# Peter of Moscow

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Not to be confused with 20th-century vicar of the diocese of Moscow, Metropolitan [Peter of Krutitsy](/source/Peter_of_Krutitsy).

Russian bishop and saint

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Peter of Moscow Metropolitan Peter, with Scenes from His Life, 15th-century icon by Dionisius Church Russian Orthodox Church See Moscow Predecessor Maximos Successor Theognostus

**Peter of Moscow** ([Russian](/source/Russian_language): Пётр Московский, **Peter of Kiev**, **Peter of Rata**, [Russian](/source/Russian_language): Пётр Ратенский, [Ukrainian](/source/Ukrainian_language): Петро Ратенський; c. 1260 – 20 December 1326) was an [Eastern Orthodox](/source/Eastern_Orthodox_Church) [bishop](/source/Metropolitan_bishop) of Kiev, who moved his [see](/source/Episcopal_see) from [Vladimir](/source/Vladimir%2C_Russia) to [Moscow](/source/Moscow) in 1325. Later he was proclaimed a [patron saint](/source/Patron_saint) of Moscow. In spite of the move, the office remained officially entitled "[Metropolitan of Kiev and all Rus'](/source/List_of_metropolitans_and_patriarchs_of_Moscow)" until the [autocephalous](/source/Autocephaly) election of [Jonah](/source/Jonah_Metropolitan_of_Moscow) in 1448.[1]

## Life

Yuri Lvovych of Galicia nominating Peter as metropolitan, depiction from late 15th century

Saint Peter of Moscow 15th-century Russian Icon of Metropolitan Saint Peter of Moscow Confessor and Wonderworker Born c. 1260 Volhynia, Kingdom of Galicia–Volhynia Died 21 December 1326 (aged 66) Moscow, Grand Duchy of Moscow Venerated in Eastern Orthodoxy Canonized 1339 by Metropolitan Alexis of Kiev Major shrine Cathedral of the Dormition, Moscow, Russia Feast 5 October 24 August (Translation of his relics) 21 December (Day of repose in 1326) Patronage Moscow

Peter was born in [Volhynia](/source/Volhynia)[1] (part of the [Kingdom of Galicia–Volhynia](/source/Kingdom_of_Galicia%E2%80%93Volhynia)). His parents were Theodore and Eupraxia. At the age of twelve, young Peter entered a monastery where he learned iconography. The igumen of the monastery had Peter ordained as a hieromonk. After years of ascetic labors at the monastery, the hieromonk Peter, with the blessing of the igumen, left the monastery in search of a solitary place.[2]

He built a cell at the Rata River and began to pursue asceticism in silence. Afterwards, at the place of his ascetic exploits, a monastery was formed, called the Novodvorsk. The Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Of St Peter” was so called because it was painted by Peter while he was igumen of the Ratsk monastery near Volhynia. During a visit to the [Ratne](/source/Ratne)[3] monastery by [Maximus](/source/Maximus%2C_Metropolitan_of_all_Rus'), Metropolitan of Kiev and all Rus', Peter gave him the icon as a gift.[4]

In 1308 king [Yuri I of Galicia](/source/Yuri_I_of_Galicia) nominated and the [Patriarch of Constantinople](/source/Ecumenical_Patriarch_of_Constantinople) appointed Peter to the vacant see of Kiev and all Rus'.[2] [Mikhail Yaroslavich](/source/Mikhail_Yaroslavich), [Grand Prince](/source/Grand_Prince) of [Vladimir](/source/Vladimir%2C_Russia) and [Tver](/source/Tver), wanted to advance his own candidate for this position. Peter's nomination caused prolonged animosity between Mikhail and Peter to the point that the latter had to ask for protection from the [Prince of Moscow](/source/List_of_Russian_rulers#Grand_Princes_of_Moscow) in 1325.

Peter travelled to Constantinople where Patriarch Athanasius consecrated him as Metropolitan of Rus and bestowed on him the hierarchal vestments, staff and icon. Upon his return to Rus' in 1308, Metropolitan Peter arrived at Kiev after a year, and then proceeded on to Vladimir. During this time of Tatar (Mongol) authority Rus was in turmoil, and Peter was often obliged to change the place of his residence.[2]

Peter transferred his metropolitan duties from depopulated Kiev to Vladimir. In 1325 Metropolitan Peter, at the request of the Grand Prince of Moscow, [Ivan Kalita](/source/Ivan_Kalita), transferred the metropolitan cathedra-chair from Vladimir to Moscow as part of Ivan's relocation.[5] The move strengthened the political position of Moscow and established it as the spiritual capital of fragmented Rus. After Peter's move to Moscow, the [Cathedral of the Dormition](/source/Cathedral_of_the_Dormition) and several other stone churches were built by Ivan Kalita in the [Moscow Kremlin](/source/Moscow_Kremlin). The foundation of the [Vysokopetrovsky Monastery](/source/Vysokopetrovsky_Monastery) in Moscow is ascribed to Peter. He also authored a few [sermons](/source/Sermon) and [epistles](/source/Epistle).

