Maximus, Metropolitan of all Rus

Who was Maximus, Metropolitan of all Rus?

Maximus was the Metropolitan of Kiev who moved the see of Russian metropolitans to Vladimir-on-Kliazma. In spite of the move, the metropolitans were officially known as "Metropolitan of Kiev and All Rus'" until the establishment of autocephaly under Jonah in 1448.

Maximus was of Greek origin. During the war between Tokhta, Khan of the Golden Horde, and Nogay and the Polovtsy, Maximus left Kiev in 1299 and transferred the metropolitan chair to Vladimir. Maximus is known for his ecclesiastic trips to the Golden Horde and mediation between the quarreling princes of the Northeastern Russia. In 1301, Maximus attended a patriarchal council in Constantinople. He supported the Prince of Tver and Vladimir Mikhail Yaroslavich in his struggle with Prince of Moscow Yuri Danilovich for the title of Grand Duke.

He was canonised a saint in the Russian Orthodox Church, and his feast day is celebrated on December 6.