August 6 is celebrated by Orthodox Christians the memory of the blessed Polycarp of Pechersk. The church figure, one of the first bishops, was the author of many biographies during the decline of the Kyivan principality.

The young monk was a ward of Saint Simon in the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery. They were united not only by family ties, but also by spiritual views. For many years the monk Simon taught Polycarp to be virtuous. When Saint Simon was appointed bishop of Volodymyr, he took the young man there with him.

Later, Polycarp returned to the monastery. But the bishop extended the teachings in his letters to the disciple, who zealously imitated them. Therefore, for his prudence, spiritual experience and exemplary life, in 1164 he was ordained an archimandrite and elected abbot of the monastery.

Prince Rostyslav Mstislavovich of Kyiv was fascinated by the spiritual exploits of the archimandrite, who even wanted to abdicate his throne and take monastic vows in his monastery. Monk Polycarp dissuaded the prince from his intention, reminding him of the important duties assigned to him. But a terrible disease took the life of the young prince, who did not have time to decide whether to listen to the mentor’s advice or to carry out his plan.

Archimandrite Polycarp lived to a very old age and died in 1182. The holy relics of the abbot rest in the Anthony Caves, which belong to the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.