Episode 11: Mykhailo Rahoza, Metropolitan of Kyiv

At the end of the sixteenth century and the beginning of the seventeenth, the Church lived through a period of profound transformation. This era, known as the Early Modern period, was marked by significant social, cultural, and religious upheaval — changes that would shape the identity of the Church for generations to come.

As with every human person, whose identity is formed not only by the body but also by lived experience, so too communities, cultures, and Churches are deeply shaped by their history. In this context, the Union of Brest in 1596 stands as a defining moment, when the hierarchy of the Kyivan Church renewed communion with the Church of Rome.

To better understand this moment, it is important to consider the leadership of the Church during these decisive years. At the time of the Union, the Metropolitan of Kyiv was Mykhailo Rahoza. A traditional monk and archimandrite, he had been chosen — likely with the support of Polish authorities — and consecrated by the Patriarch of Constantinople in 1589, during his journey through the lands of present-day Belarus and Ukraine.

By this time, the Metropolitans of Kyiv no longer resided in Kyiv itself. The city had significantly declined after centuries of instability and was no longer a stable center of ecclesiastical life. As a result, the Metropolitans moved northward, into forested regions that offered greater security.

Metropolitan Rahoza recognized that a time of change had come — and that change was necessary. As head of the Kyivan Church, he played a central role in preparing the ground for the Union. He presided over several synods of bishops prior to 1596, where the idea of union with Rome was discussed and key points were formulated.

During these preparations, he sent two bishops to Rome to enter into dialogue with the Pope regarding the terms of the Union. Finally, in October 1596, Metropolitan Rahoza presided over the Union Council — the Synod of Bishops at which the Union of Brest was formally proclaimed.

He remained connected with the Union until his death in 1599.

Key facts:

• Mykhailo Rahoza was Metropolitan of Kyiv at the time of the Union of Brest (1596).
• He was a monk and archimandrite before becoming Metropolitan.
• He was consecrated by the Patriarch of Constantinople in 1589.
• He presided over synods that prepared the way for the Union with Rome.
• He sent two bishops to Rome to negotiate the terms of the Union.
• He presided over the Union Council in October 1596.
• He remained associated with the Union until his death in 1599.

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