Holy Great Prince Vladimir, Basil in Baptism, Equal of the Apostles

Life and context

Vladimir, the youngest son of Prince Svyatoslav of Kiev, was born in 963. He was raised in part by his grandmother, the holy Princess Olga, while his mother Malusha was a Christian. After conflict among Svyatoslav’s sons, Vladimir established his rule in Kiev and united extensive territories. In his earlier years he followed pagan customs. Ancient accounts and Church tradition relate his movement toward Christianity in different ways; the source notes that the exact circumstances of his personal conversion are not known.

Baptism and the life of the people

Vladimir received Baptism in 988, taking the name Basil. The source connects this with Korsun, although early writers differ in their accounts of particular details. On his return to Kiev, he supported the Baptism of its people. Clergy brought Slavonic liturgical books translated by Saints Cyril and Methodius. The Christian faith did not become established everywhere at once: pagan practice endured longer in Novgorod, Rostov, and Murom. In Kiev, Vladimir built the Church of the Tithes on the site associated with the deaths of the martyrs Theodore and John, and endowed it from his income.

Why he is venerated

After his Baptism, Vladimir was remembered for concern for the poor, the sick, orphans, and widows. According to the source, assistance for those in need was provided throughout Rus’. He reposed on July 15, 1015, at Berestov and was buried in the Church of the Tithes. The Church calls him Equal of the Apostles because his service helped the Orthodox faith take deep root across Rus’, a work compared with apostolic preaching. He is also commemorated on the second Sunday of Great Lent with the Synaxis of the Venerable Fathers of the Kiev Caves and all saints who shone forth in Little Russia.

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