tonsured and ordained deacon. He labored in study of Scripture, prayer, fasting, and church service, and was granted the gift of wonderworking. His veneration in the Far Caves is attested from 1638. Feast: January 19/February 1.