Saint Michael, first Metropolitan of Kiev
Based on certain Russian sources, Saint Michael is remembered as the first Metropolitan of Kiev and all Russia (988-992). He began his missionary work in Kiev, Suzdal, Novgorod, and Rostov, as well as in other cities. He built the first wooden church of the Dormition of the Theotokos at Rostov, and installed Theodore the Greek there as bishop.
The largest church in Kiev was the one dedicated to the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, which was adorned with icons, crosses and Church utensils, brought from Korsun by Saint Michael. Saint Vladimir moved the coffin containing the relics of Saint Olga, Equal-of-the-Apostles († 969) to that church. When Saint Michael fell asleep in the Lord on June 15, 992, he was also buried there.1
The First Hierarch of the See of Kiev left behind a good memory. At the Synods held in the Holy Wisdom cathedrals of Kiev and Novgorod, he is forever described as "the first beginning of the hierarchy in Russia."
Saint Michael was distinguished for his wisdom, kindness and his strictness, and he was succeeded by Leo.
About the year 1103, the Saint's body was transferred to the katholikon in the Near Caves of Saint Anthony by Igoumen Theóktistos.2
Saint Michael is also commemorated on September 30 (the Transfer of his relics).
1 Saint Vladimir set aside a tithe of his income and property to pay for the church's construction and maintenance, which gave the church its popular name: 'the church of the Tithes."
2 Saint Theóktistos (August 5) later became Bishop of Chernigov. He reposed in 1123.