Paul Menesius facts for kids
Paul Menesius (born 1637, died 1694) was a Scottish soldier and diplomat. He spent most of his life working for the Russian Tsar Alexei. His name was also known as Menzies.
Contents
Early Life and Moving to Russia
Paul Menesius came from a wealthy Scottish family in Aberdeen. They were Catholic and had to leave Scotland in 1639 because of religious problems. Paul studied at the Douai College in France.
After Oliver Cromwell died in 1658, Paul's family went back to Scotland. King Charles II gave their land back. But the family had lost most of their money. Paul, who was the youngest son, needed to find a way to earn a living. He joined the Polish army.
In 1660, Paul Menesius moved to Russia. He became a master in the Russian army. Later, he married the daughter of Peter Marselis, a Dutchman who also worked for Moscow.
Paul became friends with Kirill Poluektovich Naryshkin, who was the Tsar's father-in-law. This friendship, along with others like Patrick Gordon, brought Paul closer to Tsar Alexei.
Diplomatic Missions for Russia
In 1671 and 1672, Paul Menesius returned to Scotland. At this time, the Russian government was looking for allies in Europe. They wanted help to fight against Turkey. Paul was a good choice for this job because he spoke many languages and was Catholic.
In 1672, he was sent as an ambassador to several European cities. These included Berlin, Dresden, Vienna, Venice, and Rome. He was welcomed in these places, but he did not get any direct promises of help against Turkey.
However, in Vienna, he told the Austrian Emperor that the Turks had taken the city of Kamenets. Because of this news, the Austrian Emperor sent his army to the borders to fight the invaders.
Meeting with the Pope
In 1673, Paul Menesius went to Rome to meet Pope Clement X. He was welcomed warmly. Paul delivered a letter from Tsar Alexei to the Pope. In the letter, the Tsar asked for the Pope's help against their shared enemy, the Turks. He also asked the Pope to write to the Kings of England and France to ask for their help.
The Tsar also wanted the Pope to officially recognize his title as "Tsar." At that time, Rome only saw Alexei as the Grand Duke of Muscovy. The Pope was not sure if Tsar Alexei was truly committed to the Catholic faith. The meeting ended without success. Paul Menesius would not agree to kiss the Pope's foot, and a secret meeting could not be arranged.
Later Life and Legacy
When Paul Menesius returned to Russia in 1674, he was promoted to major general. He also became a teacher for Tsarevich Peter, who would later become Peter the Great. Paul taught Peter about military matters and led him in outdoor military training games.
In 1682, the regent Sophia Alekseyevna sent him to fight against the Crimean Tatars.
In 1684, Paul Menesius, along with Patrick Gordon and Alexander Livingston (who were also Scottish soldiers working for the Tsar), signed a request. They asked for permission to open the first Roman Catholic church in Russia. Their request was granted, and the first Roman Catholic church was built in Moscow.
By the summer of 1689, Peter the Great took power from his half-sister Sophia. Her position had become weaker after two unsuccessful military campaigns.
Paul Menesius continued to strongly support Russia until he died in 1694. He always remained a loyal Catholic and a proud Scottish patriot.
See also
