Originally from Byzantium, Constantine arrived in Kiev at the request of Yuri Dolgoruky and with the blessing of the Patriarch of Constantinople in 1156. The situation in Kiev was strange: Yuri’s predecessor on the princely table appointed his metropolitan, Clement, but received no blessing from the patriarch. Konstantin, arriving in Kiev, was surprised that there is another metropolitan.
While Yuri Dolgoruky was alive, Metropolitan Konstantin was officially recognized, but after his death the heirs began to argue among themselves. Everyone defended their candidate. Not wanting to cause discord, Constantine retired to Chernigov. There he fell ill and died.
Anticipating his death, he wrote a letter, sealed it and ordered it to be opened after his death. Constantine took an oath from the Bishop of Chernigov to do as he wrote in the letter. When the letter was read, everyone was horrified. Constantine ordered to tie the ropes to his feet and drag the body out of the city, leaving it for the dogs to eat. He wrote that he was not worthy of another, since he caused the princely quarrel.
The bishop did not dare to break his oath, and Constantine’s body was dragged out of the city. It lay there for three days, but the wild beasts did not come close. At night, 3 pillars of fire stood there.
After 3 days, the body was honorably brought to the city church, sang and buried.
All this time in Chernihiv was wonderful weather, and in Kiev raging storms. Lightning killed 8 people, the wind blew off the roof. The prince of Kiev ordered to perform night vigils in all churches. The Boer died down only when the body of Blessed Constantine was put to earth.
Remembrance days
June 18
The Holy Land Charitable Foundation
Lives of Saints
