Joasaphus

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Joasaphus (Russian: Иоасаф, Ioasaph; baptismal name - Скрипицын, Skripitsyn) (? - 1555 or 1556) or Joasaph was Metropolitan of Moscow from 1539 to 1542. Joasaph is known to have authored a number of theological works.

Joasaphus was first a monk and then hegumen at the Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra (since 1529). He enjoyed the favor of Grand Prince Vasili III. During the reign of Grand Duchess Elena Glinskaya (1533-1538), Joasaph managed to keep his influence at the royal court.

After Metropolitan Daniel had been deposed at the church sobor of 1539, Joasaph was elected Metropolitan of Moscow. He is known to have opposed the supporters of the Josephinians (the "non-posessors") and favored the opponents of monastic landwonership. Joasaph was the one to solicit young Ivan IV's forgiveness for the disgraced Belskys and prince Vladimir of Staritsa and render support for Maximus the Greek.

In 1542, Joasaph fell into disgrace and was exiled to the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery and then transferred to the Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra in 1547, where he would remain until his death.

Preceded by Daniel

Metropolitan of Moscow and all Russia 1539–1542

Succeeded by Macarius