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Agapit PecherskyMonk of the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery, unpaid doctor
Date of Birth: .
Country:  Operator |
Content:
- Agapit, the Healers, of the Kiev Pechersk Monastery
- Medical Skills and Practice
- Controversy and Conversion
- Sainthood and Veneration
Agapit, the Healers, of the Kiev Pechersk Monastery
Early Life and MonasticismAgapit, a monk of the Kiev Pechersk Monastery, was born in Kiev and entered the monastic life during the time of Saint Anthony (before 1073 AD).
Medical Skills and Practice
Considered the first physician in Kievan Rus', Agapit became renowned for his free medical services to the sick. He gained fame for healing the severely ill through prayer and herbal remedies, which he took himself and gave to his patients. Among those he treated was the Prince of Chernigov, Vladimir Monomakh.
Controversy and Conversion
An Armenian physician who had a large practice and initially opposed Agapit's approach was unable to decipher the herbal remedies used by the monk. However, after witnessing numerous healings through prayer, he converted to Orthodoxy and became a monk himself.
Sainthood and Veneration
Agapit's remains are interred in the Anthony Caves (Near Caves) of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra. His local canonization occurred during the compilation of the Kiev Pechersk Patericon (13th century), and his veneration spread throughout the church after the Holy Synod authorized the inclusion of several Kiev saints in general church calendars in the 18th century. However, his memory is not currently included in the Typikon of the Russian Orthodox Church.
