Saint Philip II of Moscow (1507-December 12, 1569) was one of a few Metropolitans of Moscow who dared openly contradict lay authorities. In 1652, Patriarch Nikon persuaded Tsar Alexis to bring his relics to Moscow, where he was proclaimed saint later that year. His memory is celebrated three times a year: on January 9, on July 3 (translation of his relics) and on October 5 (as one of "five hierarchs of Russia") on the Julian Calendar. He was born Feodor Stepanovich Kolychev into one of the noblest boyar families of Muscovy, in the city of Galich (in present-day Kostroma Oblast). It is said that since childhood he was on friendly terms with Ivan IV of Russia. According to other accounts, he was involved in the conspiracy of Prince Andrey of Staritsa against Elena Glinskaya and, when their plans were discovered, escaped to the Solovetsky Monastery, where he took monastic vows at the age of 30.
Eleven years later, Philip was made hegumen of the monastery. During his term in office, they constructed two cathedrals, a brick-yard, many water-mills and storehouses, and a network of canals connecting 72 lakes. It is said that Philip took part in all these toils together with other monks. Most of Philip's projects in Solovki survive to this day.
The tsar heard about the indefatigable monk and asked him to fill the vacant metropolitan see in Moscow. Philip agreed on condition that Ivan would abolish Oprichnina. In recompense, he promised not to meddle with the tsar's "domestic affairs", i.e. his inclination for sodomy and his notorious debauches. On June 25, 1566 Philip was enthroned as Metropolitan of Moscow and all Russia. After only two years, however, Ivan the Terrible persisted with committing murders under the aegis of Oprichnina. When Ivan came to the cathedral for Divine Liturgy, Philip publicly rebuked him for the ongoing massacre. The Massacre of Novgorod ensued, and Philip's condemnation followed. Ivan eventually deposed Philip from office by raising incredible charges of sorcery and dissolute living. Philip was arrested during a liturgy at the Cathedral of Dormition and immured at the Otroch Monastery of Tver. In November 1568, the tsar summoned the Holy Synod, which had Philip deposed. A year later, he was strangled by the tsar's minion, Malyuta Skuratov at Otroch, two days before Christmas. As if aware of his approaching death, Philip had asked to receive communion three days earlier.
| Preceded by German |
Metropolitan of Moscow and all Russia 1566–1568 |
Succeeded by Cyril |
References
- Attwater, Donald and Catherine Rachel John. The Penguin Dictionary of Saints. 3rd edition. New York: Penguin Books, 1993. ISBN 0-140-51312-4.
