# Michael of Chernigov

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Grand Prince of Kiev (r. 1236–1239; 1241–1243)

Michael Vsevolodovich Fresco of Saint Michael of Chernigov from Ferapontov Monastery, 1502 Prince of Chernigov Reign 1223–1235; 1242–1246 Predecessor Mstislav II Svyatoslavich Mstislav III Glebovich Successor Mstislav III Glebovich Roman Mikhailovich Grand Prince of Kiev Reign 1238–1239; 1241–1243 Predecessor Yaroslav II of Vladimir Daniel of Galicia Successor Daniel of Galicia Yaroslav II of Vladimir Born c. 1185 Died (1246-09-20)20 September 1246 (age 60-61) Saray, Golden Horde (near modern-day Astrakhan, Russia)[1] Spouse Elena Romanovna Issue Feodula Rostislav of Macsó Maria Roman of Chernigov and Bryansk Mstislav of Karachev and Zvenigorod Simeon of Glukhov and Novosil Yury of Torusa and Bryansk House Olgovichi Father Vsevolod IV of Kiev Mother Anastasia of Poland Seal

Saints Michael and Theodore of Chernigov Wonderworkers[2] Holy Martyrs Blessed Prince Michael of Chernigov, and his counsellor Theodore of Chernigov, Wonderworkers Hieromartyrs Died 20 September 1246 Saray, Golden Horde Venerated in Eastern Orthodox Church, Roman Catholic Church[3] Canonized before 1271[2], Rostov[2] Major shrine Holy Trinity Cathedral, Chernihiv[2] Feast 20 September[2]

**Mikhail Vsevolodovich**[4][a] (c. 1185 – 20 September 1246), known as **Michael** or **Michael of Chernigov**,[5][6][b] was [Grand Prince of Kiev](/source/Grand_Prince_of_Kiev) (1236–1239; 1241–1243); he was also [Prince of Pereyaslavl](/source/Prince_of_Pereyaslavl) (1206), [Novgorod-Seversk](/source/Prince_of_Novgorod-Seversk) (1219–1226), [Chernigov](/source/Prince_of_Chernigov) (1223–1235; 1242–1246), [Novgorod](/source/Prince_of_Novgorod) (1225–1226; 1229–1230), and [Galicia](/source/Prince_of_Galicia) (1235–1236).[4] He was canonized as a [saint](/source/Saint) in the [Christian Church](/source/Christian_Church).

## Biography

A son of prince [Vsevolod the Red](/source/Vsevolod_IV_of_Kiev) from the [Olgovichi](/source/Olgovichi) clan, in 1223 Michael participated in the [Battle of Kalka](/source/Battle_of_Kalka) against [Tatars](/source/Mongol_Empire). After the death of [Mstislav the Brave](/source/Mstislav_Rostislavich_of_Smolensk) in 1228, he issued claims to the throne of [Galicia-Volhynia](/source/Galicia-Volhynia), which led him into conflict with [Daniel](/source/Daniel_of_Galicia) and [Vasylko](/source/Vasylko_Romanovych), the sons of [Roman the Great](/source/Roman_the_Great), and their ally [Vladimir Rurikovich](/source/Vladimir_IV_of_Kiev).[1]

Archaeological evidence reveals that Chernigov towns enjoyed an unprecedented degree of prosperity during Michael's rule, which suggests that promoting [trade](/source/Trade) was a priority for him.[4] Commercial interests, in part, also motivated him to seize control of [Halych](/source/Halych) and [Kiev](/source/Kiev) because they were channels through which goods from the [Rhine](/source/Rhine) valley and [Hungary](/source/Kingdom_of_Hungary) passed to Chernigov.[4] He also negotiated commercial treaties and political alliances with the [Poles](/source/Polish_people) and the [Hungarians](/source/Hungarians).[4] He alleviated the [tax burden](/source/Tax_burden) of the [Novgorodians](/source/Novgorod_Republic) and granted their [boyars](/source/Boyar) greater political freedom from the prince.[4]

In 1239, during the [Mongol invasion of Kievan Rus'](/source/Mongol_invasion_of_Kievan_Rus') (1237–1242), Michaell was forced to flee, taking refuge in [Hungary](/source/Kingdom_of_Hungary_(1000-1526)). After returning, he shortly controlled Kyiv, and later applied for a [yarlyk](/source/Jarlig) from the Mongol khan in order to confirm his rule over Chernigov. In 1246, he was executed by [Batu Khan](/source/Batu_Khan), reportedly after refusing to submit himself to the court rituals at the khan's residence. According to another theory, the cause for Michael's execution was his pro-Western political orientation.[1]

