Cloud of Witnesses
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Hierarch12th century

Saint Menas Bishop of Polotsk

Also known as Menas of Polotsk

A monk of the Kiev Caves who was consecrated bishop of Polotsk and shepherded his flock in holiness.

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Commemorated as

Our Father among the Saints Menas, Bishop of Polotsk

Life

Saint Menas was a twelfth-century hierarch of the Church in Rus' who began his monastic life at the Kiev Caves monastery and was later consecrated Bishop of Polotsk. He is remembered as one of the early Russian archpastors who helped extend the Christian faith in the generations following the Baptism of Rus'.

His memory is preserved in the Kiev Caves Paterikon, and his name is included in the liturgical service commemorating the Holy Fathers of the Kiev Caves. He is commemorated on June 20.

Troparion1 hymnReadHide
TroparionTone 4

In truth you were revealed to your flock as a rule of faith,
an image of humility and a teacher of abstinence;
your humility exalted you;
your poverty enriched you.
Hierarch Father Menas,
entreat Christ our God
that our souls may be saved.

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

Timeline1 momentsReadHide
  1. December 13, 1105Consecrated Bishop of PolotskAfter living as a monk at the Kiev Caves monastery, Menas was consecrated Bishop of Polotsk.

Contributions & Legacy

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Monastic and Episcopal Life

Menas first led an ascetical life as a monk of the Kiev Caves monastery, the foremost center of monasticism in early Rus'. From that community he was raised to the episcopate, receiving consecration as Bishop of Polotsk on December 13, 1105.

Sources describe him as one of the first Russian archpastors, continuing the spread of the Christian faith after the Baptism of Rus'. His remembrance is contained in the Kiev Caves Paterikon, and his name is named in the service of the Holy Fathers of the Kiev Caves.

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Sources: OCA Synaxarion (oca.org), Lives of the Saints