Peter died on 21 December 1326.[5] After his [canonization](/source/Canonization) by [Metropolitan Alexis](/source/Metropolitan_Alexis), his veneration was propagated all over [Moscovy](/source/Moscow). Accordingly, many churches were dedicated to Peter the Metropolitan in Moscow and other cities of Russia. His [feast day](/source/Feast_day) is celebrated on 24 August (the [translation](/source/Translation_(relics)) of his [relics](/source/Relic) to the [Dormition Cathedral](/source/Dormition_Cathedral%2C_Moscow) in Moscow), 5 October (in common with Metropolitans [Jonah](/source/Jonah_Metropolitan_of_Moscow) and [Alexis](/source/Alexius%2C_Metropolitan_of_Moscow)), and the 21st of December (the date of his repose).[6][7][8]

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-encofuk_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-encofuk_1-1) [Petro of Kyiv, Metropolitan](http://www.encyclopediaofukraine.com/display.asp?linkpath=pages%5CP%5CE%5CPetroofKyivMetropolitan.htm). [Encyclopedia of Ukraine](/source/Encyclopedia_of_Ukraine)

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-oca_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-oca_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-oca_2-2) ["Repose of St Peter the Metropolitan of Moscow and Wonderworker of all Russia", Orthodox Church in America](http://oca.org/saints/lives/2013/12/21/103604-repose-of-st-peter-the-metropolitan-of-moscow-and-wonderworker-o)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** [Ratne, Volyn Oblast](https://web.archive.org/web/20160404200731/http://ukrssr.com.ua/volinska/ratnivskiy/ratne-ratnivskiy) in [The History of Cities and Villages of the Ukrainian SSR](/source/The_History_of_Cities_and_Villages_of_the_Ukrainian_SSR)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-icon_4-0)** ["Icon of the Mother of God of St Peter of Moscow", Orthodox Church in America](http://oca.org/saints/lives/2013/08/24/102391-icon-of-the-mother-of-god-of-st-peter-of-moscow)

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Janos_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Janos_5-1) [Janos, S., "Sainted Peter, Metropolitan of Moscow", Holy Trinity Orthodox Church](http://www.holytrinityorthodox.com/calendar/los/December/21-02.htm)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Translation of the relics of Saint Peter, Metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia"](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2025/08/24/102384-translation-of-the-relics-of-saint-peter-metropolitan-of-moscow). *[OCA](/source/Orthodox_Church_in_America)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250221180317/https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2025/08/24/102384-translation-of-the-relics-of-saint-peter-metropolitan-of-moscow) from the original on February 21, 2025. Retrieved May 10, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Synaxis of the Hierarchs of Moscow"](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2025/10/05/102871-synaxis-of-the-hierarchs-of-moscow). *[OCA](/source/Orthodox_Church_in_America)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250510072609/https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2025/10/05/102871-synaxis-of-the-hierarchs-of-moscow) from the original on May 10, 2025. Retrieved May 10, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Repose of Saint Peter, Metropolitan of Moscow, Wonderworker of All Russia"](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2025/12/21/103604-repose-of-saint-peter-metropolitan-of-moscow-wonderworker-of-all). *[OCA](/source/Orthodox_Church_in_America)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250510072855/https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2025/12/21/103604-repose-of-saint-peter-metropolitan-of-moscow-wonderworker-of-all) from the original on May 10, 2025. Retrieved May 10, 2025.

## External links

- (in English) [Petro of Kyiv, Metropolitan](http://www.encyclopediaofukraine.com/display.asp?linkpath=pages%5CP%5CE%5CPetroofKyivMetropolitan.htm) in the [Encyclopedia of Ukraine](/source/Encyclopedia_of_Ukraine)

- [Translation of the relics of St Peter the Metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia](http://ocafs.oca.org/FeastSaintsViewer.asp?SID=4&ID=1&FSID=102384) Orthodox [icon](/source/Icon) and [synaxarion](/source/Synaxarion)

- [Synaxis of Peter, Alexis and Jonah, Metropolitans and Wonderworkers of All Russia](http://ocafs.oca.org/FeastSaintsViewer.asp?SID=4&ID=1&FSID=102871)

