Saint Macarius the Deacon lived in the Far Caves of Kiev and is commemorated on January 19, in honor of his namesake, Saint Macarius of Egypt. He lived during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries and was distinguished by his complete lack of covetousness. He possessed a deep zeal for the house of God and devoted himself unceasingly to the reading of Holy Scripture, fasting, and prayer.

According to Tradition, Saint Macarius was often ill during his childhood. His parents vowed that, should he regain his health, they would dedicate him to the Monastery of the Caves. Through his gentleness and humility, he earned the love of the brethren, who taught him to read and write. Because of his pious life, he was ordained a deacon, and the Lord granted him the gift of wonderworking.

Saint Macarius of the Far Caves is also commemorated on August 28. In addition, there is a general commemoration of all the wonderworkers of the Kiev Caves on the second Sunday of Great Lent.

Troparion — Tone 8

By a flood of tears you made the desert fertile, / and your longing for God brought forth fruits in abundance. / By the radiance of miracles you illumined the whole universe! / O our holy father Macarius, pray to Christ our God to save our souls!