Ammon the Recluse

Venerable Ammon the Recluse, also called the Lover of Labour, struggled in the Kiev Caves Lavra, in the Far Caves, in the thirteenth century. He went to Mount Athos and to Jerusalem as a wanderer for Christ, and on his return enclosed himself in the Lavra, where he became known for his exploits and was an image of holy life for the brethren.

He was buried in the Far Caves. In a hymn of the service for the Synaxis of the Fathers of the Far Caves he is mentioned together with Saint Mardarius, as a zealot of poverty. He is commemorated on 4 October (new style), on 28 August, and on the second Sunday of Great Lent.