Holy Martyr and Confessor Prince Michael and his counsellor Theodore, Wonderworkers of Chernigov

Michael Vsevolodovich was prince of Chernigov and for a time ruled Kiev and Novgorod. After the Mongol conquest of Rus in 1240, the Mongol khan Batu required princes to come to him and perform a rite of passing between two fires and bowing to idols. According to the Life, Michael's confessor warned him of this, and Michael travelled to the Horde knowing he would not obey. His boyar Theodore went with him.

At the camp, other Russian princes urged him to comply outwardly, but he threw down his sword. Batu's officer Eldega repeated the demand and Michael refused. He and Theodore were killed on 20 September 1246: Michael was beheaded, and Theodore after him. According to the Life, their bodies were thrown out and lay untouched for days, until Christians in the Horde buried them in secret.