In Ukraine, July 7 is the feast day of the Venerable Job and Theodosius of Manyava
On July 7 according to the New Julian calendar, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine commemorates the Venerable Job and Theodosius of Manyava — outstanding Ukrainian ascetics and founders of the Manyava Skete, which is referred to as the “second” or “Ukrainian Athos.”
The Venerable Job and Theodosius of Manyava are revered as great ascetics, mentors of monastic life, defenders of the Orthodox faith, and founders of one of Ukraine’s most famous spiritual centers.
Their ministry took place in the early 17th century, when Ukrainian Orthodoxy was going through difficult times.
The Venerable Job of Manyav, born Ioann Knyagynitsky, was born in what is now Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast. He spent 12 years as a monk on Mount Athos, and after hearing news of the Union of Brest and the challenges facing Ukrainian Orthodoxy, he returned to his homeland to establish and revive monasteries.
In 1608, Hierodeacon Theodosius joined him and became his closest disciple and assistant.
“Father immediately singled him out from among the others, seeing in him great zeal and humility,” the OCU noted.
Thanks to the joint efforts of these ascetics, the Manyava Skete was built, and as early as 1612, the monastery church was consecrated.
“And by the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in 1612, the monastery church had been consecrated,” the OCU reported.
At the new monastery, Job of Manyava introduced the strictest rule of St. Basil the Great. It was precisely because of its strict monastic discipline and ascetic way of life that the monastery came to be known as the “Second Athos” or “Ukrainian Athos.”
The OCU emphasizes that the Manyavsky Skete became one of the main centers of Orthodox monasticism in the Carpathian region, where a large number of monks lived and practiced.
The Venerable Job left behind a legacy as a spiritual mentor to an entire generation of monks, and the Venerable Theodosius continued his work, strengthening the brotherhood and upholding the monastery’s high spiritual traditions.
“His holiness, asceticism, and love for the truth left a deep mark on the history of Ukrainian monasticism,” the OCU explained.
In conclusion, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine offered a prayer: “Our venerable and God-bearing fathers, Job and Theodosius of Manyava, pray to God for us.”
This was reported by the Orthodox Church of Ukraine on Facebook.
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