Barlaam of Kiev[1] (died 1065) was the first abbot of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, serving together with St. Anthony of Kiev. He is regarded as a saint of the Russian Orthodox Church, with a feast day of 19 November.[2]
Barlaam was born sometime between the late 10th century and early 11th century to a boyar.[2]
He was tonsured a monk against the wishes of his father by St. Nikon of the Kiev Caves.[3]
In 1058, he built a wooden church dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos with the blessing of St. Anthony.[3]
Barlaam made 2 pilgrimages in his life, first to the Holy Land in 1062,[4] followed by a second pilgrimage to Constantinople afterwards.[2]
Soon after his second pilgrimage, Barlaam died in 1065 in the Zymne Monastery.[2] He was buried on his orders in the Caves of St. Anthony.[3]
Saint Barlaam of Kiev is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church. His primary feast day is on 19 November, however he is also commemorated on 28 September and on the Second Sunday of Great Lent.[2][3]