Icon of Saint Peter, Metropolitan of Moscow (15th c.) – S411

Description

This icon of Saint Peter, the Metropolitan of Moscow, is originally from the refectory of Otroch Monastery, Tver, Russia.  Saint Peter was born in Halych-Volhynia in Galacia, near the border of Hungary.  He entered monastic life at 12, was educated there, and became a priestmonk.  Later he left to seek a place of solitude near the Rata River, where a new monastery formed around him.  In a.d. 1308, George, the King of Galacia, nominated him to fill the vacant see of Kiev and All-Russia, and he was so consecrated.

Because the Grand-Prince of Vladimir and Tver, Mikhail Yaroslavich, desired another man for this honored position, an animosity arose towards Saint Peter, who then sought help and protection from the Muscovy princes.  Therefore, in a.d. 1325, Saint Peter moved the seat of the Metropolitan of All-Russia to Moscow, where it remains today.  When Saint Peter moved to Moscow, several important churches were built, as well as Vysokopetrovsky Monastery.  Saint Peter was also an iconographer and painted the miracle-working icon Theotokos of Saint Peter of Moscow.  After a life full of service, prayer, and miracles, Saint Peter died in a.d. 1326.