Venerable Athanasius was a monk of the Holy Pechersk Monastery, living a holy and God-pleasing life. After a long illness, he passed away. The brethren prepared his body according to monastic custom. For some reason, he lay unburied for two days due to negligence. During the night, the monastery’s abbot experienced a vision with a message: “The man of God, Athanasius, has been lying unburied for two days, and you have not cared about this.”

At dawn on the third day, the abbot and the brethren came to bury him. To their amazement, they found Athanasius alive, sitting and weeping. Overcome with fear, they asked how he had come back to life and what he had seen or heard. He gave no reply other than, “Save yourselves!”

When they pressed him further, eager to hear something beneficial, Athanasius finally said, “If I tell you, you will not believe or obey me.” But the brethren, swearing an oath, promised to follow his words. He then said:

“Obey your abbot in everything, repent at all times, and pray to the Lord Jesus Christ, His Most Pure Mother, and the venerable fathers Anthony and Theodosius that you may end your life here and be deemed worthy of burial in the caves among the holy fathers. These three things are greater than all virtues. Blessed is the one who fulfils them properly, provided he does not fall into pride. Ask me nothing further, but forgive me, I pray.”

Having spoken, Athanasius went to the cave, sealed its doors, and remained there for twelve years. He never left, never saw sunlight, and wept constantly day and night. He ate sparingly, consuming a little bread and water every other day. During all those years, he spoke to no one.

When he was near death, he summoned the brethren and repeated the same message about obedience, repentance, and the blessedness of being buried in the caves. Having said this, he peacefully reposed in the Lord and was honourably buried in the cave where he had struggled in asceticism.

After his repose, he revealed his blessedness through a miracle. A brother named Babylas, who had been crippled for many years, was carried to Athanasius’ relics. Upon embracing the saint’s body, Babylas was instantly healed and never again suffered from any illness.

Later, Babylas shared the miraculous account of his healing with the brethren.

The memory of Venerable Athanasius the Recluse is celebrated on December 15 (December 2, Old Style).