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| St. Arseny the Lover of Labor (Feast Day - May 8) |
Venerable Arseny the Lover of Labor lived during the fourteenth century. This ascetic was distinguished by his love for labor, and living in asceticism in the Kiev Caves Lavra of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, he knew no rest. He prayed constantly and partook of food only at the setting of the sun. For his humility and love of labor the Lord gave him the gift of wonderworking. His grave lies in the Far Caves.
On his tombstone the following was written: "Venerable Arseny the Lover of Labor was never idle, but was always either praying or performing his monastic obedience, not even eating food until after sunset. Now in the unflickering light he enjoys the vision of the face of God."
