On this day in Christian History, Ivan the Terrible, Czar of Russia, murdered Philip of Moscow, the highest churchman, after Philip spoke out against Ivan’s cruelty and demanded the abolition of the Oprichnina. Angered by Philip’s refusal to bless his plans to terrorize Novgorod, Ivan orchestrated his downfall and imprisonment. Philip was killed on December 23, 1569, with accounts differing on whether he was strangled or burned. ⼠
Whispers of Grace 
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