Many historical figures deserve the title "holy" for their deeds during their lifetime. They include Prince Vladimir, who is known for his actions, which have become significant for the history of Russia. Thanks to his decision, the Russian people were baptized and the spread of the Christian faith.
Who is Saint Vladimir?
A pagan who adopted Christianity and changed his life, the prince who converted Rus to Orthodoxy, all this about Vladimir, who after death was recognized as a holy equinox. In the bylinas people called him "Red Sun" and such a nickname arose for his kind nature. The Holy Prince Vladimir did everything possible to spread the faith in Christ.
St. Vladimir in Orthodoxy
According to the existing information, Vladimir was born around 960 (the exact date is unknown). His father Svyatoslav Igorevich was a prince in Russia, and his mother, surprisingly many, was a common concubine.
- The life of St. Vladimir describes that the first couple of years of his life he lived with his mother in the village and only a few years later moved to Kiev.
- In 972 he became the ruler of Novgorod, and eight years later he conquered Kiev and became ruler of Russia.
- He was a pagan, but after a while he began to doubt his prejudices and began to invite various preachers to him, and Orthodoxy had the greatest impression on him, and he decided to be baptized.
- Before accepting Christianity, he had several pagan marriages, and after that he married twice. Vladimir became the father of 13 sons of 10 (or more) daughters.
Why was Vladimir listed as a saint?
During his lifetime, the prince made a huge contribution to the spread of Christianity: he baptized Rus and built many churches where people could learn about God. Many are interested in why Prince Vladimir was called a saint, and so he received his title due to his great service to the Russian people and faith in Orthodoxy. Equal-to-the-Apostles began to call him because he was the first person with whom the Russian people were baptized.
Finding out why Prince Vladimir became a saint, it is worth noting that he was made such only 100 years after his death. Many people are interested in the reason for this delay. Everything is understandable, in the memory of the people there were fresh memories of his numerous feasts, on which the river flowed wine. Church leaders have long argued over whether a person with such behavior as Vladimir can claim the status of an apostle of Christ. The positive decision was influenced by the desire to strengthen the union of the church and the state even more.
St. Vladimir and the Baptism of Russia?
At first the prince decided to be baptized independently, but he did not want to submit to the Greeks. He received baptism in 988 with the name of Vasily. After that the prince returned to Kiev along with the Orthodox priests. The first were baptized sons of Vladimir, and then, boyars. The reign of St. Vladimir began to be based on an active struggle against paganism, for example, idols were destroyed, and priests preached about the Lord. As a result, Vladimir ordered all citizens to come to the Dnieper bank and be baptized. After that, do the same in other cities.
How did Saint Vladimir die?
The last years of his life the prince spent in a feud with his eldest sons. He planned a march to Novgorod, but this event never happened, as Vladimir seriously fell ill and eventually died, and it happened on July 15, 1015. For those who are interested in who Vladimir is, you should know that he was the ruler of Russia for 37 years and 28 years of them he was baptized.
The relics of St. Vladimir were put in marble, which was placed in the Titular Uspensky Church next to the cancer of Queen Anne. When the Mongol-Tatar invasion took place, the remains were buried under the ruins of the temple. They found them in 1635, and the prince's head was placed in the Assumption Cathedral of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra , and small particles in other places. In different cities cathedrals and monuments in honor of Prince Vladimir were built.
The Legend of St. Vladimir
The most famous legend associated with this historical figure, tells of the choice of faith. It is described in The Tale of Bygone Years. St. Vladimir the patron of the military, when he was a pagan, decided to host representatives of various religious movements.
- The Bulgarians of the Mohammedan faith came to him, who said that God orders them not to eat meat, to circumcise, not to drink wine, but fornication is welcomed.
- The Germans who came from Rome told us that they believe in God, who created the heavens, the earth and the month, and their commandment is to fast.
- From the Jews of Khazar saint Vladimir learned that they believe in one God. Their commandments include circumcision, rejection of pork and rabbit, and observance of the Sabbath.
- The last to the prince came the philosopher Cyril, whom the Greeks sent. He told the biblical stories, but this did not convince Vladimir to accept Christianity.
- He made his choice after meeting with the boyars and analyzing the information received from the ambassadors.
St. Vladimir - interesting facts
With such a person there is a lot of interesting information that gives a chance to get to know the prince better.
- In Kiev, a church was built in honor of the Theotokos and it was called "Tithe", and this is due to the fact that Vladimir introduced a tax "tithe", that is, from all incomes it was necessary to give a tenth.
- Not everyone voluntarily agreed to the baptism held by Saint Vladimir, because people did not want to forget their gods. Most of all, Novgorod rebelled, so he was baptized with "fire and sword", that is, the hard opponents were killed and the soldiers set fire to the houses of Novgorodians.
- Prince Vladimir is depicted on the currency of Ukraine with a face value of 1 hryvnia.
Prayer to St. Vladimir about health
After the prince was recognized by the church as a saint, many people began to address him, so that he would patronize them before the Lord God. There is a special prayer to Saint Vladimir, which you can read to get rid of various diseases and improve your life. You can pronounce it at any time and anywhere, but first it is recommended to read "Our Father". Prayer to Prince Vladimir helps people who sincerely believe in God.