St Cyprian, Metropolitan of Kiev.

Commemorated September 16 in the Orthodox Christian Menaion

From the Prologue

Born in Trnovo and given a Serbian* upbringing on the Holy Mountain, he devoted himself especially to the translation and writing of books.

His patron was Patriarch Philotheos of Constantinople, who came to know him on the Holy Mountain, took him into his service and then sent him to Kiev as Metropolitan. He lived through all this with greatness of soul and, by his fruitful labours, brought much benefit to the Russian Church, spending almost thirty years as Metropolitan.

At the time of his death, he wrote a Farewell which was read at his graveside.

He entered into rest on September 16th, 1406, and his wonderworking relics are preserved in the Church of the Dormition in Moscow.

*Author's note: Metropolitan Philaret writes that Cyprian was a Serb. See his 'Lives'.

From The Prologue From Ochrid by Bishop Nikolai Velimirovich
©1985 Lazarica Press, Birmingham UK