Saint Michael, Metropolitan of Kiev (+992)

Saint Michael, the first Metropolitan of Kiev, was sent to Russia by Nicholas Chrysoberges, Patriarch of Constantinople, to set church affairs in order. According to one account, he came from Greece with a company of clergy in 988, accompanying Princess Anna, the bride of Vladimir, equal to the apostles (commemorated 15 July). According to another, he came in 989, a year after Vladimir’s baptism, to Korsun (Kherson), the capital of the Tauric Chersonese (present-day Crimea), went to Kiev with the holy prince, and baptised his twelve sons and the whole population of Kiev.

From then until the day of his death the holy hierarch laboured with apostolic zeal to make the newly planted Russian Church flourish. Saint Michael committed his soul to the Lord in 992 and was buried with honour in the church of the All-holy Mother of God in Kiev. Around the year 1103.

In the time of Abbot Theoctistus his incorrupt relics were translated to the Caves of Anthony, and on 1 October 1730 to the Dormition cathedral of the Caves (it is in connection with this event that he is commemorated on 30 September).

Information about the holy father is also given in the reading for 15 June, the day of his repose.