Venerable Sylvester of the Kiev Caves
Commemorated January 2
The Monk Sylvester of Pechersk lived during the XII Century and was hegumen of the Mikhailovsk Vydubitsk monastery at Kiev. He continued the work of the Monk‑Chronicler Nestor and he wrote nine Vitae of the Pechersk holy saints. In the service to the Pechersk Fathers venerated in the Nearer Caves, the Monk Sylvester is called blessed and endowed with "a miraculous gift to ward off demonic suggestions (Ode 9 of the Canon). The Monk Sylvester was buried in the Nearer Caves, and his memory is celebrated likewise on 28 September and on the 2nd Sunday of Great Lent.
Troparion
In thee, O father, was manifestly preserved what is in the image of God, for having taken up thy cross, thou didst follow Christ, and by thine own example hast taught that the flesh is to be despised as transient, but that particular care should be bestowed on the soul, as a thing immortal; wherefore, together with the angels, rejoiceth also thine, O holy Sylvester, spirit.
Kontakion
Having divinely armed thyself with the purity of thy soul and unceasing prayers firmly grasping as a spear, thou, our father Sylvester, hast pierced the armies of the demon; supplicate unceasingly for us all.
Source: Crkveni Kalendar
