THEODOSIUS OF PEČERSK, Saint. - Founder of cenobitic life in Russia and first hegumen of the famous Laura of the Caves near Kiev.
Born at Wassilkof, near Kiev, around 1035, into a noble and well-to-do family, which later moved to Kurck, he lost his father early and was brought up by his mother, who was very domineering. Even as a child he was brought to prayer and study, "arousing everyone's admiration for his wisdom and intelligence." The love of Jesus drove him to humiliations and to prayer. He wanted to prepare the Eucharistic Bread himself and accompanied the servants in the cultivation of the fields. His mother, indignant at this work, which she considered degrading for their house, punished the boy to the point of chaining him. T. endured everything in silence and in prayer, then fled from home and in Kiev was received as a monk by the anchorite St. Anthony. His mother joined T. in his flight from the world. Because of his eminent qualities T., still only twenty-six, was appointed abbot and decided to transform that underground monastic life, which he considered too gloomy, into cenobitic life by erecting cells in the open. Then he had brought from the monastery of Studion, near Constantinople, the Rules of that community, which place the duty of charity above the solitary pursuit of individual salvation and, while organizing monastic life in common, place the community at the service of the Church and of one's neighbor. This norm was later introduced into all the convents of Russia.
Among the virtues of T. are to be noted his observance of the rules, humility, fortitude against injustices and his faith in Providence. Ancient Russian literature has preserved examples of the exhortations of T., whose influence on Russian spirituality has been very considerable. Far from any radicalism, he taught a complete spiritual doctrine, characterized by a tender love for 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 on 3 May.