TEODOSIO di PEČERSK, saint. – Founder of cenobitic life in Russia and first igumen of the celebrated laura of Pečersk near Kiev.
Born at Wassilkof, near Kiev, around 1035, into a noble and prosperous family that later moved to Kurck, he soon lost his father and was raised by his mother, who was very despotic. Still a child, he was devoted to prayer and study, “arousing everyone’s admiration for his wisdom and intelligence.” The love of Jesus led him to humiliations and prayer. He wished to prepare the Eucharistic Bread himself and accompanied the servants in cultivating the fields. His mother, indignant at this work, which she considered degrading to their family, punished the boy, even chaining him. T. endured everything in silence and prayer; then he fled from home and in Kiev was received as a monk by the hermit s. Antonio. His mother joined T. in his flight from the world. Because of his outstanding qualities, T., still only twenty-six, was appointed abbot and decided to transform that subterranean monastic life, which he considered too sad, into cenobitic life by erecting cells in the open air. He then had the Rules of that community brought from the Studion monastery near Constantinople; these place the duty of charity above the solitary pursuit of individual salvation and, while organizing monastic life in common, set the community at the service of the Church and of one’s neighbor. This norm was subsequently introduced into all the monasteries of Russia.
Among T.’s virtues, mention should be made of his observance of the rules, humility, fortitude in the face of injustices, and faith in Providence. Ancient Russian literature has preserved examples of T.’s exhortations, whose influence on Russian spirituality was highly significant. Far removed from every form of radicalism, he taught a complete spiritual doctrine, characterized by an unreserved love of Jesus. T. died on 3 May 1074 and was the first to be venerated as a saint in Russia, since he was canonized by a Synod of Russian bishops in 1108. Feast: 3 May.