Gregory the Wonderworker

Venerable Gregory the Wonderworker was a hermit of the Kyiv Caves Lavra in the 11th century. All his life he ate nothing but raw herbs. These herbs he gave also to the sick who came for help, and they were healed miraculously. He was tonsured a monk at the Caves Monastery in the time of Venerable Theodosius (died 1074; commemorated 16 May). He read a great deal and his only possessions were books. He had a remarkable ability to bring thieves to their senses: several times robbers crept into his cell and garden, but, admonished by the father, they repented and gave up their lawless life.

Once the saint went down to the Dnieper for water. The young soldiers of Prince Rostislav, setting out for war, began to laugh at him and tease him. Angered, the commander ordered his hands and feet bound, a stone hung on his neck and him thrown into the Dnieper. But his prophetic word was fulfilled: Rostislav did not return from the battle; the twenty-⁠year-⁠old prince, driven back by the Poles, was swallowed by the waters. Miraculously saved, Venerable Gregory died in 1093 and was buried in the Kyiv Caves Lavra. The Church of Georgia commemorates him on 8 January (old style; 21 January new style).