Barlaam of Kiev
November 19·11th century·Ukraine
Barlaam of Kiev was the first abbot of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, serving alongside St. Anthony of Kiev. He is remembered for founding a church and making pilgrimages to the Holy Land and Constantinople. He is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Key Facts
- ›Barlaam was the first abbot of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra.
- ›He was tonsured a monk by St. Nikon of the Kiev Caves.
- ›In 1058, he built a wooden church dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos.
- ›He made pilgrimages to the Holy Land in 1062 and then to Constantinople.
- ›Barlaam died in 1065 in the Zymne Monastery.
- ›He was buried in the Caves of St. Anthony on his orders.
About Barlaam of Kiev
Barlaam of Kiev (died 1065) holds significance as the first abbot of the renowned Kiev Pechersk Lavra, a pivotal monastery in the history of Eastern Orthodoxy. He served in this foundational role alongside Saint Anthony of Kiev, contributing to the establishment and early spiritual life of the monastic community.
Life and Ministry
Born to a boyar family between the late 10th and early 11th centuries, Barlaam's spiritual path led him to become a monk, a decision made against his father's wishes, with the guidance of St. Nikon of the Kiev Caves. A notable act of his abbacy was the construction of a wooden church dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos in 1058, undertaken with St. Anthony's blessing. Barlaam was also a devout pilgrim, undertaking two significant journeys: first to the Holy Land in 1062, followed by a second pilgrimage to Constantinople. His life concluded in 1065 at the Zymne Monastery, where, by his own request, he was buried within the Caves of St. Anthony.
Veneration
Barlaam of Kiev is recognized and venerated as a saint within the Eastern Orthodox Church. His principal liturgical commemoration occurs on November 19. He is also remembered on September 28 and on the Second Sunday of Great Lent, reflecting his enduring place in the spiritual calendar.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Barlaam of Kiev?
Barlaam of Kiev was the first abbot of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, serving alongside St. Anthony of Kiev. He lived during a period of significant monastic development in Kievan Rus'.
When did Barlaam live and die?
Barlaam was born sometime between the late 10th and early 11th centuries and died in 1065. He was buried in the Caves of St. Anthony.
What is Barlaam of Kiev remembered for?
He is remembered as the first abbot of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, for building a church dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos, and for his pilgrimages to the Holy Land and Constantinople. He is venerated as a saint.
What is Barlaam of Kiev's feast day?
His primary feast day is November 19. He is also commemorated on September 28 and on the Second Sunday of Great Lent.
Where is Barlaam of Kiev venerated?
Saint Barlaam of Kiev is venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Related Saints
Moses the Hungarian
Moses the Hungarian was a Kievan Russian monk of Hungarian origin who lived in the 11th century. He is venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church for his monastic life and his witness to the faith. He is remembered for his piety and his service within the Kiev Cave Monastery.
Anthony of Kiev
Anthony of Kiev was a monk and the founder of the monastic tradition in Kievan Rus'. Alongside Theodosius of Kiev, he co-founded the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, a significant monastic center. He is remembered for his strict asceticism and his role in establishing monasticism in the region.
Theodosius of Kiev
Theodosius of Kiev was an 11th-century saint credited with introducing cenobitic monasticism to Kievan Rus'. Alongside Anthony of Kiev, he founded the Kiev Caves Lavra. He is primarily remembered for establishing the monastic rule of Theodore the Studite, which subsequently spread throughout the Ukrainian and Russian Orthodox Church.