Saint Photius, Metropolitan of Kiev and all Rus', was born in Monemvasia. In 1408, he was appointed as a metropolitan and arrived in Rus'. He spent half a year in Kiev, and then moved to Moscow, where he served for 22 years, enduring the harsh conditions of wars and plundering raids. He restored the welfare of the Church and provided assistance to the Patriarchate of Constantinople. In 1410, he escaped abduction by Khan Edigei, hiding in the Holy Lake Monastery. Saint Photius restored the unity of the Russian Church by abolishing the Lithuanian Metropolia in 1420. He left many teachings and messages, and also composed the 'Rite of Election and Appointment of Bishops.' He died on July 2, 1431, and his relics were discovered in 1471. The discovery and transfer of the relics of the saints took place on May 27, 1472. By the blessing of the Patriarch, the names of the holy metropolitans Photius and Cyprian were included in the Synaxis of Moscow Saints.
