Igor II of Kiev

Igor II of Kiev, born in 1096, was a notable figure in the history of Kievan Rus, serving as both Prince of Chernigov and Grand Prince of Kiev in the year 1146. He was the son of Oleg I of Chernigov and was chosen as the successor to his brother, Vsevolod II of Kiev. Despite this lineage, Igor faced significant unpopularity among the Kievan subjects, leading to resistance against his rule.

His reign was tumultuous from the outset, lasting less than two weeks before the Kievan populace invited his cousin, Iziaslav II, to take the throne. Igor's reputation suffered as chroniclers depicted him as dishonest, greedy, and violent. In a dramatic turn of events, Iziaslav, having broken a promise not to seek power, launched an attack against Igor and his brother Sviatoslav, resulting in Igor's capture.

Igor's physical infirmity hindered his escape, and he was ultimately imprisoned in a pit by Iziaslav. He remained there until autumn 1146, when his health deteriorated to the point that he requested to become a monk. Released from captivity, Igor was too weak to walk and was carried from the pit to the monastery of St. Feodor in Kiev, where he took the monastic name Ignati.

Tragically, in 1147, a mob mistakenly believed Igor was plotting to usurp Iziaslav's throne, leading to a violent confrontation. Despite attempts by Iziaslav's brother, Vladimir, to save him, Igor was killed when the mob destroyed the balcony he sought refuge on. His body was later displayed in a market, but following reports of miracles surrounding his remains, he was honored as a saint-martyr, with his remains eventually interred at the Transfiguration Cathedral in Chernigov.