Maximos, Metropolitan of Kiev and All Rus' facts for kids
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Maximus or Maximos (also known as Maksim) was an important leader of the church in a region called Rus'. He was a metropolitan bishop, which is a high-ranking church official, for the Metropolis of Kiev and all Rus'. This church was part of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, a major Christian church. Maximus was from Greece. He became a metropolitan in 1283 and served until his death on December 6, 1305.
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Rus' Lands and the Golden Horde
During Maximus's time, the princes who ruled the Rus' lands were under the control of the Golden Horde. The Golden Horde was a powerful group led by a ruler called a Khan. Khan Tokhta wanted to have even more power over the Rus' princes.
Khan Tokhta's Actions
In 1293, Khan Tokhta sent his brother, Tudan, to the Rus' lands. Tudan's army caused a lot of damage, destroying fourteen towns. Khan Tokhta also went to a city called Tver. There, he made Dmitry of Pereslavl, a prince who was friends with another powerful leader named Nogai Khan, give up his rule. People at the time described these events as a "harsh time," like when Batu Khan had invaded before.
Maximus's Role and Travels
Maximus was known for traveling to the Golden Horde. He also helped to settle arguments between the princes in the north-eastern part of Rus'. For example, he helped calm disputes between Dmitry of Pereslavl and Andrey of Gorodets, who were both sons of the famous Alexander Nevsky.
Moving the Church Center
In 1299, following instructions from the Khan, Maximus moved the main church center. He left Kiev and moved the metropolitan's official seat to the city of Vladimir. Vladimir is about 200 kilometers (124 miles) east of Moscow. After this move, in 1303, the church leader in Constantinople, Patriarch Athanasius I of Constantinople, created a new church region called the Metropolis of Halych. Its main city was Halych in the Kingdom of Galicia–Volhynia.
Church Council and Support
In 1301, Maximus went to an important church meeting in Constantinople. He supported Mikhail Yaroslavich, the Prince of Tver and Vladimir. Mikhail was trying to become the Grand Duke, a very important title, and was in a struggle with Yuri Danilovich, the Prince of Moscow.
Saint Maximus
Maximus was later recognized as a saint in the Russian Orthodox Church. His special day is celebrated on December 6 (which is December 19 on the modern Gregorian Calendar).
