List of Metropolitans and Patriarchs of Moscow


This article lists the Metropolitans and Patriarchs of Moscow, spiritual heads of the Russian Orthodox Church, since 1308.

History

The history of the Russian Orthodox Church begins with the Christianization of Kievan Rus' at Kiev, the date of which is commonly given as 988; however, the evidence surrounding this event is contested. In 1316 the Metropolitan of Kiev changed his see to the city of Vladimir, and in 1322 moved again to Moscow. In 1589, the see was elevated to a Patriarchate. The Patriarchate was abolished by the Church reform of Peter the Great in 1721 and replaced by the Most Holy Governing Synod, and the Bishop of Moscow came to be called a Metropolitan again. The Patriarchate was restored in 1917 and suspended by the Soviet government in 1925. It was reintroduced for the last time in 1943, during World War II by the initiative of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin.

Metropolitans of Kiev and all Rus (permanent residence in Moscow, 1325–1461)

Metropolitans of Moscow and all Russia (1461–1589)

No.PrimatePortraitReignNotes
1Theodosius1461–1464
2Philip I1464–1473
3Gerontius1473–1489
4Zosimus1490–1494
5Simon1495–1511
6Varlaam1511–1521
7Daniel1522–1539
8Joasaphus1539–1542
9St. Macarius1542–1563
10Athanasius1564–1566
11St. Herman1566
12St. Philip II1566–1568
13Cyril III 1568–1572
14Anthony1572–1581
15Dionysius II1581–1587
16St. Job1587–1589Elevated to Patriarch

Patriarchs of Moscow and all Russia (1589–1721)

Metropolitans and archbishops of Moscow (1721–1917)

Patriarchs of Moscow and all Russia (restored, 1917–present)