According to tradition, the prince was murdered along with his loyal [boyar](/source/Boyar) Theodore, and both were later [canonized](/source/Canonization) as [martyrs](/source/Martyr).[7] Their remains were buried in Chernigov's [Transfiguration Cathedral](/source/Transfiguration_Cathedral%2C_Chernihiv), but around 1580 [tsar](/source/Tsar) [Ivan the Terrible](/source/Ivan_the_Terrible) order their removal, after which the relics were transported to [Moscow](/source/Moscow)'s [Cathedral of the Archangel](/source/Cathedral_of_the_Archangel), where they remain up to this day.[2]

## Legacy

### *Vita* of Michael of Chernigov

A [hagiography *vita*](/source/Hagiography) of Michael of Chernigov was written some time after his death, describing his life in detail, and framing his execution as [martyrdom](/source/Martyrdom).[5] It is unclear when this account was written (at least after the Mongol census in Suzdalia and Novgorod in 1257–59[8]), and how historically reliable it is.[5] Mikhail's death is briefly mentioned in the Older Recension of *[Novgorod First Chronicle](/source/Novgorod_First_Chronicle)* (compiled c. 1275), in the *[Laurentian Codex](/source/Laurentian_Codex)* (compiled 1377), and in the *[Hypatian Codex](/source/Hypatian_Codex)* (compiled c. 1425), but the full text of the *vita* is not found in these manuscripts.[5] It is not until the Younger Recension of the *Novgorod First Chronicle* (compiled c. 1450) that an extensive narrative of his demise appears,[5] stating that the bodies of Mikhail and Fedor were thrown to the dogs; but as a sign of divine favor, their bodies remained unmolested and pillars of fire hovered over them.[4] The *[Nikon Chronicle](/source/Nikon_Chronicle)* (compiled c. 1550) added even more text to Mikhail's *vita*, including claims that the Mongols already established a system of military governors and tax collectors in all cities of Kievan Rus' in 1237–1240, which is historically very unlikely.[9]

In the early 18th century another hagiography of Michael was created by [Demetrius Tuptalo](/source/Demetrius_of_Rostov), based on the scheme employed in the similar works dedicated to themartyrdom of saints [Boris and Gleb](/source/Boris_and_Gleb) and employing richly ornamented lexicon typical of the [Baroque](/source/Baroque) era. In Tuptalo's depiction Michael is shown not as a simple victim of persecution, but as a kind of [missionary](/source/Missionary) who consciously sacrificed his life for Christian faith.[10]

### Carpine account

[Giovanni da Pian del Carpine](/source/Giovanni_da_Pian_del_Carpine), an Italian [papal legate](/source/Papal_legate) who travelled through the lands of former Kievan Rus' in the late 1240s, wrote the following account of his death in the *[Ystoria Mongalorum](/source/Ystoria_Mongalorum)*:

(…) when Michael, one of the princes of Russia, came to submit to Bati, the Tartars first tried to make him pass between two fires. After this they said that he should bow south to Chingis Khan, but he replied that he would gladly bow to Bati and his servants but not to the image of a dead man because this is improper for a Christian. When he was repeatedly told through his son Yaroslav that he must bow, and yet he refused, Bati ordered Prince Michael killed if he would not bow. Prince Michael of Chernigov was passed between fires in accordance with ancient Turco-Mongol tradition. Batu Khan sent to stab him to death for his refusal to do obeisance to Chingis Khaan's shrine in the pagan ritual imposed by the conqueror. The prince replied that he "preferred to die rather than do what was wrong". Bati sent Michael to one of his followers who trampled on his chest with his boots until the prince died. Meanwhile the prince comforted one of his soldiers who stood near by him by saying: 'Be strong because your punishment will not last long and then at once eternal joy will follow.' After this his head was cut off quickly with a knife. The soldier, to tell the truth, also had his head cut off with a knife.[11]

## Genealogy

### Marriage and children

Michael married once and had several children.

- [Elena Romanovna](/source/Elena_Romanovna) (or Maria Romanovna) (m. 1210 or 1211), a daughter of prince [Roman Mstislavich of Halych](/source/Roman_the_Great) and his wife, Predslava Rurikovna of Kiev[4] 1. Feodula Mikhailovna (1212–1250); became a nun and adopted the religious name Evfrosinia[4] 1. Duke [Rostislav Mikhailovich of Macsó](/source/Rostislav_Mikhailovich) (c. 1225 – 1262)[4] 1. [Maria Mikhailovna](/source/Maria_of_Chernigov) (died 7 or 9 December 1271), wife of Prince [Vasilko Konstantinovich](/source/Vasilko_Konstantinovich) of Rostov[4] 1. Prince [Roman Mikhailovich of Chernigov and Bryansk](/source/Roman_Mikhailovich_(Prince_of_Chernigov)) (c. 1218 – after 1288/1305)[4] 1. Prince Mstislav Mikhailovich of Karachev and Zvenigorod (1220–1280)[4] 1. Prince Simeon Mikhailovich of Glukhov and Novosil[4] 1. Prince Yury Mikhailovich of Torusa and Bryansk[4]

