On this day, July 10 according to the Julian Calendar (July 23 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates Venerable Anthony of the Caves (Pechersky).
Venerable Anthony of the Caves (Pechersky), Founder of Russian Monasticism, was born in the year 983 near Chernigov, in the village of Lyubech. Raised in the fear of God, Antipas (his baptismal name) felt drawn from his youth to the monastic life of prayer and fasting.
In his youth, Anthony traveled to the Holy Mountain of Athos in Greece, where he received the monastic tonsure and was given the name Anthony. He lived there for some years, mastering the ascetic life under the guidance of experienced elders.
The abbot of his monastery, directed by God, sent Anthony back to his homeland of Russia with a blessing, saying: ‘Return to Rus, for through you many shall become monks, and you shall be blessed.’ Anthony obediently returned to Kiev.
In Kiev, Anthony found a cave dug by the priest Hilarion (later Metropolitan of Kiev) on the wooded hill above the Dnieper River called Berestov. In this cave Anthony settled, fasting, praying, and laboring. He ate dry bread every other day and drank water in moderation.
By his holy example and spiritual wisdom, Anthony drew disciples to himself. Among those who came to live with him were the future Saints Theodosius and Barlaam. As the community grew, Anthony built a church and cells for the brethren.
When the brotherhood numbered twelve monks, Anthony, following his characteristic humility, withdrew from the main community and dug himself a new cave nearby, where he lived in solitude and prayer. He appointed Barlaam as the superior of the community.
This community — the Kiev Caves Monastery (Kyivo-Pecherska Lavra) — became the greatest monastery in the history of Rus. From it sprang dozens of saints who went out to establish monasteries throughout Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus.
Anthony lived to the age of ninety, reposing in the Lord in the year 1073. His relics rested in the caves he had dug. He is venerated as the Father of Russian Monasticism and one of the greatest ascetics of the Eastern Church.
May the intercessions of Venerable Anthony of the Caves (Pechersky) be with us all.