Dionysius, Metropolitan of Kiev facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Metropolitan of Kiev and All Rus
Icon of Saint Dionysius I, Metropolitan of Kiev.
Church	Russian Orthodox Church
See	Moscow
Enthroned	1384
Reign ended	1385
Predecessor	Pimen, Metropolitan of Moscow
Successor	Cyprian, Metropolitan of Kiev
Personal details
Born	c. 1300
Died	15 October 1385

Saint Dionysius I (Russian: Дионисий, Dionisii), whose name before becoming a monk was David, lived from about 1300 to October 15, 1385. He was an important leader in the Russian Orthodox Church. He served as a top church official, known as a metropolitan, from 1384 to 1385.

Early Life and Becoming a Monk

David was born in the area known as the Duchy of Kiev. When he was young, he joined a famous monastery called the Kyiv Caves Lavra. There, he became a monk and a priest, taking the new religious name Dionysius.

Dionysius spent many years living in a cave. He dug this cave himself near the Volga River, not far from a city called Nizhny Novgorod. Later, he founded a monastery on that very spot. This monastery was named Pechersky Monastery and was dedicated to the Ascension of the Lord. In 1374, Dionysius became the Bishop of Suzdal. People in the area greatly respected and loved him.

A Church Leader's Journey

Seeking the Metropolitan Title

In 1378, after the death of Metropolitan Alexius, Saint Sergius of Radonezh suggested Dionysius for the important role of Metropolitan of Kyiv. This was a very high position in the church. However, the Grand Prince, Dmitri Donskoi, had his own choice: a priest named Mikhail.

Dionysius and other bishops disagreed with Mikhail's selection. They suspected Mikhail had beliefs that were different from the main church teachings. Mikhail also wanted to change how the Metropolitan was chosen. He wanted the Metropolitan to be appointed in Russia, instead of traveling to Constantinople to be approved by the Ecumenical Patriarch. At that time, the Russian Church was not yet fully independent.

A Trip to Constantinople

In 1379, Dionysius traveled to Constantinople. He carried a message to the Patriarch, explaining why Mikhail should not be Metropolitan. Mikhail was worried Dionysius would get the Patriarch's support. So, Mikhail also set off for Constantinople.

Sadly, Mikhail died on his journey. One of his companions, a clergyman named Pimen, reached Constantinople before Dionysius. Because of this, Pimen was named Metropolitan of Moscow and All Rus' instead of Mikhail.

Later Years and Challenges

Return to Suzdal

In 1382, the Patriarch was impressed by Dionysius's strong faith. He gave Dionysius the title of archbishop. In 1383, Dionysius returned to his church community in Suzdal. He continued to work against the group with different beliefs.

Dionysius also spoke to Grand Prince Dmitri Donskoi about Pimen. He believed Pimen had taken the Metropolitan position unfairly. This was because no one in the Russian Church, not even the Grand Prince, had been asked before Pimen was appointed.

Final Journey and Passing

In 1384, Dionysius was sent back to Constantinople. His mission was to ask for Pimen to be removed and for himself to be appointed Metropolitan. The Patriarch, Neilus Kerameus, was unsure about Dionysius. So, he sent two other metropolitans to Moscow. Their job was to remove Pimen and install Dionysius.

On his way back to Moscow, Dionysius stopped in Kiev. There, he was held by the Kievan prince, Vladimir Olgerdovich. This happened because Cyprian, the Archbishop of Kiev, wanted to become Metropolitan himself. Cyprian eventually became Metropolitan in 1390.

Dionysius passed away while being held on October 15, 1385. He was buried in the Caves of St. Anthony in Kiev. This was the same monastery where he had started his life as a monk.

Legacy

The Russian Orthodox Church used to celebrate Saint Dionysius I on July 19. However, this tradition faded over time. Now, he is remembered on October 15 in the traditional Julian Calendar. This is October 28 on the modern Gregorian Calendar. He is listed as "Metropolitan of Suzdal" because he was never able to fully take his place as Metropolitan of Moscow.