The PriestMartyr Makarii, Metropolitan of Kiev
Commemorated on May 1
The PriestMartyr
Makarii, Metropolitan of Kiev, was earlier the archimandrite of the Vilensk
Holy Trinity monastery.
In 1495, after the
death of the Kiev metropolitan, Jona with the Ankle, Makarii was chosen and
ordained in his place by an assembly of hierarchs: Vassian of Vladimir, Luke of
Polotsk, Vassian of Turov and Jona of Lutsk. Papers of blessing were sent from Constantinople
by the patriarch, Nymphontes, confirming the selection of Saint Makarii to the
Kiev metropolitan cathedra-seat. On 1 May 1497 Tatars which invaded the Russian
Land killed the Metropolitan of Kiev and All Rus' Makarii in the village of
Strigolovo, at the River Vzhischa, where the saint was making Divine-services.
Together with him were killed or taken into captivity many of his flock.
The holy relics of
Saint Makarii, glorified by God both undecayed and by miracles, rest now at
Kiev at the Vladimir cathedral church.
© 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos.