Venerable Athanasius the Resurrected One of the Kiev Caves

Death and Revival

According to the accounts of the Kiev Caves, Athanasius suffered a prolonged and grave illness that led to his apparent death, and the brethren prepared his body for burial. When the igumen arrived to conduct the funeral, the community discovered the deceased monk sitting upright and weeping.

Pressed about what he had witnessed, Athanasius declined to elaborate, saying only that they should seek salvation, obey the igumen in everything, repent each hour, and pray to the Lord Jesus Christ, to His All-Pure Mother, and to Saints Anthony and Theodosius, that they might end their lives in the monastery. He then asked to be left alone to pray.

Life of Reclusion

After his revival Athanasius spent twelve years enclosed in solitary reclusion within the cave. He maintained complete silence with the rest of the community, wept continually, and consumed only bread and water, and that only on alternating days.

Near the end of his life he assembled the brethren and repeated the spiritual counsel he had given at his revival before departing peacefully, around the year 1176.

Relics & Shrines

Athanasius was buried in the Antoniev (Near) Cave of the Kiev Caves Lavra, where his relics were venerated.

Miracles & Traditions

Traditional Accounts: A monk named Babylas, who had suffered from a severe leg infirmity for many years, is said to have been healed at Athanasius's relics after the saint appeared to him in a vision, saying, 'Come to me, and I shall heal you.'

Note on identity: A distinct saint also named Athanasius the Recluse is commemorated on December 2 from the Far (Theodosius) Caves; he is remembered for a heavenly light shining in his cell and the gift of healings. The two saints named Athanasius should not be conflated.

Commemoration

His feast is kept on December 2, with additional commemorations on September 28 and on the Second Sunday of Great Lent.