St. Boris and St. Gleb
Saints Boris and Gleb, baptized Roman and David, were sons of St. Vladimir, the Baptizer of Rus. When their elder brother Svyatopolk seized the throne of Kiev after their father's death in 1015 and sent assassins against them, each refused to raise arms against him, choosing to die rather than shed a brother's blood; Boris was slain at prayer on the river Alta and Gleb on the river Smyadyn.
They were the first saints canonized in the Russian Church, glorified as passion-bearers, those who accept suffering and death without resistance in imitation of Christ.
Be it not for me to raise my hand against my elder brother. Now that my father has passed away, let him take the place of my father in my heart.
Lord Jesus Christ, who in this image hast appeared on earth for our salvation, and who, having voluntarily suffered thy hands to be nailed to the cross, didst endure thy passion for our sins, so help me now to endure my passion. For I accept it not from those who are my enemies, but from the hand of my own brother. Hold it not against him as a sin, O Lord!
Woe is me, O Lord! It were better for me to die with my brother than to live on in this world. If thou hast received affliction from God, pray for me that I may endure the same passion. For it were better for me to dwell with thee than in this deceitful world.
Troparion · Tone 2
Righteous passion-bearers and true fulfillers of the Gospel of Christ, chaste Boris and guileless Gleb, you did not resist the attacks of your brother, the enemy, when he killed your bodies but could not touch your souls. Therefore, let the evil lover of power mourn while you rejoice with the angels standing before the Holy Trinity. Pray that those who honor your memory may be pleasing to God, and that all Orthodox Christians may be saved.
Kontakion · Tone 3
Today your most glorious memory shines forth, noble participants in the passion of Christ, holy Boris and Gleb, for you call us together to sing praises to Christ our God! Praying to Him before your sacred images, we receive the gift of healing by your prayers, for you are indeed divine healers.
Saints around July 24
Get the full library
130+ saints, in your pocket
Their Lives, sayings and prayers, A to Z and by feast, with search. The Church calendar, the holy icons, and the saying of the day on your Home Screen. All in Axios! for iPhone, iPad and Android.