Denys de Kyiv, also known by his nickname Shchepa, was a monk and hieromonk of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra who lived during the 15th century. He is remembered for a miraculous event that occurred within the monastery's caves during the Easter celebrations of 1463. Following this sign, he reportedly spent his remaining years living as a hermit in the caves. He is recognized as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox tradition and is commemorated alongside the other venerable fathers of the Pechersk Lavra.
Miraculous event
According to the Kyiv Pechersk Patericon, Denys was tending to the deceased in the monastery caves during Easter in 1463. While performing his duties in the area known as the Obshchina, he announced the Paschal greeting to the departed. Tradition holds that a powerful voice responded from the depths, echoing the proclamation that Christ had risen. After this occurrence, Denys withdrew into the caves to live as a recluse.
Veneration and legacy
His name was included in the canon of the Pechersk Fathers written in 1643. While local veneration began earlier, widespread church recognition followed in the late 18th century. He is honored on October 3, a date chosen to coincide with the feast of Dionysius the Areopagite. Early depictions of him include a 1661 engraving showing him performing the Easter greeting near two monks holding torches.