The first Russian Metropolitan after the Batu invasion

Abstract

Having studied Russian chronicles, literary manuscripts of Ancient Rus’, and scientific studies, the author of the present article analyzes the historical information about the period when Metropolitan Kirill II (1242– 1281) headed the Russian Orthodox Church. The goal of the article is to present a profile of the Russian First Hierarch, consider his societal role and the status of the Church within the territory of the former state of Kievan Rus’ after the Mongol-Tatar invasion. The relevance of the study is backed up by the importance of researching the history of the Russian Orthodox Church after the Mongol-Tatar invasion due to the notable lack of information that has survived to the present time. As part of the article, literary manuscripts of the 13th century are extensively referenced. Moreover, Archimandrite Macarius uses numerous scientific studies, including both pre-revolutionary monographs and the latest relevant scientific research articles, including works in foreign languages. This ensures the novelty of the present article. The author scrupulously searches for and evaluates the available facts, using such methods of historical research as description, retrospective, historical comparison method, systematic approach to history, etc. The article contemplates the role of Metropolitan Kirill II, his contribution to the preservation of the Russian Orthodox Church, and his participation in the formation of the future independent Russian state. As a result of his work, the author comes to the following conclusions. Russian by nationality yet appointed by Byzantium, Kirill II was the first Metropolitan of the Russian Orthodox Church who achieved the position of the First Hierarch under the foreign yoke. The author posits that Metropolitan Kirill II was at the forefront in the organization of activities to preserve the Russian Orthodox Church in the new difficult conditions of its existence. As the First Hierarch, Kirill played an important role in Russian state and Church policy concerning the Tatars for a long time after the Mongol-Tatar invasion. After becoming the Metropolitan, he became an ally to those people who followed the policy of survival and co-existence with the Golden Horde, most notably, Saint Alexander Nevsky, the blessed prince. In the most complex of circumstances, Metropolitan Kirill in essence served as the harbinger of the later independence of the Russian Orthodox Church. Moreover, his leadership in Northern Rus’, despite the dire situation of the state and Church, made possible the rebirth of book learning and writing during the second half of the 13th century. The First Hierarch contributed directly to this development, focusing both on the present and the future and ensuring the preservation of the historical memory of the Russian people of its past in literary works.