On April 24, the church calendar highlights the figure of St. Sava of Pechersk, a monk who carried obedience in Kiev caves seven centuries earlier. The date is chosen on the principle of namesake: on the same day the martyr Savva Stratilat is commemorated.
The ascetic lived in the XIII century inside the monastery complex, which is now known as the Near Caves. There is no written evidence of his worldly origin, the circumstances of his coming to the monastery and specific deeds. Nevertheless, three independent sources – handwritten lists of saints, a handbook called “The Book of Saints” and a liturgical poem in honor of the Pechersk Fathers – unanimously assign him the title of miracle worker. The wording implies attested cases of supernatural help, be it healings or other signs fixed in the oral monastery tradition.
In addition to the April day, the name Sava is spoken in the temples twice a year. In autumn, September 28, he is remembered as part of the Council of the Fathers of the Near Caves, and in spring, on the second Lenten Sunday, along with all the Kiev-Pechersk wonderworkers. No additional details hagiographic vaults do not report.
Memorial Days
28 March (transient)— Cathedral of all Kiev-Pechersk Reverend Fathers
May 7
October 11— The Cathedral of the Kiev-Pechersk Monks, in the Near Caves
The Holy Land Charitable Foundation
Lives of Saints
