Cloud of Witnesses
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Hierarch17th century

Theodosius of Chernigov

c. 1630s – February 5, 1696

Also known as Theodosius, Archbishop of Chernigov

A beloved archbishop of Chernigov (d. 1696) and wonderworker, whose relics were uncovered on this day in 1896

September 9New Calendar
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September 22Old Calendar
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  • February 5NewFebruary 18Old
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Commemorated as

Our Father among the Saints Theodosius, Archbishop of Chernigov, the Wonderworker

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Healing

Life

Theodosius of Chernigov (secular name Theodosius Polonitsky-Uglitsky) was an Archbishop of Chernigov in the late seventeenth century, venerated as a wonderworker and glorified as a saint of the Russian Orthodox Church in 1896. Born in the 1630s in the Podolsk region to a priest named Niketas and his wife Maria, Theodosius received his formation at the Kiev Brotherhood school and took monastic vows at the Kiev Caves Lavra — the ancient center of Russian monasticism. He served successively as prior of several monasteries in Ukraine, demonstrating particular skill in restoring communities that had fallen into decline.

Theodosius was consecrated Archbishop of Chernigov on September 13, 1692, and in just over three years of episcopal ministry founded new monasteries, established a skete, and consecrated multiple churches before his death on February 5, 1696. He was buried in the Cathedral of Saints Boris and Gleb in Chernigov. His successor as Archbishop of Chernigov, Saint John (Maximovitch), was reportedly healed of a grave illness through Theodosius's intercession. The glorification of Theodosius — the formal recognition of his sainthood — took place on September 9, 1896, the date that became his secondary feast. His primary commemoration is on February 5, the anniversary of his repose.

Troparion1 hymnReadHide
TroparionTone 4

O Hierarch Father Theodosius,
you are a most worthy Bishop.
You were a light to your flock;
then you were translated to the eternal Mansions.
Pray at the Throne of the King of Glory,
that we may be delivered from present evils
and that our souls may be saved by your prayers, O Holy One!

Text used with permission of the Orthodox Church in America (oca.org).

Timeline10 momentsReadHide
  1. c. 1630sBirth in Podolsk regionTheodosius was born to Niketas, a priest, and his wife Maria, from the noble Polonitsky-Uglitsky family in the Podolsk governance.
  2. Late 1640sEducation at Kiev Brotherhood schoolTheodosius received his education at the Kiev Brotherhood school, then under distinguished instructors.
  3. Before 1662Monastic tonsure at Kiev Caves LavraTheodosius received monastic tonsure at the Kiev Caves Lavra and was ordained to the priesthood at the Krupitsky Monastery.
  4. 1662Igumen of Korsun MonasteryTheodosius was appointed Igumen (prior) of the Korsun Monastery.
  5. 1664Head of Kiev-Vydubitsky MonasteryAppointed head of the Kiev-Vydubitsky Monastery, which he restored from a state of ruin.
  6. 1688Archimandrite of Eletsy Monastery, ChernigovTheodosius was appointed Archimandrite of the Eletsy Monastery in Chernigov.
  7. September 13, 1692Consecrated Archbishop of ChernigovTheodosius was consecrated Archbishop of Chernigov, taking up the ancient episcopal see of that city.
  8. 1694 – 1695Monastic foundations and church consecrationsDuring his brief episcopate, Theodosius established the Pecheniksk women's monastery, founded a skete near Liubech, and consecrated multiple temples dedicated to the Theotokos.
  9. February 5, 1696ReposeTheodosius died on February 5, 1696, and was buried in the Cathedral of Saints Boris and Gleb in Chernigov.
  10. September 9, 1896GlorificationTheodosius was glorified — formally canonized — on September 9, 1896. This date became his principal feast day for the uncovering of his relics; his repose is commemorated on February 5.

Contributions & Legacy

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Monastic Career

Theodosius's formation took place in the heart of Kyivan monasticism. After his tonsure at the Kiev Caves Lavra and ordination at the Krupitsky Monastery, he served as prior of the Korsun Monastery from 1662. In 1664 he was placed at the head of the Kiev-Vydubitsky Monastery, an ancient community that had fallen into ruin, and restored it. In 1688 he was elevated to Archimandrite of the Eletsy Monastery in Chernigov, positioning him for his eventual elevation to the episcopate of that city.

Episcopal Ministry

Consecrated Archbishop of Chernigov in September 1692, Theodosius governed his diocese for only three and a half years before his death. In that time he established the Pecheniksk women's monastery, founded a skete near Liubech, and consecrated multiple churches dedicated to the Theotokos. His successor, Archbishop John (Maximovitch) — himself later venerated as a saint — reported being miraculously healed of a serious illness through the intercession of Theodosius.

Glorification and Veneration

The glorification of Theodosius took place on September 9, 1896, two centuries after his death. This became the feast day associated with the uncovering of his relics and his formal recognition as a saint. His primary feast — the anniversary of his repose — is February 5. He is venerated in the Russian Orthodox Church and among Ukrainian Orthodox communities, and is commemorated as a wonderworker and a shepherd of the Church.

In The Daily DoveReported as the news of its day
Companions1 figureShowHide
Theodosius's successor as Archbishop of Chernigov, reported healed by his intercession; also venerated as a saint
Saint John MaximovitchMetropolitan of Tobolsk
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Sources: Synaxarion