Dear Readers and Supporters: Last March I told you about an anonymous long time friend and supporter of this ministry who fell on hard times, and a generous portion of you volunteered to help her financially to prevent her eviction and car repossession. Unfortunately, once again she and her child are in a similar difficult position, though a little bit worse. I hate to see this happen to her and not try to help in any way. So if once again you can help out with a financial contribution, it would be greatly appreciated. You can contribute to her through the link below. My hope is that we can raise around $3000. Thank you.
Day 5: Total So Far: $730

August 7, 2020

Saint Mercurius of the Kiev Caves, Bishop of Smolensk (+ 1239)

St. Mercurius of Smolensk (Feast Day - August 7)

Saint Mercurius of Kiev Caves Lavra pursued asceticism in the Near Caves in the thirteenth century. He was chosen to be the Bishop of Smolensk and experienced with his flock the horrors of Batu's invasion, during which he died. According to legend, the relics of the Saint miraculously sailed along the Dnieper to Kiev and were laid in the Near (Anthony) Caves. A holy mantle hangs over his tombstone.

The Danish ambassador Yust Juhl, who visited the Lavra in 1711, testified: “In the caves there are also the remains of one saint, a former Bishop of Smolensk. Dying, this bishop bequeathed that the coffin with his body be sent down the Dnieper and carried away by the river, wherever it happens to go. And his coffin was brought here, to the graves of these saints, located near the Dnieper, as a result of which the deceased was accepted and placed in the caves."



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