### Ancestors

Ancestors of Michael of Chernigov 8. Vsevolod II Olgovich, grand prince of Kiev 4. Sviatoslav III Vsevolodovich, grand prince of Kiev 9. Maria Mstislavna of Kiev 2. Vsevolod IV Sviatoslavich, grand prince of Kiev 10. Vasilko Sviatoslavich, prince of Polotsk 5. Maria Vasilkovna of Polotsk 1. Mikhail Vsevolodovich 12. Bolesław III, duke of Poland 6. Casimir II, prince of Cracow 13. Salomea of Berg 3. Maria/Anastasia of Poland 14. Conrad II of Znojmo 7. Helena of Znojmo 15. Maria of Serbia

### Descendants

See also: [Upper Oka Principalities](/source/Upper_Oka_Principalities)

The later [Upper Oka Principalities](/source/Upper_Oka_Principalities) of the 14th and 15th centuries were reigned by the "upper princes", each of which descended from Mikhail Vsevolodovich of Chernigov.[12]

In the second half of the 19th century, many family branches stemming from Mikhail flourished: the Baryatinsky, the [Gorchakovy](/source/Gorchakov), the [Dolgorukie](/source/Dolgorukov), the Eletskie, the Zvenigorodskie, the Koltsovy-Mosalskie, the [Obolenskie](/source/Obolensky), the Odoevskie, and the Shcherbatovy.[4]

## Notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** [Russian](/source/Russian_language): Михаил Всеволодович; [Ukrainian](/source/Ukrainian_language): Михайло Всеволодович.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** [Russian](/source/Russian_language): Михаи́л Черни́говский, [romanized](/source/Romanization_of_Russian): *Mikhail Chernigovskij*; [Ukrainian](/source/Ukrainian_language): Миха́йло Чернігівський, [romanized](/source/Romanization_of_Ukrainian): *Mykhailo Chernihivs'kyj*

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ency_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ency_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-ency_1-2) *Енциклопедія українознавства. Словникова частина (ЕУ-II)*. Vol. 4. 1994. p. 1561.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-old_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-old_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-old_2-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-old_2-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-old_2-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-old_2-5) ["Чернігівські святі князь Михайло та боярин Федор і їх вшанування в нашому місті"](https://oldchernihiv.com/chernigivski-svyati-knyaz-myhajlo-ta-boyaryn-fedor-i-yih-vshanuvannya-v-nashomu-misti/). 2023-09-23. Retrieved 2026-01-28.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Михайло і Теодор Чернігівські, свв"](https://catholicnews.org.ua/saintspage/mihaylo-i-teodor-chernigivski-svv/). Retrieved 2026-01-28.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Dimnik_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Dimnik_4-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Dimnik_4-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Dimnik_4-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Dimnik_4-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Dimnik_4-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-Dimnik_4-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-Dimnik_4-7) [***i***](#cite_ref-Dimnik_4-8) [***j***](#cite_ref-Dimnik_4-9) [***k***](#cite_ref-Dimnik_4-10) [***l***](#cite_ref-Dimnik_4-11) [***m***](#cite_ref-Dimnik_4-12) [***n***](#cite_ref-Dimnik_4-13) [***o***](#cite_ref-Dimnik_4-14) [***p***](#cite_ref-Dimnik_4-15) Dimnik, Martin. *The Dynasty of Chernigov - 1146-1246*.[*[page needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citing_sources)*]

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHalperin1987174_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHalperin1987174_6-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHalperin1987174_6-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHalperin1987174_6-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHalperin1987174_6-4) [Halperin 1987](#CITEREFHalperin1987), p. 174.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMartin2007141_7-0)** [Martin 2007](#CITEREFMartin2007), p. 141.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Князь Михаїл Чернігівський: вибір між життям та вірністю Богу"](https://patriarchia.org.ua/news/knyaz-myhayil-chernigivskyj-podvyg-viddanosti-hrystu-nezvazhayuchy-na-tortury/). *[Orthodox Church of Ukraine](/source/Orthodox_Church_of_Ukraine)*. Retrieved 2026-01-28.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHalperin198751,_174_10-0)** [Halperin 1987](#CITEREFHalperin1987), p. 51, 174.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHalperin198751_11-0)** [Halperin 1987](#CITEREFHalperin1987), p. 51.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Bilous, P.V. (2023). "Life and Death of Knyaz Mykhailo of Chernihiv in Ancient Ukrainian Literature". *Ukrainian Literature: Historical Experience and Perspectives*. No. 2. pp. 23–26.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** DiPlano Carpini, Giovanni. *The Story of the Mongols whom We Call the Tartars*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Rusyna, Olena Volodymyrivna (2003). [Верховські князі](http://resource.history.org.ua/cgi-bin/eiu/history.exe?&I21DBN=EIU&P21DBN=EIU&S21STN=1&S21REF=10&S21FMT=eiu_all&C21COM=S&S21CNR=20&S21P01=0&S21P02=0&S21P03=TRN=&S21COLORTERMS=0&S21STR=Verkhovski_kniazi) [Upper princes]. Енциклопедія історії України [*[Encyclopedia of History of Ukraine](/source/Encyclopedia_of_History_of_Ukraine)*] (in Ukrainian). Vol. 1. Kyiv: [Institute of History of Ukraine](/source/Institute_of_History_of_Ukraine). p. 494. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [966-00-0734-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/966-00-0734-5). Retrieved 20 February 2024.

