Venerable Mark of the Pskov Caves

Venerable Mark is the first ascetic known by name at the site where the Pskov Caves Monastery later arose. According to tradition, hunters passing along the bank of the Kamenets River heard the singing of praying monks from within the caves, among them Mark. He is considered the founder of the local monastic tradition preceding the establishment of the monastery by Venerable Iona around 1473: his name is entered in the monastery's commemoration book as the earliest known ascetic of the site. Very little reliable information survives about his life — already in the 16th century, the chronicler compiling his Life wrote that he could not find accurate data on the saint's origin, the period of his labors, or the circumstances of his death. His relics were found incorrupt in 1523. He is venerated as the founder of cave asceticism in the Pskov land, within the Synaxis of Pskov Saints and the Synaxis of the Venerable Fathers of the Pskov Caves. Feast: March 29/April 11.