On September 10, 2024, the Holy Dormition Kiev-Pechersk Lavra celebrated the Feast Day in honor of the Venerable Fathers of the Pechersk who rest in the Far (Theodosian) Caves. The festive service took place in the Church of St. Agapitus of the Caves and was led by His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufriy of Kyiv and All Ukraine, according to Lavra.ua. He was joined by many bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church from various dioceses, as well as monks of the Lavra and invited clergy.

During his sermon, Metropolitan Onufriy emphasized the importance of patience and love, especially during challenging times. He noted that the final struggle for Christians will involve maintaining love for God and neighbor despite the malice and trials of the world. Upholding the purity of faith and enduring hardships will be key spiritual paths to salvation in the last days.

Metropolitan Onufriy encouraged the faithful to follow the example of the Venerable Fathers of the Pechersk, to show gratitude in times of difficulty, and to pray for everyone, even in the toughest circumstances.

After the liturgy, a prayer service was held in honor of the Venerable Fathers, and a prayer was read to them. Metropolitan Onufriy congratulated everyone on the feast and extended his archpastoral blessing.

The Kiev-Pechersk Lavra began as a monastic cave community. In the 11th century, monks seeking solitude built underground cells and churches. Today, pilgrims travel to the caves to venerate the relics of saints. The Near Caves house the relics of 80 saints, while the Far Caves hold the relics of 45. Special feast days are dedicated to the saints interred in the Near and Far Caves.

In the Near Caves lies the founder of the Lavra, Venerable Anthony of the Caves, alongside other notable saints such as Nestor the Chronicler and iconographers Alipius and Gregory of the Caves. Legendary folk hero Ilya Muromets is also believed to be buried there. According to tradition, angels transported his body to the Lavra after his death. The Far Caves are the resting place of the Lavra's co-founder, Venerable Theodosius. Excavations in 1988 revealed Theodosius’s original cell, which he dug in 1058, as well as the largest cave structure, the Church of Theodosius.

Photo: Press Service of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra