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The '''Kiev Pechersk Lavra''' (In Ukrainian: Києво-Печерська лавра; in Russian: Киево-Печерская Лавра) is a major Orthodox [[monastery]] located in Kiev, Ukraine, also referred to as the '''Monastery of the Kiev Caves'''. Founded during the times of Kievan Rus' (1051 A.D.), the monastery has remained a major center of Orthodox Christianity in the Slavic world. The monastery also serves as the residence of Metropolitan [[Vladimir (Sabodan) of Kiev]], head of the autonomous [[Church of Ukraine]] (UOC-MP).

==History==

The Venerable [[Anthony of the Caves|Anthony]] is credited with founding the monastery when he settled in one of the caves that is now part of the Far Caves (also called the Caves of Theodosius). This occurred most probably in the year 1051 which is the traditional date for the foundation of the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery. As the community grew to twelve [[monk]]s new cells were excavated. Among those who joined Anthony in the early years were [[Theodosius of the Kiev Caves|Theodosius]] and the Venerable Barlaam. In 1057, Anthony, who desired a life of seclusion, named Barlaam as the first [[hegumen]] ([[abbot]]) and withdrew from the community to new cave in a hill that today is part of the Near Caves (also called the Caves of Anthony).