Spyridon and Nicodemus, the Prosphora Bakers of the Kiev Near Caves

The Venerable Spyridon and Nicodemus, the Prosphora Bakers of the Kiev Near Caves fulfilled their monastic obedience by baking prosphora for thirty years. They are commemorated on September 28, October 31, and the second Sunday of Great Lent.

Life

St. Spyridon came to the Monastery of the Kiev Caves during the time of Igumen Pimen (1132-1141), when he was no longer a young man. There, he was joined by St. Nicodemus, and together they toiled and led a strict ascetic life while baking prosphora, a duty which they combined with unceasing prayer and singing of the Psalms.

St. Spyridon was illiterate, but he knew the entire Psalter by heart. Even during his life he was glorified by miracles. Once, his mantle caught fire from the oven. Yet, after the fire was put out, his mantle remained undamaged.

After their repose, Spyridon and Nicodemus were laid to rest in the Near Caves of St. Anthony, where the three fingers of the right hand of the relics of St. Spyridon are positioned to make the Sign of the Cross.

Sources

• OCA: Venerable Spyridon the Prosphora-baker of the Kiev Caves
• OCA: Venerable Spyridon the Prosphora-baker of the Kiev Caves
• OCA: Venerable Nicodemus the Prosphora Baker of the Kiev Near Caves
• OCA: Venerable Nicodemus the Prosphora Baker of the Kiev Near Caves