Origins & Early Life

Alexius (Russian: Алексий, Aleksii; before 1296–1378) was Metropolitan of Kiev and all Rus' from 1354. He presided over the Muscovite government during Dmitrii Donskoi's minority. Alexius, whose name at birth was Eleutherius, was a son of Фе­о­до­р (Theodore) Biakont and Mary, his father was a boyar from Chernigov who settled in Moscow and founded the Pleshcheev boyar family. He took monastic vows at the Epiphany Monastery of Moscow around 1313, at which time he was given the religious name of Alexius.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

In 1333 or so, he joined the household of Metropolitan Theognostus. In 1340, Alexius was appointed the metropolitan's deputy in Vladimir and twelve years later was consecrated as Bishop of Vladimir. By the will of Symeon the Proud, Alexius was appointed adviser to his brothers – Ivan and Andrew. After visiting Constantinople, he was chosen to become the Metropolitan of Kiev and all Rus' in 1354. When Dmitry Donskoy and Vladimir the Bold were young, Alexius was their spiritual tutor and served as regent at the same time.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He took the side of Dmitrii Donskoi in his struggle against Tver and Nizhny Novgorod, where he once sent Sergius of Radonezh to suspend service in churches...

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