Saint Michael, Prince of Chernigov

Saint Michael was known for piety, justice, compassion, and firmness. Miraculously healed in youth by the prayers of Saint Nikita of Pereyaslavl, he later became Prince of Chernigov, Prince of Novgorod, and Grand Prince of Kiev. During the Mongol invasion, he sought alliances to defend Rus’, but foreign support failed. As a Christian prince, he accepted the need to submit politically to the khan while refusing to renounce his faith or worship pagan idols. In 1246 he went to the Horde with the boyar Theodore and was commanded to perform pagan rites. Both steadfastly confessed Christ and refused, accepting martyrdom rather than apostasy. Michael was beaten and beheaded, and Theodore was likewise tortured and killed. Their bodies were miraculously preserved until Christians buried them. Their relics were later transferred to Moscow. Saint Michael is remembered as a prince-martyr and confessor, and his descendants included Saint Euphrosyne of Suzdal and Saint Oleg of Bryansk.