The Hypatian codex as a source of evidence on Russian Episcopal cathedrals in 1118-1198

The Kiev Chronicle of 1198 within the Hypatian Codex is rightfully considered as a princely chronicle. It is centered on the representatives of the Rurik ruling dynasty: the history of their reigns and interrelations. Yet, Church history also received due attention of the chronicler, being present in 75 of 80 articles that are in the manuscript. The chronicler mentions various aspects of the Russian Church history in the 12th century, including temple building. The document does not speak about temples in general but rather considers them as places where the highest hierarchs performed their services. Special attention is given to common (“mirskie”) and monastery churches. The purpose of this article is to study and analyze the references to Episcopal Cathedrals - the main temples of urban dioceses in the 12th-century Rus’