Isaac of the Kiev Caves

Venerable Isaac the Recluse was a monk and recluse of the Kiev Caves Lavra, who died around 1090. He is commemorated on 14 February (with a polyeleos service) and on 28 September, in the Synaxis of the Venerable Fathers of the Near Caves of Kiev (Julian calendar).

In the world he had been a rich merchant, a native of Toropets, named Chern. For unknown reasons he gave all his property to the poor, came to Kiev and received the tonsure from Venerable Anthony. He spent seven years in seclusion. The Serbian source says that Saint Anthony passed him through a small window one prosphora every second day.

Before Isaac took up the labour of foolishness for Christ, according to his life, the following happened. Until midnight he sang psalms every day. One evening, after he had finished the last psalm and put out the candle, the cave was suddenly lit up and two youths appeared, beautiful as angels, together with Christ. They commanded Isaac to bow down to Christ. He forgot to make the Sign of the Cross and did not recognise in what was happening a demonic temptation. At once the youths and Christ turned into demons, and one commanded that pipes, psalteries and drums be brought so that Isaac should dance for them. Demonic music sounded, and the demons seized the ascetic and danced with him. After that the demons vanished, and the ascetic was left lying on the floor of the cell, motionless, barely alive. The next day, when mealtime came, Venerable Anthony approached the cell and said the customary prayer, but received no answer. Thinking that Isaac had departed to the Lord, he sent for the brethren. They dug up the cave and carried Isaac out; he was still alive.

After his recovery Isaac was the first in Russia to take up the labour of foolishness for Christ. He died around 1090. His relics are in the cave of Saint Anthony. His life is read in the Hypatian Chronicle under the year 6582 (1074), in the Kiev Caves Paterikon and in the Great Menaia of Saint Demetrius of Rostov (the Word about the monk Isaac, whom the devil deceived). A Ukrainian source adds that, according to modern anthropological research, the relics now in the Near Caves belong to another saint, who died at 18 to 20 years of age. The Serbian source gives 14 February by the Julian calendar, that is 27 February by the Gregorian.