From the throne to the schema

Igor Olgovich, Prince of Chernihiv and Kyiv

Introduction

The monument to Prince Igor Ol'govich (baptized as George, †1147) in Chernihiv commemorates one of the most brilliant and at the same time most tragic rulers of the Kievan Rus' era. Igor Ol'govich was the son of Oleg Svyatoslavich, grandson of Grand Duke Svyatoslav Yaroslavich, and a representative of the powerful branch of the Chernihiv Ol'govich family. Known for his short reign in Kiev and his martyrdom, he was canonized by the Orthodox Church as Holy Prince Igor of Chernihiv and Kiev.

Historical context

Igor Ol'govych was the last prince to sit on the Kiev throne for only two weeks (in 1146), after which he was overthrown and imprisoned. His tragic death at the hands of the people of Kyivans in 1147 was caused by the internecine struggle for power between the Ol'govychs and the Mstislavichs.

Saint Igor is revered as a symbol of humility and renunciation of worldly power: before his death, he took the schema at the Fedorov Monastery in Kyiv. His relics were later transferred to the Transfiguration Cathedral in Chernihiv.

He is called a martyr and was canonized for his tragic and brutal death at the hands of an angry mob after he renounced power and took monastic vows.

Martyr's Death

Igor Olgovich ascended the throne of Kiev in 1146 after the death of his brother Vsevolod, but his reign lasted only two weeks. The people of Kiev, who disliked the Olgovich family, rose up and supported another prince, Izyaslav Mstislavich.

1. Captivity and Schema: Igor lost the battle, was captured, and was imprisoned in a "porub" (a cold wooden log cabin). Having become seriously ill, he asked permission to be tonsured a monk and took the schema under the name Gabriel in the Kiev Feodorov Monastery.

2. A Brutal Murder: A year later, in 1147, Igor's brother Svyatoslav Olgovich opposed the new Kiev prince Izyaslav. The enraged Kievans, having gathered for a council, decided that Igor, even as a monk, still posed a threat, since his family continued to fight for the Kiev throne. The crowd burst into the church, seized Igor during a service, brutally beat him, and then, tying a rope to his feet, drag his body through the streets of Kiev and left it in the market square.

He died not as a warrior, but as an unarmed monk (schema monk), which became the basis for recognizing him as a martyr (or, more precisely, a passion-bearer, since he accepted death not for renouncing his faith, but at the hands of his compatriots during a civil war, demonstrating Christian humility and renunciation of struggle).

Reasons for Canonization

Prince Igor Olgovich was canonized as a faithful (rulers who distinguished themselves by their righteous lives) and passionate (saints who accepted martyrdom at the hands of their own or for political reasons, and not at the hands of non-believers).

Main reasons:

• Martyrdom: His death at the hands of an angry mob after taking monastic vows and renouncing worldly struggle was regarded as an innocent and martyred sacrifice, and the prince himself as a sufferer.

• Early Veneration: Soon after the murder, according to the chronicles, the people realized that an innocent man had been killed. His rapid local veneration as a saint and martyr began.

• Transfer of the Relics: In 1150, his relics were solemnly transferred by his brother Svyatoslav to Chernihiv (to the Transfiguration Cathedral), which was a powerful impetus to his universal church recognition.

• Dynastic Factor: For the Chernihiv princes of the Olgovichi, the canonization of a member of their dynasty was an important factor in strengthening the authority of the family.

He is revered as Holy, Faithful Grand Prince Igor of Chernigov and Kyiv, Wonderworker.

Location and description of the monument

The monument is located in the historical center of Chernihiv, on the territory of the ancient Val (Chernihiv Dytynets), not far from the Catherine Church and the Transfiguration Cathedral. This place was not chosen by chance, because it is here that his family tomb and key buildings from the time of his reign are located.

• Composition: The prince is depicted in full length, in a combative, but at the same time restrained princely attire.

• Symbolism: His pose expresses the nobility and grandeur of the ruler. The monument emphasizes his dual status - both as a secular ruler (prince) and as a holy martyr.

In 1150, Prince Novgorod-Siversky Svyatoslav Olgovich transferred the relics of his brother to Chernihiv and placed them in the Transfiguration Cathedral.
During the Mongol-Tatar invasion of Russia (1237-1240), the relics of Prince Igor, together with the casket, were hidden by the Chernihiv people under the foundation of the cathedral to avoid desecration, where they are still located. All attempts to raise the casket with the relics up did not bring the desired result due to the danger of the collapse of the bearing wall of the cathedral. The casket with the relics of Saint Igor is located under the spud, probably near the northern wall.

Values

The monument to Igor Ol'govich is part of the integral historical and cultural complex of Chernihiv. It performs several important functions:

1. Perpetuation of memory: Recalls the heyday of the Chernihiv Principality, which was one of the most powerful centers of Kyivan Rus.

2. Religious aspect: He is revered as Holy and Faithful Grand Prince Igor of Chernigov and Kyiv, Wonderworker.

3. Tourist attraction: Included in the mandatory route along the historic Val.