Monastic Martyr Anastasius the Deacon of the Kiev Near Caves
Commemorated on January 22.
The Monk Martyr Anastasius, Deacon of the Kiev Caves, lived an ascetical life in the Near Caves. The hieromonk Athanasius the Sooty calls him brother of Saint Titus the Presbyter (February 27). In the manuscripts of the saints he is called a deacon. In the Service to the Synaxis of the Fathers of the Near Caves, it says that the Monk Martyr Anastasius possessed such steadfastness in God, that he received everything he asked for. His memory is celebrated also on September 28 and on the second Sunday of Great Lent.
Troparion
The image of God was truly preserved in you, O Father,
for you took up the Cross and followed Christ.
By so doing you taught us to disregard the flesh for it passes away
but to care instead for the soul, since it is immortal.
Therefore your spirit, venerable Anastasius, rejoices with the angels.
Kontakion
As a venerable and proven ascetic, as an honorable and renowned martyr,
and as a model of the desert life, O most exalted Anastasius,
we sing hymns of praise to you,
for you have trampled upon serpents.