The great bishop and miracle-worker Alexiy (in the world Eleftheriy Feodorovich) was born in Moscow at the close of the 13th century into the illustrious Boyar family of Byakont. At only twelve, Eleutherius received a divine sign of his future calling. One day, he set out nets for birds but drifted off to sleep. In his dream, he heard a voice telling him he was toiling in vain, for he was destined to “catch men.” After this revelation, Eleutherius devoted much time to solitary prayer apart from others and worshipped often. At fifteen, he chose the monastic path, entering the Epiphany Monastery in Moscow. He spent over twenty years there, pursuing a strict monastic life under the guidance of the elders.
Though he led an austere life far from worldly concerns, his strong character, keen mind, and many gifts did not remain hidden. Metropolitan Theognost, foreseeing the saint’s future role in the history of Russia, summoned him from the monastery, appointed him vicar, and placed him in charge of the Orthodox Church’s judicial affairs, a role he fulfilled for twelve years. In 1350, he was consecrated Bishop of Vladimir, and after Metropolitan Theognost’s death in 1354, he succeeded him as metropolitan.
St Alexiy began his ministry as metropolitan during a period of great unrest, both within the Church and among the Russian princes. His first daunting challenge was a conflict with Metropolitan Roman, who claimed authority in the Tver diocese. To settle this dispute, Metropolitan Alexiy travelled to Constantinople to meet Patriarch Kallistus, who confirmed his right to be Archbishop of Great Russia and Kiev. As Metropolitan Alexiy sailed home, his ship ran into a fierce storm. It raged so violently that he and his fellow passengers feared for their lives. The metropolitan called upon God with urgent pleas, vowing to build a church in honour of the saint whose feast day fell when they finally reached the shore. Soon after, the turbulent weather eased.
Back in Moscow, the saint threw himself into church work with spirit. He ordained bishops, established monasteries, and devoted much effort to maintaining peace with the Golden Horde. During this time, a remarkable event occurred that gained him a name as one who worked wonders. Khan Janibek’s wife, Taidula, suddenly lost her sight. No physician could cure her. The Horde dispatched envoys to Moscow, demanding the holy metropolitan’s presence. They promised a generous reward, including a guarantee of peace, if he healed her, and threatened war if he refused. That command left the metropolitan in a quandary. A true miracle was needed, and the price of failure was steep. He risked not only his own life but the lives of thousands. Nevertheless, he humbly accepted the prince’s will and prepared to travel to Sarai, the Horde’s capital. Before leaving, he held a prayer service in the cathedral before the icon of the Mother of God and St Peter, whom he deeply revered. During that service, a miraculous sign appeared: a candle by St Peter’s tomb burst into flame on its own. Comforted, he took part of the miraculous candle and the holy water from the service with him. Meanwhile, Queen Taidula also received a sign: in a dream, she saw St Alexiy coming towards her.
The Horde received the metropolitan with great honour. With all his soul, he prayed and led a service for the suffering queen. After he sprinkled her with holy water, her sight returned. This miracle, wrought by the saint through God's grace, saved Russia from a devastating war. The saint returned home laden with gifts, and the grateful queen often spoke up for Russia thereafter. Power struggles in the Horde and Khan Janibek's murder by his son Berdibek forced Metropolitan Alexiy to return to Sarai. This journey was fraught with peril, but to appease the new, young, and ruthless khan, the saint took this bold step. Thanks to his diplomatic skills and Queen Taidula’s support, he returned with a new khan’s decree and guarantees of safety for the Russian clergy.
In 1359, when Prince Ivan Ivanovich the Meek died, Saint Alexiy became the regent for his son Dmitry (Donskoy). While serving as the people’s spiritual shepherd, he effectively took on the civil administration of Russia. He reconciled feuding princes, championing Christian principles and national unity. Under his guidance, Moscow rose as the centre of Orthodoxy and the Russian state. For many years, the saint worked to smooth relations between Moscow and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The pagan Prince Algirdas, Lithuania’s ruler, laid claim to all Russian principalities. Using his wisdom and spiritual authority, St Alexiy successfully defended the integrity of the Kiev Metropolis for many years.
Uniting the Russian princes was a key part of his policy, preparing them for possible resistance against the Horde’s yoke. During his time, treaties between princes were sealed with the metropolitan’s seal, indicating his significant political role. St Alexiy also made great strides in regulating Russian monastic life. He restored several ancient monasteries and founded new ones. In 1361, he fulfilled his vow made during the storm by establishing the Monastery dedicated to the Saviour Not Made by Hands. St Sergius of Radonezh assisted him in these endeavours. On land gifted by Queen Taidula, the saint founded the Monastery of the Miracle of Archangel Michael at Chonae, also commemorating the queen’s healing. In 1367, hostility flared between Prince Mikhail of Tver and Prince Dmitry of Moscow. A joint campaign against Tver by Russian rulers, united by St Alexiy and St Sergius, led to a treaty and Tver's recognition of Moscow's supremacy.
When the time came to choose a successor, Metropolitan Alexiy wanted to appoint St Sergius, his close spiritual friend. Deeply saddened by this request, St Sergius, despite much persuasion, tearfully begged to be spared this honour, which would be a heavy burden. The metropolitan yielded to his plea. St Alexiy, the holy metropolitan, great wonderworker, and intercessor for Russia, reposed at the age of 78. During his 24 years as metropolitan, he worked tirelessly to establish monasticism, strengthen Orthodoxy, and reinforce the Russian state. Prince Dmitry Donskoy laid St Alexiy to rest in the church of the Chudov Monastery. Fifty years later, during the construction of a new stone church, his wonderworking relics were discovered.
Feast days: 25 February (12 February Old Style), 2 June (20 May Old Style) (Uncovering of Relics), 18 October (5 October Old Style) (Moscow saints).
Prepared by Julia Goiko
