Alexius, Metropolitan of Kiev facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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| Metropolitan of Kiev and All Rus | |
| Church | Russian Orthodox Church |
| See | Moscow |
| Enthroned | 1354 |
| Reign ended | 1378 |
| Predecessor | Theognostus of Kiev |
| Successor | Cyprian, Metropolitan of Kiev |
| Saint Alexius, Metropolitan of Kiev |
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|---|---|
Icon of St. Alexis with scenes from his life by Dionisius
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| Wonderworker | |
| Born | ~1296 Moscow |
| Died | 1378 |
| Venerated in | Russian Orthodox Church |
| Canonized | 1448 |
| Major shrine | Chudov Monastery |
| Feast | 12 February |
| Attributes | Vested wearing bishop's omophorion and patriarch's koukoulion. Sometimes holding a Gospel Book with his right hand raised in blessing |
| Patronage | Moscow |
Saint Alexius (Алексей or Aleksij in Russian) was a very important religious leader in Russia. He lived from before 1296 to 1378. He became the Metropolitan of Kiev and all Russia in 1354. He also helped lead the government in Moscow when Prince Dmitrii Donskoi was still young.
Contents
Who Was Saint Alexius?
Alexius was born with the name Elephtherios. His father, Fyodor Biakont, was a noble called a boyar from Chernigov. His family later became known as the Pleshcheev family in Moscow.
Early Life and Religious Path
Around 1313, Alexius decided to become a monk at the Epiphany Monastery in Moscow. This is when he received his religious name, Alexius.
About 20 years later, around 1333, he joined the household of Metropolitan Theognostus. In 1340, Alexius was given an important job as the Metropolitan's helper in Vladimir. Twelve years later, he became the Bishop of Vladimir.
Becoming a Metropolitan
Prince Symeon the Proud chose Alexius to be an adviser to his younger brothers, Ivan and Andrew. After a trip to Constantinople, Alexius was chosen to become the Metropolitan of Moscow and all Russia in 1354.
When Dmitrii Donskoi and Vladimir the Bold were young, Alexius was their spiritual teacher. He also acted as a regent, meaning he ruled in their place until they were old enough. He supported Dmitrii Donskoi in his disagreements with other cities like Tver and Nizhny Novgorod. He even sent Saint Sergius of Radonezh to stop church services in those areas until the problems were solved.
Healing the Khan's Mother
In 1357, Alexius was called by Jani Beg, the leader (or Khan) of the Golden Horde. The Khan wanted Alexius to cure his mother, Taidula Khatun, who was blind. Alexius was successful in healing her. Many believe this healing stopped the Tatars from attacking Moscow.
Building Monasteries and Legacy
In the 1360s, Alexius helped establish several important monasteries. These included the Andronikov, Chudov, and Alekseyevsky monasteries. He also worked to have Metropolitan Peter recognized as a saint by the Russian Orthodox Church.
Before he passed away, Alexius tried to convince Sergius of Radonezh to take his place as Metropolitan, but Sergius declined. Alexius wrote many sermons and letters during his life. He was recognized as a saint by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1448. Today, he is honored as one of the patron saints of Moscow.
Feast Days
Saint Alexius is remembered on several special days:
- February 12, which is the day he passed away.
- May 20, which marks the day his holy remains were found.
- October 5, which is a day to honor all the important religious leaders of Moscow.
His holy remains are kept and honored in the Epiphany Cathedral in Elokhovo.
See also
In Spanish: Alejo de Moscú para niños
