Venerable Spyridon and Nikodemos the Prosphora-bakers of the Kiev Caves

Life and Labor

Spyridon and Nikodemos both served as prosphora-bakers at the Kiev Caves monastery under Abbot Pimen (1132-1141), fulfilling this monastic obedience for thirty years while maintaining a strict spiritual discipline. Spyridon entered the monastery as an older man and was described as a pious, simple, and charitable man.

Although Spyridon was illiterate, he knew the entire Psalter by heart and would sing it through each day, whether he was chopping wood for the fire, kneading dough, walking, or resting. In this way he united demanding physical labor with continual prayer. He was glorified by miracles even during his lifetime.

Nikodemos labored alongside Spyridon throughout the thirty years and, according to the accounts, led a very strict and prayerful life, attaining a comparable spiritual stature through his monastic obedience.

Miracles & Traditions

Historically Documented: The lives relate that during the baking a furnace fire spread into the kitchen. Spyridon collected water in his hair shirt and called the brothers to help put out the flames. His mantiya caught fire from the oven, yet the water was released to extinguish the blaze and the garment remained whole and unburned.

Traditional Accounts: The fingers of Saint Spyridon's right hand are preserved positioned to make the Sign of the Cross with three fingers, a detail noted in the accounts of his relics.

Relics & Shrines

The relics of Spyridon and Nikodemos rest in the Near Caves of Saint Anthony at the Kiev Caves.

Beyond the primary feast on October 31, the saints are also commemorated on September 28, August 28, and the Second Sunday of Great Lent.