THEODORUS THE GREEK, THE POPE’S MITROPOLICH’ OF ROME. REVISITING THE RELATIONS BETWEEN RUS AND THE PAPACY IN THE LATE 11TH CENTURY

Abstract

The paper gives grounds for the viewpoint that historians can treat as probably valid the record in the Nikon Chronicle dated 6599 Creation Era (1091 CE) reporting the arrival of Theodorus the Greek’s papal mission from Rome in Kyiv with numerous saints’ relics. Arguments are put forward in favour of Theodorus’ identification with Pope Urban’s legate Teuzo, cardinal of San Giorgio in Velabro, who could have been set off to Rome, accompanied by Prince Yaroslav Sviatopolchich, whom the former could have met at the consecration of St. Egid Basilica in Somogyvár. This mission could be juxtaposed with the translation of the relics of Saint Nicholas from Myra to Bari and its commemoration being established as a Church holiday (May 9 Julian Calendar).