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| St. Athanasius the Recluse of the Kiev Caves (Feast Day - December 2) |
Venerable Athanasius the Recluse lived in asceticism in the Far Caves of the Kiev Caves Lavra. No longer wishing to take part in the vanity and delights of this world, he shut himself up in a cave in order to please God in silence, and there he constantly stood in prayer. It is said that Saint Athanasius had no need of candles in the cave, since a heavenly light shone for him. The Lord glorified the ascetic with the blessed gift of healings, which Orthodox Christians received through the intercessions of the Venerable Athanasius. After many spiritual labors and exploits, he delivered his spirit to the Lord.
