Martyr, Right-Believing Right-Believing Prince and Martyr Michael Yaroslavich of Tver

Right-Believing Prince and Martyr Michael Yaroslavich of Tver was born in 1271, Grand Prince of Vladimir and Prince of Tver. He waged a long struggle for primacy in Rus' against his rival, Prince Yuri Danilovich of Moscow. After Yuri's defeat at the Battle of Bortenevo (1317), Yuri — married to Konchaka, sister of Khan Uzbeg — accused Michael before the Horde of her death (she had died in Tver's captivity) and of withholding tribute.

Summoned to the Horde for judgment, Michael, aware of the danger, went there voluntarily to spare his principality further harm. After prolonged torment he was killed at the khan's camp on November 22, 1318 — tradition holds his heart was torn out. His body was displayed for mockery but was later ransomed and buried in Tver. In 1320 his relics were translated and became renowned for miracles. He was canonized in 1549.