Eastern Orthodox Church titles Preceded by Maximus Metropolitan of Kiev and all Rus' (With its see in Moscow) Succeeded by Theognostus of Kiev

v t e Metropolitans of Kiev and all Rus' in the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople Metropolis of Kiev and all Rus' (988–1281) (Michael and Leontius) Theophylact John Teopempt (Hilarion)u Ephraim George (1069–1073) John II John III Nicholas Nikephoros Nikita Michael II (Clyment)u Costantine Teodor John IV Costantine II John V Nikephoros II Matthew Сyril Joseph (Peter)u Kirill II (1250–1281) sede vacante (1281–1283) Partition of the metropolis (1283–1378) Metropolis of Kiev and all Rus' (episcopal seat in Moscow since 1325) Maximus (1283–1305) Peter (1305–1326) (as Mmtropolitan of reunited Kiev and all Rus') Theognostus (1328–1353) Alexius (1354–1378) Cyprian (2 December 1375–12 February 1378) (as "Metropolitan of Kiev, Rus' and Lithuania") Pimenu Dionysiusu Metropolis of Halych Niphont (1303–1305) sede vacante (1305–1326) Gabriel (1326–1329) Theodore (1337–1347) Antoniy (1370–1391) (Metropolitan of those Halych eparchies within Poland) Metropolis of Lithuania (since 1355 'Lithuania-Volhynia') Theophilus (c. 1317–1330) sede vacante (1330–1355) Roman (1355–1362) (merged metropolises of Lithuania and Halych) Administered by Alexius (1362–1378) Metropolis disestablished. Territory reunited to the Metropolis of Kiev and all Rus' Gregory Tsamblak (1414–1420 in pretense)u Reunited Metropolis (1378–1441) Cyprian (restored 12 February 1378–1406) Photius (1408–1431) Gerasimus (1431–1437) Isidore (1437–1441) Later, as the uniate Metropolitan (1441–1458)b Parallel successions (1441–1596) Metropolis of Kiev, Galicia and all Rus' (1441 - 1596) (Recognised by Constantinople) Gregoryb (1458–1473) Spyridon (1476–1482) Misailu (1474–1480) Simeon (1481–1488) Jonah (1488–1494) Macarius Joseph Jonah II Joseph II Joseph III Macarius II Sylvester Jonah III Elias Onesiphorus Michaelb (1588–1596) Metropolis of Moscow and all Rus' (Not recognised by Constantinople) Jonah (1448–1461)u Theodosius (1461–1464)u Philip I (1464–1473)u Gerontius (1473–1489)u Zosimus (1490–1494)u Simon (1495–1511)u Varlaam (1511–1521)u Daniel (1522–1539)u Joasaphus (1539–1542)u Macarius (1542–1563)u Athanasius (1564–1566)u Herman (1566–1566)u Philip II (1566–1568)u Cyril (1568–;1572)u Anthony (1572–1581)u Dionysius (1581–1587)u Job (1587–1589 Later raised to Patriarch) Parallel successions (1596–1805) Metropolis of Kiev, Galicia and all Ruthenia (Ruthenian Uniate Church) (In communion with the Holy See) Michael (1596–1599)c Hypatius Pociej (1599–1613)c Joseph I (1613–1637)c Rafajil Korsak (1637–1640)c Antin Sielava (1641–1655)c Sede vacante (1655–1665) Havryil Kolenda (1665–1674)c Kyprian Zochovskyj (1674–1693)c Leo I (1695–1708)c Yurij (1710–1713)c Leo II (1714–1728)c Athanasius (1729–1746)c Florian (1748–1762)c Felicjan I (1762–1778)c Leo III (1778–1779)c Jason (1781–1788)c Theodosius (1788–1805)c Metropolis of Kiev, Galicia and all Rus' (1620–1686) (Recognised as an exarchate by Constantinople) Job Boretsky (1620–1631) Isaiah Kopinsky (1631–1632) Petro Mohyla (1632–1646) Sylvester Kosiv (1647–1657) Dionysius Balaban (1657–1663) Joseph Neliubovich-Tukalsky (1663–75) (Antony Vinnytsky (1663–1679 in opposition)u Sede vacante (1675–1685) Metropolis today In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the metropolis was absorbed by the Patriarchate of Moscow as the Metropolis of Kiev. In the Catholic Church, the metropolis of the uniate church remains as a sui juris particular church - the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. c Recognised by Rome alone; b Recognised by both Rome and Constantinople; u Not recognised by Constantinople

v t e Eastern Orthodox bishops of Lviv (Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople) Bishops of Galicia Bishops Cosmas Alexius Artemius Joseph Gregorius Niphont Peter Gabriel Theodore Anthonius John Macarius Arsenius I John Hedeon Jeremias Arsenius II Athanasius Joseph

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