When calamities and wars came to Rus', it was permitted by God for the sins of the people, so that they would come to their senses and repent. At that time, there lived a pious prince of Chernigov, Michael, who was distinguished by a virtuous life and served Christ with all his heart. He had a faithful boyar, Theodore, with whom he suffered for the faith.
When the wicked Batu sent Tatars to scout Kiev, Michael, understanding their treachery, killed the envoys and fled to Hungary to seek help. However, not receiving it, he returned to his homeland, where he saw the devastation of his lands. Michael and Theodore decided not to submit to Batu and not to worship idols, even if it cost them their lives.
Michael's spiritual father, John, warned him against idol worship, but the prince and the boyar chose to endure suffering for Christ. They went to Batu, where Michael refused to walk through fire and worship idols, declaring that he was a Christian. For this, he was cruelly tortured, but he bravely bore the suffering, repeating: 'I am a Christian.'
In the end, Michael was killed, having his head cut off, but even then his lips continued to confess Christ. Theodore, following the example of his lord, also accepted a martyr's death. Their bodies were left to be devoured by dogs, but they remained incorrupt, and Christians secretly buried them with honor.
After their death, Batu continued his wars, but soon met his demise. Saint Michael and Theodore, having suffered for the faith, inherited the Kingdom of Heaven.
