Andrey Bogolyubsky

1158-1177  Grand Prince of Vladimir.

Saint Andrey Bogolyubsky took less interest in Kiev and founded his own capital in Vladimir. From this time on, power shifted to the Vladimir-Suzdal-Rostov area, and Kiev lost its importance.

Background
Lived: 1110-1174.
Prince Andrey had participated in his father Yuri Dolgorukiy’s struggles with his nephew Prince Iziaslav for control over Kiev.

Reign
When his father was murdered, the boyars of Rostov and Suzdal elected Andrey as their prince. To their disappointment, Andrey took his capital to Vladimir. As the strongest Prince, he undertook several campaigns to extend his borders. In 1169, he sacked Kiev.

Vladimir
Andrey had never been interested in settling in Kiev. Instead, he tried to make his new capital Vladimir a cultural and political centre of power.

In Vladimir, he commenced large-scale constructions, including the Assumption Cathedral and Bogolyubovo outside the centre. In this way, he earned his name (“Beloved of God”).

According to legend, Bogolyubsky brought the holiest of all Mother of God icons (Theotokos) to Vladimir. Just outside the city the horses refused to go further, and it was interpreted as a sign that the icon wanted to stay in Vladimir. The Assumption Cathedral was built on the same site.

Death
Andrey was assassinated as a result of a plot led by his boyars.