Prince Rostislav the "Believer of Right"

Don't be anxious for your life, what you will eat, nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they don't sow, they don't reap, they have no warehouse or barn, and God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than birds! Which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his height? If then you aren't able to do even the least things, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow. They don't toil, neither do they spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if this is how God clothes the grass in the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith? Don't seek what you will eat or what you will drink; neither be anxious. For the nations of the world seek after all of these things, but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek God's Kingdom, and all these things will be added to you.

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	Prince Rostislav the "Believer of Right"

The Believer of Right, "Orthodox" Rostislav (christened Michael), prince of Kiev, was the grandson of Vladimir Manomah, son of Mstislav I and brother of prince Vsevolod. When Mstislav inherited the Kievan throne, he gave his third son, Rostislav, the rule of Smolensk. Rostislav ruled Smolensk as a prince more than 40 years. He founded many towns and built many churches in the Smolensk citadel. During his time the Smolensk arch-diocese was formed.

In the 50th year of the 12th century, he was embroiled in a war for Kiev, which was waged by the princely families of Olgovich and Manomahov. Rostislav became prince of Kiev in 1159. He was distinguished by high Christian qualities: his love for his subjects, his wish of good for all and the elimination of offenses. It is also known that Rostislav strove to become a monk, but was unable to realize his wish. His spiritual mentor was Polycarp, prior of the Kievo-Pechersk monastery. Rostislav was loved by the people. While returning from a journey to Novgorod he became ill and gave up his soul in the year 1167. He was buried in Kiev, in the Theodore monastery founded by his father.

Source: http://www.fatheralexander.org

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