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Arefa ZatvornikMonk of the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery
Date of Birth: .
Country:  Dive |
Content:
- Saint Arephas of the Kiev Caves Monastery
- Wealth and Avarice
- Robbery and Accusations
- Illness and Divine Vision
- Repentance and Healing
- Retreat and Legacy
Saint Arephas of the Kiev Caves Monastery
Life and MonasticismArephas was a monk of the Kiev Caves Monastery of the Holy Russian Church. He is revered as a saint, with his memory observed in the Orthodox liturgical calendar on September 28th (Synaxis of the Holy Fathers of the Near Caves of Kiev) and October 24th.
Wealth and Avarice
According to the Kiev Caves Patericon, Arephas originated from Polotsk. Despite becoming a monk, he was known for his great wealth and miserliness, refusing to give alms to the needy.
Robbery and Accusations
One fateful night, Arephas' wealth was stolen by thieves. In response, he embarked on a vengeful search, falsely accusing and tormenting innocent individuals.
Illness and Divine Vision
Arephas soon fell seriously ill, but his discontent continued. One night, he witnessed a vision of angels and demons arguing over his soul. The demons claimed his ingratitude consigned him to their realm, while the angels defended him, stating that his gratitude for the theft could outweigh alms-giving.
Repentance and Healing
Upon hearing the angels' words, Arephas cried out in repentance, acknowledging his sin and submitting to God's will. His stolen silver was counted as alms, the demons vanished, and he received healing.
Retreat and Legacy
After his healing, Arephas retreated into seclusion and spent the remainder of his life in solitude. He passed away in the latter half of the 12th century and was buried in the Near (Anthony's) Caves of the Kiev Caves Monastery. The first separate day of remembrance for Saint Arephas is mentioned in the Patericon published in 1661 with the blessing of Archimandrite Innokenty (Gizel) of the Kiev Caves Lavra.
