Memorial Day of St. Prokhor Lebednik

The Orthodox Church honors the memory of Saint Prokhor of the Pechersk Lebednik every year on February 23. His life and deeds are an example of selfless service to God and his people. He died in 1107, his relics rest in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, but the Orthodox people even today know that Saint Prokhor the Lebednik intercedes for them, protects them from hunger, disasters and deprivation. In their prayers to the miracle worker, people ask to protect their families from adversity and evil intent. A simple layman traveled a long way from Smolensk to Kyiv to become a monk and give his life to God and prayers. In the monastery, he subjected himself to such asceticism that instead of bread he ate only quinoa, for which they nicknamed him the Lebednik. He sincerely believed that God is merciful, and if he sends suffering, then he will certainly show his mercy and give healing. And so it happened: seeing the monk’s patience, the Lord transformed for him the bitter taste of quinoa into honey and gave him the ability to experience only joy from life. During these times in Rus', the people were languishing from continuous civil strife, heavy taxes and raids by the Polovtsians. When famine came, the monk distributed quinoa bread to all the hungry, and after Prokhor’s blessing, this bread became tasty and sweet. When salt disappeared from the city, Prokhor learned to turn ordinary ash into salt through holy prayers and gave it to the people. The salt merchants reported him to Prince Svyatopolk, and he ordered all the supplies to be taken away from the monk. But when the salt was brought to the prince's court, it again turned into ash. Svyatopolk wished to personally meet with the elder, and after the conversation he was imbued with true respect for him and gave his word not to create any more violence. After this meeting, Prokhor lived many more years in righteousness and worship. Before his death, the elder spoke for a long time with the prince about mercy, eternal life, and God's judgment. He forgave Svyatopolk his sins and blessed him for great deeds. After the death of the blessed monk, Svyatopolk won a final victory over the Polovtsians. This victory was granted to the Russian people thanks to the intercession and prayers of Saint Prokhor the Lebednik.