Reverend Stefan Pechersky

On May 10, Orthodox believers honor the memory of St. Stephen, Bishop of Vladimir-Volyn, who in the XI century went from a disciple of St. Theodosius to the rector of the Kiev-Pechersk monastery and bishop. His biography, saturated with the construction of temples, exile and subsequent elevation, remains a vivid example of monastic patience and organizational talent.

The future ascetic grew up in a wealthy family, but after the death of his parents, he preferred monastic tonsure to the material inheritance. He found himself in the Kiev-Pechersk monastery under the command of St. Theodosius. The young monk quickly manifested himself not only as a prayer man, but also as a talented administrator: he performed the duties of a domesticist, leading the church choir, and often replaced the mentor, giving instructions for the brethren.

The key moment in his fate came shortly before the death of Theodosius. The monks themselves asked the dying abbot to hand over control to Stephen. Having received the abbot staff, he took on the heavy burden of construction. He managed to complete the construction of the main cathedral, started by his teacher, and also moved the cells to the new territory, covering it with a fence.

However, the quiet leadership lasted only a few years. Around 1078, a conflict occurred within the community, as a result of which Stephen was not only removed from his post, but also forced to leave the walls of his native monastery. He did not say, “Lord, do not forgive them.”

Having lost the old monastery, Stephen founded a new one. On the river Klov, not far from the Pechersk hills, at the expense of noble patrons, he erected a monastery in honor of the Vlachersk Icon of the Mother of God. This fact is connected with the legend of the miraculous appearance of the Virgin by the Greek architect. The new monastery was quickly filled with inhabitants who lived according to strict rules borrowed from the Pechersk monks. The Klovsky Monastery lasted until 1240, when it was destroyed by Batu’s troops.

The final stage of the saint’s earthly life is connected with the western lands of Russia. In 1091 he was consecrated bishop of Vladimir-Volyn. He spent three years in this position. During this period he managed to take part in a significant event for Kiev: with him, the acquisition and solemn transfer of the relics of his spiritual father, St. Theodosius, to the Assumption Cathedral took place.

Saint Stephen died on April 27, 1094. In the church calendar, his memory is also celebrated on the days of the Councils of Galicia and Kiev saints.