Venerable Isaiah, Wonderworker of the Kiev Near Caves
Very little information about the life and podvig1 of Saint Isaiah the Wonderworker has been preserved. He contested during the XI – early XII centuries. His life, by which he pleased the Lord, was one of silence and tireless work, for which he is called "a venerable and industrious Elder." In the Service for the Venerable Saints of the Near (Antoniev) Caves, Saint Isaiah is mentioned along with Saints Onuphrios (July 21) and Sylvester (January 2).
"Onuphrios, the lover of silence, and Isaiah, the desert-loving turtle-dove, with the blessed Sylvester, are a triple-stranded sling against the demons, who are driven away by them; for setting the assaults of the passions completely at naught, they received the gift of helping others. Therefore, they are magnified by all" (Ode 9, stikheron 5).
This Saint Isaiah reposed on May 15, 1115, and his relics are in the Near Caves of Saint Anthony. He is not mentioned in the Paterikons, and there is no special Service in his honor. He is commemorated on May 15, September 28, and on the second Sunday of Great Lent.
This Saint Isaiah is commemorated separately on May 15, and should not be confused with his namesake Bishop Isaiah of Rostov, who reposed in 1090.
1 ascetical effort, spiritual struggle.