Mitropolit Isidor Bishop of the Russian Orthodox Church Date of Birth: 25.05.1385

Content:

1. Metropolitan Isidor of Kyiv: A Diplomatic and Ecclesiastical Titan
2. Diplomatic Career
3. Metropolitan of Kyiv
4. Mission to the West
5. Council of Florence and Union with Rome
6. Elevation to Cardinal
7. Mission to Poland and Lithuania
8. Conflict with Moscow and Imprisonment
9. Escape and Return to the West
10. Later Years
11. Titular Patriarch of Constantinople
12. Dean of the Sacred College of Cardinals
13. Death and Legacy

Metropolitan Isidor of Kyiv: A Diplomatic and Ecclesiastical Titan

Origins and Education

Born in the early 15th century in Constantinople, Isidor belonged to a prominent Greek family. He received an extensive education, studying under renowned scholars such as Manuel Chrysoloras and Guarino da Verona. His studies covered a wide range of subjects, including ancient philosophy, history, rhetoric, grammar, and natural sciences.

Diplomatic Career

Byzantine Empire

In 1433, Isidor was appointed to a diplomatic mission to the Council of Basel, which aimed to reconcile Christian denominations. The mission faced challenges, including robbery by Hungarian soldiers, but Isidor eventually arrived in Basel in 1434. His eloquence and diplomatic skills impressed Emperor Sigismund of the Holy Roman Empire.

Metropolitan of Kyiv

Appointment and Challenges

After the death of Metropolitan Gerasim in 1435, Isidor was consecrated as Metropolitan of Kyiv. His jurisdiction extended over a vast territory that included modern-day Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, and Poland. This appointment positioned Isidor as a key figure in the Orthodox Church.

Mission to the West

In 1437, Isidor embarked on a mission to Western Europe to secure support for an ecumenical council aimed at resolving the schism between the Eastern and Western churches. He received support from Grand Prince Vasily II of Moscow and traveled through major cities, including Novgorod, Pskov, and Venice.

Council of Florence and Union with Rome

Active Participant

At the Council of Florence (1438-1445), Isidor played a significant role in negotiating a union between the Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches. He argued for the recognition of papal supremacy and the adoption of certain Latin doctrines.

Elevation to Cardinal

In recognition of his efforts, Pope Eugene IV elevated Isidor to the rank of cardinal in 1439, making him the first Russian cardinal. He became a member of the Sacred College of Cardinals and held various administrative roles.

Mission to Poland and Lithuania

Papal Legate

As papal legate to Poland, Lithuania, and Livonia, Isidor sought to implement the union with Rome in those regions. He encountered resistance from some Orthodox clergy and laity.

Conflict with Moscow and Imprisonment

Moscow Opposition

Grand Prince Vasily II of Moscow rejected the union, seeing it as a threat to Orthodox independence. In 1441, Isidor was arrested and imprisoned in Moscow. He refused to renounce the union, leading to his condemnation by a synod of Russian bishops.

Escape and Return to the West

Isidor eventually escaped from prison and fled to Lithuania. From there, he returned to Rome, where he continued to serve as a papal legate and advocate for the union.

Later Years

Cardinal-Bishop of Sabina

In 1451, Isidor was appointed Cardinal-Bishop of Sabina. He held various administrative roles within the Vatican, including Camerlengo of the Sacred College of Cardinals and Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Cervia.

Titular Patriarch of Constantinople

In 1458, Isidor was granted the titular patriarchate of Constantinople, a symbolic recognition of his support for the union. He played a role in selecting Pope Pius II in 1458.

Dean of the Sacred College of Cardinals

In 1461, Isidor became Dean of the Sacred College of Cardinals, the highest-ranking member of the papal court.

Death and Legacy

Isidor died in Rome in 1463. His epitaph, composed by his secretary, Giovanni Tortelli, praised him as a "great prelate who died for God." His life and career continue to be studied and debated by historians, highlighting his complex role in the history of the Christian Church.

Religious figure

Charles Taze Russell	Innocentius XIII	Marie Laveau
Arnulf Metz	Billy Graham	Marino Falier