Biography
Romanus of Uglich
About Romanus of Uglich
Romanus was born on October 1, 1235, to Prince Vladimir and Photina. After the deaths of his father and his older brother Andrew, he became ruler of Uglich in 1261. The church account emphasizes the use of his resources for people in need: shelter for the destitute and the building of churches. It also associates him with the foundation of Romanov on the Volga.
His wife died in 1280. Thereafter he devoted more time to fasting and prayer while continuing his public responsibilities. He died on February 3, 1285, and was buried in Uglich’s Transfiguration church. The later history of his remains forms part of his cult: the account describes their discovery in 1486, recognition as a saint in 1595, and their destruction during the Polish attack of 1609. These later events belong to the history of his veneration, rather than to his own lifetime.
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