Michael, First Metropolitan of Kiev

St. Michael, first Metropolitan of Kiev and All Rus'.

St. Michael, according to tradition a Syrian or Bulgarian by birth, was sent from Constantinople as the first Metropolitan of Kiev after the baptism of Prince Vladimir in 988. He baptized the people of Kiev, overthrew the idols, and established the first churches and schools of the Russian land.

He reposed in 992 and is commemorated on September 30.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, Michael, First Metropolitan of Kiev is commemorated on September 30. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on October 13 of the civil calendar.

Also commemorated on September 30

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  Gregory of Armenia

  Hierarch, Γρηγόριος Αρμενίας

  Holy Hieromartyr Gregory of Armenia.

  Name days: Grigorios, Gregory

• Rhipsime, Gaiane and the Virgin Martyrs of Armenia

  Holy Woman, Ριψιμία και Γαϊανή

  Holy Virgin Martyrs Rhipsime, Gaiane and their thirty-two companions, martyred in Armenia.

  Name days: Rhipsime, Ripsime, Ripsimia, Gaiane, Gaiani

• Stratonikos and Mardonios

  Martyr, Στρατόνικος και Μαρδόνιος

  Holy Martyrs Stratonikos and Mardonios.

• Gregory of Pelshma

  Venerable, Γρηγόριος του Πελσέμσκ

  Venerable Gregory of Pelshma, abbot and wonderworker of Vologda.