Feodor I of Russia

Who was Feodor I of Russia?

Fyodor I Ivanovich was the last Rurikid Tsar of Russia, son of Ivan IV and Anastasia Romanovna. He was born in Moscow and crowned Tsar and Autocrat of all Russia at Assumption Cathedral, Moscow, on 31 May 1584.

Being unhealthy and, by some reports, intellectually disabled, Feodor was only the nominal ruler, having his duties handed over to his wife's brother and trusted minister Boris Godunov, who would later succeed Feodor as tsar. Feodor's childless death left the Rurikid dynasty extinct, and spurred Russia's descent to the catastrophic Time of Troubles.

In English he is sometimes called Feodor the Bellringer in consequence of his strong faith and inclination to travel the land and ring the bells at churches. However, in Russian the name "Bellringer" is hardly ever used.

In Russian documents he is sometimes called blessed. He is also listed in the Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church with his feast day on January 7.