The Decline of The Republic
Evfimy's archiepiscopate was in some ways one of the high points of the archiepiscopal office in Novgorod. But in spite of this, and in spite of a flourishing of culture, Novgorod suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Grand Prince Vasily II in 1456 and signed a severe peace at Iazhelbitsy which limited Novgorod's ability to conduct foreign policy (it required the Grand Prince's approval and could not ally with his enemies).
Evfimy ceased to be active about 1456 (he is not mentioned as part of the peace treaty and did not build churches after 1456 either). It may be that the humilitaing defeat affected him personally and he withdrew. He died on March 11, 1458 and was buried in the Viazhishchskii Monastery where he had been a monk.
Read more about this topic: Evfimy II Of Novgorod
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