Pamva the Recluse

Venerable Pamva was a monk and priest at the Kyiv Caves Lavra who lived as a recluse. He died in 1241. He is commemorated on 18 July and on 10 September.

He was a hieromonk of the Lavra of the Caves. When the Tatars besieged the monastery, the brethren sent him to fetch food. Despite the great danger, the venerable one accepted the obedience with humility. He fell, however, into captivity among the Tatars and suffered terrible torments from them because he would not renounce Christ.

According to the Paterikon, he was miraculously taken out of captivity by angels, who loosed his chains and brought him to his cell. Until his blessed end he lived in seclusion, and in 1241 he departed in peace to the Lord.

His incorrupt relics rest in the Far Caves of the Lavra. The akathist to all the venerable fathers of the Caves also speaks of him.