Peter, Metropolitan of Moscow

Peter (Пётр in Russian) (? — December 20, 1326), Russian metropolitan.

Peter was born in Southwest Russia. He founded a monastery on the Rata river (Bug's tributary) and became its abbot. In 1308 the Patriarch of Constantinople appointed Peter metropolitan in Russia (with support from Yuri Lvovich, Prince of Galich). Mikhail Yaroslavich (Grand Prince of Vladimir and Tver) wanted to advance his own protégé for this position. Peter's nomination caused prolonged animosity between Mikhail and Peter to the point that the latter had to ask protection from the Muscovite princes. Peter's alliance with Moscow led to the strengthening of his own position and the rise of the House of Moscow. Peter transfered his metropolitan duties from Vladimir to Moscow, where he received property estates.

Peter founded the Cathedral of the Dormition in Moscow. He was also an author of a few sermons and epistles. Peter was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church.