October 3, 2018

Saint Dionysius the Recluse of the Kiev Caves

St. Dionysius of the Kiev Caves (Feast Day - October 3)

Saint Dionysius, Hermit of the Kiev Far Caves, whose nickname was Schepa, is mentioned briefly in the Kiev Caves Paterikon. In the year 1463 during Paschal Matins, Dionysius went around censing the relics of the God-pleasers buried in the Kiev Caves. When the monk cried out: “Holy Fathers and brethren, today is the great day! Christ is Risen!” their reply resounded like thunder: “Truly, He is Risen!”

From that very day Saint Dionysius lived as a recluse, and after many labors he fell asleep in the Lord. The miracle involving Saint Dionysius is mentioned in the 8th Ode of the Canon of the Kiev Caves Saints.