In the Orthodox Christian calendar, every day is dedicated to the memory of a saint. On August 3 (July 21, old style), believers remember Onuphriy of Pechersky, or, as he is also called, Silent.
Onufry Pechersky lived in Kiev in the XII century. His imperishable relics are now kept in the Near Anthony Caves of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, where, as a monk, the saint lived. Unfortunately, detailed information about the life of Onuphrius and the circumstances of the spiritual feat that led to his canonization has not been preserved. It is only known for certain that the monk observed tacit seclusion, like other monks of the Kiev Caves monastery, for example, Fyodor the Silent.
The Kiev-Pechersk Lavra was founded in 1051 by the Monks Theodosius and Anthony of the Caves. She spread the glory of the great spiritual exploits of the monks who lived in her throughout Russia. Their prayerful labors inspired subsequent generations to great achievements in the field of the Orthodox faith.
Of all the ascetic deeds of the monks of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra monastery, the most widespread was seclusion. Overcoming great temptations, the ascetics, including Onuphrius the Silent, became victors thanks to their infinite loyalty to God, patience, and fervent unceasing prayer.
Living on worldly alms, the monastery of Onufriy of Pechersky also provided assistance to the poor and hungry. Not far from the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, Saint Theodosius erected a hospice for all the suffering.
On the day of memory of Onuphriy of Pechersky in Russia, all work was done in silence. It was believed that you do not need to pronounce a single extra word unless absolutely necessary. In any case, there was always plenty of work to be done during the difficult times, and the peasants did not suffer too much from the lack of various kinds of conversations. In particular, on this day it was customary to check the bins (places in barns for storing grain). If it was necessary to fix the boards in the roof or dry the room, this was done without delay.
There were also special signs to which attention was drawn precisely on the day of Onuphriy of Pechersky. So, if there was strong dew, then a bad flax harvest was predicted, and if there was thunder on that day, an early rainy autumn was expected.
