Helena of Moscow

Helena Ivanovna of Moscow (May 19, 1476 – January 20, 1513) is the daughter of Ivan III the Great, Grand Prince of Moscow, and an uncrowned Grand Duchess of Lithuania and Queen of Poland as she will not convert from Eastern Orthodoxy to Catholicism.

Her childless marriage to Grand Duke of Lithuania and later King of Poland Alexander Jagiellon is a constant source of tension between the Grand Duchy of Moscow and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

Instead of guaranteeing peace, Helena's marriage gives her father Ivan III an excuse to interfere in Lithuanian affairs accusing Alexander of mistreating Helena and repressing Orthodox believers.

This becomes the pretext to renew the Muscovite–Lithuanian War in 1500.

The war ends with a six-year truce in 1503; the Grand Duchy of Lithuania loses about a third of its territory.

Despite political tensions and religious differences, the marriage is a loving one and the royal couple is close.

After her husband's death in 1506, Helena wants to return to Moscow but is not allowed.

When she plans to run away, she is arrested and reportedly poisoned.

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