Prince of Novgorod Mstislav, grandson of the great Prince of Kiev Mstislav and son of Smolensk Prince Rostislav, earned the name Brave for his courage in battles and nobility of character. He always took the right side in princely disputes and defended the weak.
In 1168, he participated in the victory of the southern Russian princes over the Polovtsians. Mstislav, who feared only God, showed courage against the great Prince of Vladimir Andrei Yurievich when he tried to take Kiev from the Rostislavichs. Defending Kiev, Mstislav, with a small retinue, was besieged in the fortress of Vyshgorod, where he made daring sorties against the enemies.
When he was joined by the Lutsk Prince Yaroslav, the besiegers fled, and Mstislav achieved victory. He did not boast of his success and reconciled with Prince Andrei, returning Kiev to his brother Roman. Mstislav was distinguished by his lack of wealth and generosity, helping monasteries and striving for peace.
In 1179, the Novgorodians called him to reign. Not wanting to leave his brothers, he eventually agreed and was met with joy. Mstislav successfully fought against the Estonians, liberating his lands.
However, soon he was struck by a cruel illness, and feeling the approach of death, he commanded to be brought to the church, received communion, and passed away on June 14, 1180. All of Great Novgorod mourned for him, noting his virtues and courage.
Saint Prince Mstislav was buried in the Novgorod Sofia Cathedral, and his relics remained incorrupt.
