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IovThe first Patriarch of Moscow
Country:
 Russia |
Content:
- The Life of Patriarch Job of Moscow
- Early Monastic Life
- Rise Through the Ranks
- Metropolitan of Moscow and Patriarch
- Role in Succession
- Support for Boris Godunov
- Downfall and Martyrdom
The Life of Patriarch Job of Moscow
Patriarch Job was born during the 1520s in the town of Staritsa, Tver Region. He was raised in a pious family and from a young age, he demonstrated a passion for the Bible. Despite his father's wishes for him to marry, Job longed for monastic life.
Early Monastic Life
Around 1553, Job entered the Uspensky Monastery in Staritsa as a monk. His devotion and charisma soon caught the attention of the authorities. In 1566, after Tsar Ivan IV established Staritsa as the royal residence, he facilitated Job's appointment as abbot of the monastery.
Rise Through the Ranks
In 1571, Job was transferred to Moscow and appointed abbot of the Simonov Monastery. In 1575, he became abbot of the Novospassky Monastery. Job participated in the 1580 Moscow Council, which addressed issues related to monastic property.
In 1581, Job was consecrated as Bishop of Kolomna. Though not particularly gifted, Job's eloquence in reading prayers impressed many.
Metropolitan of Moscow and Patriarch
During the reign of Tsar Fyodor Ivanovich, Boris Godunov emerged as the de facto ruler of Russia. In 1586, Job was elevated to Archbishop of Rostov and later that year, he became Metropolitan of Moscow.
Recognizing the need for a strong church, Godunov sought the consent of Patriarch Jeremiah of Constantinople to establish a patriarchate in Russia. In 1589, Job was "made the Most Holy Patriarch of All Russia."
Role in Succession
Job played a pivotal role in Boris Godunov's accession to the throne. However, he opposed Godunov's attempts to establish a university in Moscow with foreign professors, fearing the influence of foreigners and heretics. Instead, he advocated for the preservation of traditional Orthodox teachings.
Support for Boris Godunov
Job remained a loyal supporter of Boris Godunov throughout his reign. He dismissed the suspicions surrounding the death of Tsarevich Dmitry and publicly exonerated Godunov.
Downfall and Martyrdom
After the sudden death of Boris Godunov and the invasion of False Dmitry I, Job faced a hostile Moscow populace. On June 1, 1605, a mob stormed the Assumption Cathedral and seized Job. He was subjected to cruel mockery and abuse.
Job was eventually sent to the Staritsky Monastery, where he died in obscurity. He was canonized as a saint in 1989.
