Saint Anthony of the Kiev Caves was born in 983 in the village of Liubech, near Chernigov, and was baptized with the name Antipas. From a young age, he was filled with the fear of God and longed for the monastic life. As he grew, his yearning led him to Mount Athos, where he received the monastic tonsure and committed himself fully to the ascetic path. Distinguished for his deep humility and obedience, he quickly gained the admiration of his fellow monks. Recognizing his spiritual potential, the igumen of the monastery—guided by divine inspiration—sent Anthony back to his native land, encouraging him to lead others by example and bestowing upon him the blessing of Mount Athos.

Upon returning to Rus', Anthony searched for a monastery that reflected the strict discipline of Athos but found none. Eventually, he came upon the wooded hills near the Dnieper River, where he discovered a cave dug by the priest Hilarion. Inspired by the solitude of the place, Anthony began a life of prayer, fasting, and labor, drawing others who sought his blessing and guidance. Among his early disciples were Saints Nikon and Theodosius. As the community grew, a cave monastery was formed, which became the foundation of the Kiev Caves Monastery. Anthony later withdrew to a separate cave, continuing his ascetic life as more monks gathered around him. Under his spiritual leadership, the monastery flourished, eventually receiving support from Prince Izyaslav. Though he possessed no wealth, Anthony’s prayerful labor established a spiritual stronghold that shaped monasticism in Rus’. He was also granted miraculous gifts, including clairvoyance, and was honored by a divine vision of the Mother of God, who foretold his death on July 10, 1073. By God’s will, his relics remain hidden.

Troparion — Tone 4

Having departed from worldly tumults, / in leaving the world you followed Christ according to the Gospel. / You reached the quiet refuge of the Holy Mount Athos, / living there a life equal to the angels. / Therefore, with the blessing of the Fathers, / you came to the Kievan hills. / There having fulfilled a life loving of labors, / you illumined your homeland. / And having shown a multitude of monastics / the pathway leading to the heavenly kingdom, / you led them to Christ. / Beseech him, O Venerable Anthony, / that he may save our souls!

Kontakion — Tone 8

From your youth you gave yourself to God whom you loved above all, O Venerable One; / and in love you followed after him with your whole soul. / Scorning the passing corruption of the world, you made a cave in the earth; / and in it you struggled nobly facing the snares of the invisible enemy, / while illumining the ends of the earth like a bright, shining sun. / Therefore, with rejoicing you entered into the heavenly chambers. / Standing now before the throne of the Master together with the angels, / remember us who honor your holy memory, / that we may cry out to you: Rejoice, Anthony our Holy Father!