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Saint Vladimir of Kiev
The Great Prince who baptized Russia and brought Orthodox Christianity to the Slavic peoples
The Great Prince who baptized Russia and brought Orthodox Christianity to the Slavic peoples
Equal-to-the-Apostles and Baptizer of Russia Feast Day: July 15
Saint Vladimir I of Kiev (c. 958-1015 AD), known as Vladimir the Great, stands as one of the most significant figures in Orthodox history. His conversion to Christianity and subsequent baptism of the Kievan Rus’ established Orthodox Christianity among the Slavic peoples and laid the foundation for Russian Orthodox civilization.
Born the son of Prince Sviatoslav I of Kiev, Vladimir initially ruled as a pagan prince notorious for his violent temperament and immoral lifestyle. Historical sources record that he maintained multiple wives and concubines, engaged in human sacrifice, and ruled through fear and brutality.
As a pagan, Vladimir erected idols to Slavic gods including Perun (god of thunder), Khors (sun god), and others. He even practiced human sacrifice, once ordering the killing of two Christian Varangians (Vikings) - a father and son who refused to allow their son to be sacrificed to pagan gods.
Around 987 AD, Vladimir began investigating different religions for his people. According to the Primary Chronicle, he received delegations from various faiths:
Islam: Muslim Bulgars presented their faith, but Vladimir rejected it primarily because of its prohibition of alcohol, famously declaring, “Drinking is the joy of the Rus’. We cannot exist without that pleasure.”
Judaism: Khazar Jews explained their religion, but Vladimir questioned why God had scattered them from their homeland if their faith were true.
Western Christianity: German Catholics presented Roman Christianity, but Vladimir was unimpressed by their presentation.
Eastern Christianity: The Byzantine delegation’s description of Orthodox Christianity intrigued Vladimir, leading him to send envoys to Constantinople.
Vladimir’s envoys to Constantinople were overwhelmed by what they witnessed in the Hagia Sophia during the Divine Liturgy. They reported back: “We knew not whether we were in heaven or on earth. For on earth there is no such splendor or such beauty, and we are at a loss how to describe it. We only know that God dwells there among men, and their service is fairer than the ceremonies of other nations.”
This testimony, combined with political considerations regarding an alliance with Byzantium, convinced Vladimir to embrace Orthodox Christianity.
In 988 AD, Vladimir was baptized in Chersonesos (Crimea), taking the Christian name Basil in honor of Emperor Basil II. His conversion was dramatic and complete - the violent pagan prince became a devout Christian ruler who transformed not only himself but his entire realm.
Upon his baptism, Vladimir reportedly experienced a miraculous healing of an eye ailment that had been troubling him, which he interpreted as a sign of divine approval.
Returning to Kiev, Vladimir ordered the destruction of all pagan idols and temples. The great statue of Perun was dragged through the streets and cast into the Dnieper River. He then commanded all citizens of Kiev to gather at the river for mass baptism.
On a single day in 988 AD, the entire population of Kiev - men, women, and children - entered the Dnieper River and were baptized by Orthodox priests. This event, known as the “Baptism of Russia,” marked the official conversion of the Kievan Rus’ to Orthodox Christianity.
Vladimir’s decree was simple but absolute: “Whoever does not come to the river tomorrow, be he rich or poor, beggar or slave, will be my enemy.”
Vladimir’s conversion brought about a remarkable personal transformation:
The chronicler notes: “Vladimir was transformed from a cruel pagan into a merciful Christian ruler who cared for his people as a father cares for his children.”
Vladimir established the organizational structure of Christianity in his realm:
Vladimir’s Christian rule brought significant social changes:
Vladimir died on July 15, 1015 AD, at Berestovo near Kiev. His death was mourned throughout the realm as the loss of a beloved father. The Orthodox Church canonized him as “Equal-to-the-Apostles” in recognition of his role in bringing Christianity to the Slavic peoples.
Saint Vladimir’s conversion had profound and lasting consequences:
Vladimir’s conversion demonstrates the transformative power of divine grace. His dramatic change from a violent pagan to a merciful Christian ruler illustrates that no one is beyond God’s redemption.
His title “Equal-to-the-Apostles” reflects his apostolic role in bringing the Gospel to an entire people. Like the Apostle Paul, Vladimir’s conversion was sudden, complete, and fruitful in establishing the Church among previously unreached peoples.
Saint Vladimir’s example speaks to contemporary Christians about:
Prayer to Saint Vladimir: Holy Prince Vladimir, Equal-to-the-Apostles, you brought the light of Christ to the Slavic peoples and transformed a pagan realm into a Christian nation. Intercede for us that we may have the courage to live our faith boldly and to influence our communities for Christ. Help us to be instruments of transformation in our own time and place. Amen.