The Monk Veniamin (Benjamin) of Pechersk

Commemorated on October 13

The Monk Veniamin (Benjamin) of Pechersk lived during the XIV Century and before accepting monasticism was "an important merchant". Once at the time of Divine services Saint Veniamin felt deeply in his heart the words of the Saviour: how difficult it is for the rich to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven (Mt. 19: 23). Having given off his wealth to the needy, Saint Veniamin became a monk, "pleasing the Lord by fasting and prayers even unto death". He was buried in the Theodosiev Cave. His memory is also on 28 August and the 2nd Sunday of Great Lent.