Saint Joseph of Volotsk, also known as Saint Joseph of Volokolamsk (†1515) — was a prominent Russian theologian and early proponent of tsarist autocracy, who led the party defending monastic landownership. He restated the early Byzantine statement that the tsar was a "man in essence, but his power is that of God" and that he was God's deputy on Earth. According to Joseph, since the main duty of the tsar is to care for the well-being of the Christian Church, he is legitimate only as long as he adheres to Church rules and moral obligations. The Russian Orthodox Church considers him a saint and his Feast Day is celebrated on 9 September and 18 October (dates in the Julian Calendar).