Our princes have perished on the field of battle.
Our families have been dragged into slavery.

Our temples have become the prey of destruction; and every day we groan more and more heavily beneath the yoke which is imposed upon us." It was decreed in this council of truly Christian men, that, as a public expression of the importance of a holy life, none should be introduced into the ranks of the clergy but those whose morals had been irreproachable from their earliest infancy.

"A single pastor," said the decree of this council, "faithfully devoted to his Master's service, is more precious than a thousand worldly priests." Vassali died in the year 1276, and was succeeded by a prince of Vladimir, named Dmitri.

He immediately left his native principality and took up his residence in Novgorod, which city at this time seems to have been regarded as the capital of the subjugated and dishonored kingdom.

The indomitable tribes inhabiting the fastnesses of the Caucasian mountains had, thus far, maintained their independence.