The name Saint Theodosius is counted among those figures and names that are the pride and glory of the entire Russian Church. Although he was not known for lofty learning, he followed the call, “Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble” (Romans 12:16), and still managed to achieve as much for the common good as the mighty of his time. Born in the 1630s in what is now Ukraine, he descended from the noble Polonitsky-Uglitsky family. His father was a priest, so from early childhood, he lived in a devout home, drawn to Scripture and prayer.
One of the finest schools in that region was the college linked to the Epiphany Monastery in Kiev, which was flourishing at the time. Lazar (Baranovich), Archbishop of Chernigov, served as its head and was an unquestioned spiritual guide for the students. This college was more than a seat of learning — it stood as a fortress of Orthodoxy in an area dominated by Catholic and Uniate influences. Symeon of Polotsk, Varlaam Yasinsky, and many others who later became notable church leaders also studied there. Here, the future saint received his education. His time at the college shaped his thinking and his spiritual life. He gave many hours to reflection and devotional reading. He kept warm memories and lasting gratitude for that college and its monastery. Later, he would help and support them in many ways.
Once he finished his studies, the future saint entered the monastic life. At his tonsure, he received the name Theodosius. At the time, Dionysius (Balaban) held the metropolitan see of Kiev and appointed Theodosius as the archdeacon of Saint Sophia Cathedral. Although higher posts in the hierarchy lay ahead, Saint Theodosius left the city and moved to a remote monastery that followed a strict rule. There, he was ordained a hieromonk. The 17th century was a turbulent period in Little Russia (a historical region now part of Ukraine), marked by struggles for power and influence. Church circles were thrown into this turmoil too, and even Metropolitan Dionysius eventually aligned himself with the Poles. In his place came Archbishop Lazar, who remained a mentor and supporter of Theodosius, not only from their time at the college but throughout his life.
In 1662, Saint Theodosius became abbot of Korsunsky Men’s Monastery. Two years later, he became abbot of the Kievo-Vydubytsky Monastery, which had been handed back to the Orthodox after earlier devastation under the Uniates. Under this dedicated abbot’s watch, the monastery soon thrived. A strict rule returned, and he set up a small skete for brethren seeking an even more secluded life. The abbot worked hard to create a fine brotherly choir, which became known well beyond the borders of Kiev. But good deeds seldom escape trials. Several other abbots were slandered, accused of treason against Russia. Once all the facts were examined, the lie was uncovered, and the charges were dropped.
Archbishop Lazar, who saw his disciple’s bright future and recognised his remarkable gifts, appointed Abbot Theodosius as his vicar in Kiev. In this key role, the saint introduced many thoughtful measures for the Church. Gifted in diplomacy and blessed with a keen mind, he was among the members of the delegation whose efforts united the Kievan metropolis with the Russian Church. In 1688, the Yelets Monastery (one of the largest in the diocese) lost its abbot, and Saint Theodosius accepted the role of the departed head. This was the second monastery he nearly raised from ruins (it had been completely destroyed and looted by Jesuits). Within just a few years, Abbot Theodosius oversaw its near-complete restoration, while still fulfilling his duties as vicar. He continued to participate in the metropolis's diplomatic missions and theological debates, including the timing of the Holy Gifts' consecration, a matter raised at the Council of Florence. At one point, Archbishop Lazar sent him to Moscow to clarify this issue, as one of the most worthy representatives of the Kievan Church. Archbishop Lazar, foreseeing the holiness of his pupil, sought to elevate him to the rank of hierarch. The metropolitan, supported by the hetman of Little Russia and numerous nobles, petitioned Tsar Peter I and the patriarch on behalf of the people. In 1692, Theodosius was consecrated as bishop in Moscow, placing him directly under the patriarch's authority.
Not much is recorded about his time as head of the Chernigov diocese, though many churches and monasteries (both men’s and women’s) were founded or restored during his leadership. It was also a period of flourishing monastic life. Bishop Theodosius took great care in promoting spiritual education and made sure the diocese’s religious schools had the best teachers. Among these was Saint Ioann (Maksimovych), who later replaced Bishop Theodosius not only in building schools but also as abbot. Saint Theodosius of Chernigov is remembered in history as a just, peace-loving, and highly spiritual man, richly blessed by God. In 1696, he departed to the Lord, and his incorrupt relics found a place in the crypt of the Borisoglebsky Cathedral. Exactly 200 years later, during the reign of Nicholas II, he was glorified.
Days of commemoration: 18 February (5 February Old Style), 22 September (9 September Old Style)
Prepared by Yulia Goiko
