Theodosius of Kiev
Theodosius of Kiev or Theodosius of the Caves was an 11th-century saint who brought cenobitic monasticism to Kievan Rus' and, together with Anthony of Kiev, founded the Kiev Caves Lavra (Monastery of the Caves). A hagiography of Theodosius was written in the twelfth century by Nestor the Chronicler.
Theodosius' greatest achievement has been the introducing of the monastic rule of Theodore the Studite in the Monastery of the Caves whence it spread to all the monasteries of the Ukrainian and Russian Orthodox Church. According to the Primary Chronicle:
the monastery was completed during the abbacy of Barlaam... When Barlaam had departed the brethren... visited the aged Anthony [founder of the Monastery of the Caves, who was now living in deep seclusion] with the request that he should designate a new abbot for them. He inquired whom they desired. They replied that they required only the one designated by God and by his [Anthony's] own selection. Then he inquired of them: "Who among you is more obedient, more modest, and more mild than Theodosius? Let him be your abbot." The brethren rejoiced... and thus they appointed Theodosius to be their abbot.
In the Martyrology
- May 3 Saint Theodosius, abbot of Kyiv