## Bibliography

### Primary sources

- [Giovanni da Pian del Carpine](/source/Giovanni_da_Pian_del_Carpine), *[Ystoria Mongalorum](/source/Ystoria_Mongalorum)* (1240s) - Modern edition: DiPlano Carpini, Giovanni *(Author)* - Hildinger, Erik *(Translator)*: *The Story of the Mongols whom We Call the Tartars*; Branden Publishing Company, Inc, 1996, Boston, MA; [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-8283-2017-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-8283-2017-9).

- *[Galician–Volhynian Chronicle](/source/Galician%E2%80%93Volhynian_Chronicle)* (1290s; oldest copy *[Hypatian Codex](/source/Hypatian_Codex)* c. 1425) - (in Ukrainian) [*Galician-Volhynian Chronicle*](http://litopys.org.ua/litop/lit24.htm) (years 1245–1260). (interpreted by Leonid Makhnovets) - Perfecky, George A. (1973). *The Hypatian Codex Part Two: The Galician–Volynian Chronicle. An annotated translation by George A. Perfecky*. Munich: Wilhelm Fink Verlag. [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [902306](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/902306). (pages 52–53 relate the death of Michael of Chernigov)

- *Suzdal'–Vladimirian Chronicle* (1305; oldest copy *[Laurentian Codex](/source/Laurentian_Codex)* 1377) (L. 165 *sub anno* 6754 (1246) relates the death of Michael of Chernigov)

### Scholarly literature

- Dimnik, Martin, *Mikhail, Prince of Chernigov and Grand Prince of Kiev, 1224–1246* (1981). pp. 215. Turnhout: Brepols Publishers. ISBN 978-0888440525.

- Dimnik, Martin, *The Dynasty of Chernigov, 1146–1246* (2003). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-521-03981-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-521-03981-9).

- Halperin, Charles J. (1987). *Russia and the Golden Horde: The Mongol Impact on Medieval Russian History*. Indiana University. p. 222. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781850430575](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781850430575). (e-book).

- Martin, Janet (2007). [*Medieval Russia: 980–1584. Second Edition. E-book*](https://www.ebooks.com/en-us/book/802816/medieval-russia-980-1584/janet-martin/). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-511-36800-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-511-36800-4).

- Vernadsky, George, *Kievan Russia*; Yale University Press, 1948, New Haven and London; [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-300-01647-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-300-01647-6).

Michael of Chernigov Olgovichi family Born: c. 1185 Died: 20 September 1246 Preceded by Yaroslav Vsevolodovich Prince of Pereyaslavl 1206 Succeeded by Vladimir III of Kiev Preceded by Mstislav Svyatoslavich Prince of Novgorod-Seversk 1219–1226 Succeeded by Oleg Svyatoslavich Preceded by Mstislav II Svyatoslavich Prince of Chernigov 1223–1235 Succeeded by Mstislav III Glebovich Preceded by Vsevolod Yuryevich Prince of Novgorod 1225–1226 Succeeded by Yaroslav Vsevolodovich Preceded by Fedor Yaroslavich and Aleksandr Yaroslavich Prince of Novgorod 1229–1230 Succeeded by Rostislav Mikhailovich Preceded by Daniil Romanovich Prince of Halych 1235–1236 Succeeded by Rostislav Mikhailovich Preceded by Yaroslav Vsevolodovich Grand Prince of Kiev 1238–1239 Succeeded by Daniil Romanovich Preceded by (Tatar officials appointed by Batu Khan) Grand Prince of Kiev 1241–1243 Succeeded by Yaroslav Vsevolodovich Preceded by Rostislav Mikhailovich Prince of Chernigov 1242–1246 Succeeded by Roman Mikhailovich

Authority control databases International ISNI VIAF GND WorldCat National Netherlands People Deutsche Biographie DDB

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Michael of Chernigov](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_of_Chernigov) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_of_Chernigov?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.