Who was the «first Vsevolod»? A new interpretation of the ktetor inscription in the Saviour Church on Nereditsa Hill

The article discusses a praise inscription in the Saviour Church on Nereditsa Hill, built and decorated with frescoes at end of 12th c. In church there is portrait ktetor, Prince Yaroslav Vladimirovich Novgorod, an praising him, which he called «the God-loving prince, second Vsevolod». question arises: who was meant by «first Vsevolod»? Scholars offered two candidates: Vladimir Vsevolod Big Nest, whose protégé Yaroslav, Novgorod Mstislavich, driven out 1136. as has been shown previous scholarship, does not fit this role, because time temple`s painting alive, such exaltation did comply Old Russian traditions. main argument favour candidacy Mstislavich account hagiographic work, written Pskov occasion transfer his relics. However, it turns to be late unreliable text. author substantiates idea that Vsevolod» may have implied Kiev Yaroslavich (1077, 1078–1093), great grandfather Vladimirovich. annals are evidences veneration Jaroslavich descendants, eldest 1190s Yaroslav. Besides, according some evidence considered donator liberties time. On other hand, Yaroslav’s father were sons prince Mstislav Great from different marriages, belonged princely clans mostly warring each other. Both for Novgorodians much more acceptable figure praised serve model descendants. shows historiography influenced hagiography modern historians’ perceptions «revolution» 1136, victim. At same real dynastic beliefs Riurikids pre-Mongol Rus elite surrounding them turned almost completely forgotten.