Hieromartyr Macarius, metropolitan of Kiev (1497)
Commemorated May 1
The PriestMartyr Makarii, Metropolitan of Kiev, was earlier the archimandrite of the Vilensk Holy Trinity monastery.
In 1495, after the death of the Kiev metropolitan, Jona with the Ankle, Makarii was chosen and ordained in his place by an assembly of hierarchs: Vassian of Vladimir, Luke of Polotsk, Vassian of Turov and Jona of Lutsk. Papers of blessing were sent from Constantinople by the patriarch, Nymphontes, confirming the selection of Saint Makarii to the Kiev metropolitan cathedra-seat. On 1 May 1497 Tatars which invaded the Russian Land killed the Metropolitan of Kiev and All Rus' Makarii in the village of Strigolovo, at the River Vzhischa, where the saint was making Divine-services. Together with him were killed or taken into captivity many of his flock.
The holy relics of Saint Makarii, glorified by God both undecayed and by miracles, rest now at Kiev at the Vladimir cathedral church.
Troparion
Having been a participant of the character and a successor of the apostles on the throne, thou, O God-inspired one, didst find work in coming into visions; whilst therefore rightly dividing the word of truth, for the sake of the faith didst thou suffer even unto the shedding of thy blood. O hieromartyr Macarius, intercede before Christ the God that our souls may be saved.
Kontakion
Having lived piously among hierarchs and having gone through the path of martyrdom, thou, O God-wise one, hast extinguished the sacrifices of idols and wast a protector unto thy flock. Wherefore, in honouring thee, in our hearts we cry out unto thee: Do ever deliver us from dangers through thine intercessions, O Macarius, our father.
Source: Crkveni Kalendar
