St. Vladimir the Great
St. Vladimir (c. 958-1015), Great Prince of Kiev and grandson of St. Olga, ruled Kievan Rus' first as a zealous pagan before embracing Christ.
Baptized at Korsun in 988 with the name Basil, he was healed of blindness at the font, married the Byzantine princess Anna, and led his people to baptism in the waters of the Dnieper, destroying the idols he had once raised. Transformed by the Gospel, he built churches and schools, gave generously to the poor and sick, and so feared sin that he abolished executions in his realm. He reposed on July 15, 1015, and is honored as Equal-to-the-Apostles and Enlightener of Rus'.
I have now perceived the one true God.
If this proves true, then of a surety is the God of the Christians great.
I am afraid of sin.
Prayer of St. Vladimir at the Baptism of Rus' (from the Primary Chronicle)
O God, who hast created heaven and earth, look down, I beseech Thee, on this Thy new people, and grant them, O Lord, to know Thee as the true God, even as the other Christian nations have known Thee. Confirm in them the true and unalterable faith, and aid me, O Lord, against the hostile adversary, so that, hoping in Thee and in Thy might, I may overcome his malice.
Troparion
Holy Prince Vladimir, you were like a merchant in search of fine pearls. By sending servants to Constantinople for the Orthodox Faith, you found Christ, the priceless pearl. He appointed you to be another Paul, washing away in baptism your physical and spiritual blindness. We celebrate your memory, asking you to pray for all Orthodox Christians and for us, your spiritual children.
Saints around July 15
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.