Metropolitan Bishop
Saint Michael was the first Metropolitan of Kiev and All Russia, who governed the Church during the time of the holy equal-to-the-apostles Prince Vladimir. Prince Vladimir, having accepted holy baptism in Chersonesus, sent an embassy to the Patriarch of Constantinople asking for pastors to be sent for the baptism of the Russian land. Patriarch Nicholas Chrysoverges chose Michael, who joyfully met the prince and soon arrived in Kiev with the clergy.
Saint Michael actively preached the Gospel, baptized the princely family and the warriors, destroyed pagan idols, and instructed the people in the faith of Christ. Prince Vladimir supported his efforts, urging the people to be baptized. The baptism of Kiev marked the beginning of the enlightenment of Rus, and Saint Michael sought to spread the faith throughout the land.
He traveled to Novgorod and Rostov, where he baptized many people and founded churches. Saint Michael passed away in 992, leaving Prince Vladimir in deep sorrow. He blessed the construction of the Desyatynna Church in Kiev, which became his burial place. The relics of the saint were discovered in the 12th century and were transferred to the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, where they rest to this day.
