When St. Vladimir brought the Christian faith to Russia, his whole family was baptized. Especially the light of true faith shone for his two sons, Boris and Gleb.
The eldest of 12 sons of Prince Vladimir was Svyatopolk. After the death of his father, he took the throne of Kiev, but feared that other brothers would want to take it away. He was especially afraid of Gleb and Boris. The princes were devout Christians, lived according to the canons of Orthodoxy, prayed a lot. Popular.
The two brothers were very strong. They were kind and kind, tolerant of others and merciful.
There are several versions of their murder. One by one, Svyatopolk hid the death of his father and called the brothers to Kiev to say goodbye to him. On the other hand, he just sent assassins.
The brothers decided not to fight for the throne. They were inspired by the example of Christ and his voluntary sacrifice and put themselves into the hands of murderers without resistance.
Boris was returning from the Pecheneg campaign. He could go to Kiev with a squad. Instead, the prince dissolved the squad and returned to Rostov with only a few close associates. He was praying in the tent when the killers attacked. Without resisting, with prayer on his lips, Boris gave his life as a sacrifice.
Gleb was warned in advance. But he, too, has given up infighting. He decided that peace in Russia was worth it to die.
Gleb’s body was not discovered immediately, but when found, they were amazed that it did not succumb to corruption. He was moved to Smolensk. And Boris was buried in Vyshgorod.
Amazing things began to happen over the graves. Then the sounds of angelic singing were heard, then the candles themselves began to burn, then the light came out. The chronicles are filled with a list of miracles performed in response to prayers by the first saint. It is healing and victory over the enemy.
In 1072, Gleb’s body was taken to Vyshgorod. Both brothers were buried at the church of St. Basil, and when it burned down, in the first wooden church dedicated to them.
It was then that they were listed as saints, as passion-bearers – who died not at the hands of persecutors of Christians, but from their co-religionists. From their anger, envy and greed.
Graves were lost during the long years of the Mongol yoke. But the memory of the bright sacrifice of the brothers, for the sake of peace in Russia, is still alive.
Then, in ancient times, Svyatopolk won, but by his acceptance of fate, a sacrifice in the name of Jesus, the brothers won a more important victory that survived the centuries.
Memorial Day
September 18th. Murder.
October 5 – Cathedral of Tula Saints
May 15
June 23 – Cathedral of Ryazan Saints
July 6 – Council of Vladimir Saints
August 6
August 7 (transitional) – Cathedral of Smolensk Saints
The Holy Land Charitable Foundation
Lives of Saints
