«Anthony and Theodosius»

Bookends

Materials:

silver, bronze, brass, white diamonds, black diamonds, sodalite, jasper.

№ Н-16-09-576

The ancient pioneers of monasticism were named Anthony and Theodosius. Saint Anthony the Great, during the transition from the 3rd to the 4th centuries, established hermit monasticism, which was later followed by Saint Anthony of the Caves in Kyivan Rus. With a longing for seclusion, he settled in a cave that had been dug by the priest Hilarion. As the monastery grew, he continued to distance himself, remaining a recluse. In the fifth century, St. Theodosius the Great founded communal monasticism in Palestine.

Similarly, St. Theodosius of the Caves played a significant role in Christian Rus. He was an exceptional Abbot who cared for and nurtured the entrusted Brethren. Theodosius would walk around the cells at night, attentively observing the activities of the monks. If he found them engaged in prayer, he would join them. Monk Theodosius became the founder of an exemplary communal monastery, not only for the Pechersk brethren but also for all Ukrainian monasticism.

The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, established by St. Anthony and organized by St. Theodosius, became a model for other monasteries and played a crucial role in the development of the Ukrainian church. It produced renowned archpastors, zealous preachers of the faith, and excellent writers.

The bookend, featuring the silver, morion, and charoite sculptures of Antony and Theodosius, crafted by talented artists and jewelers, undoubtedly encapsulates centuries-old wisdom ingrained in human nature. By immersing oneself in the book's wisdom, nestled among finely reproduced figures of ancient elders, one is certain to discover the unchanging seed that will bear fruit in the future.