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He was the son of Ivan
IV Vasil'yevich Grozni and Anastasia Romanovna Zakhar'inia-Koshkina. He
became tsar in 1584. He married Irina Fyedorovich Godunovna. Their daughter was
Feodosia, who died at age about 2. Feodor devoted his life to religious
exercises, including daily services and frequent visits to monasteries. He was
simply not interested in conducting 'affairs of state' and gladly left
government administration to his brother in law, Boris. The family is shown on
this chart.
Chronology:
1584 - On the death of his father, Feodor had to face a court struggle lead by
the family of Ivan's last wife, (Nagoi) and other more powerful boyar families
including the Belskii's, Romanov-Yur'evskii's, Mstislavskii's and especially
the Shuiskii's.
1586 - Patriarch of Antioch, Joachim, visited Moscow and Feodor raised the
subject of making the Metropolitan of Moscow a Patriarch. Stefan Bathory died
leaving the throne of Poland open.
1587 - A Shuiskii instigated mob beseiged Feodor but Boris Gudonov, his
brother-in-law won the victory.
1588 - Patriarch of Constantinople, Jeremiah, visited Moscow and Feodor used
diplomacy to get him to agree to make Metropolitan Iov a new Patriarch.
1590 - Feodor assumes command of the Muscovite army fighting the Swedes at
Narva.
1591 - Tsarevich Dmitrii Ivanovich dies at Uglich, prompting another outbreak
of anti Feodor efforts. Truce with Poland was renewed.
1591 - Moscow is attacked by Crimean Tatar Khan but Tatars are defeated south
of the city by strong leadership of Boris. Boris also strengthened the frontier
defense system and founded new fortress cities.
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