Biography
Athanasius the Recluse of the Kiev Far Caves
About Athanasius the Recluse of the Kiev Far Caves
Athanasius is remembered among the recluses of the Kiev Far Caves. The Orthodox Church in America's notice points to the fourth ode of the community's liturgical canon and to a collection about saints resting in the Cave of Theodosius. That collection says that heavenly light made candles unnecessary in his cave. It also attributes healing to his intercession. These are statements of received devotional tradition, not independently established observations of light or medical recovery. The notice supplies no exact dates, early-life account, or circumstances of death. Its association with the Far Caves distinguishes this remembrance from that of the other Athanasius connected with the Near Caves.
Wondering how to weigh the stories and sources? Learn how to read a saint biography.