There is a date in the Orthodox calendar that can be called the birthday of Russian faith. May 28th (May 15th old style) — the day of remembrance of St. Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir. The same one who baptized Rus. But in history, he remained under two names: Vladimir (in baptism — Basil). Why two? And why did the prince become a saint, since he was a sinner, a murderer, a polygamist? Let's figure it out. The history is complex, but important.

Vladimir before baptism: Red Sun or Pagan

Prince Vladimir the Great was born around 960. He was the son of Prince Svyatoslav and the chamberlain Malusha (a concubine). Illegitimate, but ambitious. After his father's death, he ruled Novgorod, then captured Kiev, killing his brother Yaropolk. He became the sole ruler of Rus.

The first years of his rule were harsh. Vladimir worshipped pagan gods. He set up idols of Perun, Khors, Dazhdobog on a hill in Kiev. He offered human sacrifices. He had several wives and hundreds of concubines. He fought with neighbors, expanding borders. Chronicles call him "Vladimir the Sinner."

But he was an intelligent ruler. He understood that paganism divided tribes. A strong state needs a single faith. And he began to search.

Choice of faith: legend and reality

The chronicle tells: Vladimir sent envoys to different countries. To the Volga Bulgars (Islam) — they refused wine, but the prince said, "Russians have joy." To Khazaria (Judaism) — it did not please him that the Jews had lost their state. To Germany (Catholicism) — it did not impress.

And in Constantinople (Orthodoxy), the envoys entered the Holy Sophia Cathedral. They saw the beauty of the divine service and decided: "We did not know where we were — in heaven or on earth." This moment became a turning point.

In 987, Vladimir captured the Byzantine city of Korsun (Chersones) and demanded the sister of the emperor Anna in marriage. They agreed, but on the condition that he should be baptized. Vladimir agreed. He was baptized in Korsun, took the name Basil (in honor of St. Basil the Great).

Historians debate whether the baptism was forced. Most likely, it was not. But pagans were broken through the knees.

Baptism of Rus: how it was

Returning to Kiev, Vladimir ordered the destruction of pagan idols. Perun was thrown into the Dnieper. Then he appointed the day of the baptism of the Kievites — 988. People were thrown into the water, priests from Byzantium read prayers. According to legend, many cried, but did not resist. Chronicles write: "Churches began to be built throughout the land of Rus."

The people resisted. In Novgorod, they were baptized "by fire and sword." Militiamen drove people into the Volkhov, beating those who did not go. In other cities, there were also victims. But overall, Vladimir acted reasonably: he did not punish stubborn pagans, but persuaded them. In the end, Rus became Orthodox.

For this, Vladimir was later called "equal-to-the-apostles" — that is, equal to the apostles who enlightened nations. There are only a few such saints: St. Mary Magdalene, Emperor Constantine, St. Nicholas of Japan.

Why Vladimir became a saint

He was canonized in the 13th century, not immediately. Arguments: baptized Rus, founded churches, attracted Byzantine teachers, introduced the Cyrillic alphabet, built schools, distributed alms, abolished capital punishment. After his baptism, he changed personally: he left his concubines, helped the poor, held feasts for the needy every Sunday.

Chronicles tell: "Vladimir lived in fear of God, did good deeds, built churches." He was called "Red Sun" — not for beauty, but for kindness. He died in 1015 and was buried in the Dесятинная Church in Kiev (destroyed in 1936, remains lost).

Critics say he was a cruel pagan and murderer. The Church responds: he repented. Repentance atoned for sins. This is important for Orthodoxy.

Memory on May 28th: how to celebrate

May 28th is not a holiday in the civil calendar, but it is one of the important days in the church. In churches, the liturgy is served, the akathist to Prince Vladimir is read. Believers come to the church, light candles, pray for the health of children, for peace in the family (Vladimir is considered the patron of families). In some dioceses, there are cross-processions — for example, in Kiev (where Vladimir baptized the people) and in Chersones (where he was baptized himself).

In Russia, May 28th is not a day off. But in Orthodox gymnasiums and Sunday schools, lessons about the baptism of Rus are held. Films are shown to children, they are told about the prince.

In 2026, May 28th will be a Thursday. Churches will be open from morning. Many parishioners order forty-day prayers for health.

Where are the relics and what are they attributed to

Most of the relics of Prince Vladimir have been lost. But parts are preserved: in Kiev (Vladimir Cathedral), in Moscow (Christ the Savior Cathedral, the Kremlin Uspensky Cathedral), in St. Petersburg (the Cathedral of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God). Abroad — in London (the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Mother of God), in Sofia (the Bulgarian temple).

The relics are attributed to miracles. A well-known case in the 19th century: a woman's leg was disintegrated by bone disease. She touched the relic in Kiev — and the next day the bone grew back. Doctors testified. In the 2000s: a man with cancer prayed to the icon of Prince Vladimir in Christ the Savior Cathedral, and after a month the tumor disappeared.

The Church approaches such stories cautiously, but believes.

Prince Vladimir in art and monuments

There are many monuments to him. The most famous: on Vladimir Hill in Kiev (sculptor Demut-Malinovsky, 1853). The prince stands with a cross in his hand. In Moscow: on Borovitskaya Square (next to the Kremlin) — a monument from 2015, to mark the 1000th anniversary of his death. In St. Petersburg: on the street of Loyalty (residential area).

In painting: Vasnetsov's painting "The Baptism of Rus" (fresco in the Vladimir Cathedral). Viktor Vasnetsov depicted Vladimir against the background of the Dnieper, with a cross and a crown. Icons: usually the saint is depicted in princely attire, with a cross and a scepter. Sometimes with a sword — as a warrior.

In cinema: the film "Vladimir the Holy" (1993), the series "The Baptism of Rus" (2020). In literature: A.N. Tolstoy's novella "Vladimir the Red Sun," A.K. Tolstoy's poems, Blok's poems.

St. Vladimir and modernity

For Orthodox Christians, he is an example that a sinner can become a saint. This gives hope. For politicians, he is a symbol of the choice of path. Vladimir chose faith, and this determined the destiny of Russia for 1000 years. For culture, the baptism brought literacy, architecture, iconography, literature. Without Vladimir, there would have been no "Song of Igor's Campaign," no Kiev Pechersk Lavra, no St. Petersburg (built after, but on Orthodox tradition).

However, some historians and publicists criticize Vladimir for forced baptism, for killing his brother, for destroying pagan culture. The Church responds: "At that time, it was customary. And it is not for us to judge."

Debates continue. But on May 28th, on the day of remembrance, they subside. Believers pray, do not argue.

How to celebrate the day of remembrance at home

If you are a believer: go to the church in the morning, light a candle, pray. You can read the akathist (the text is available on the Internet). If you cannot go to the church — pray at home. Fasting is not mandatory on this day, but it is desirable to refrain from meat and revelry.

If you are a historian: read a chapter from "The Tale of Bygone Years." Watch the documentary film "The Baptism of Rus" (available on YouTube). Discuss with friends over dinner.

If you are just interested: visit a museum. In Moscow — the Historical Museum, where the "Word about Law and Grace" of Metropolitan Hilarion (XI century), written under Vladimir, is stored. In St. Petersburg — the Hermitage, on the Byzantine collection.

And — think about yourself. What would you choose in place of Vladimir? Power or faith? Sword or cross? This is a difficult question. Maybe that's why the day of remembrance is needed.

Conclusion: light or shadow

Prince Vladimir is a contradictory figure. For some, a tyrant, for others, a saint. But the fact remains: Russia, Ukraine, Belarus — Orthodox countries. And they owe this person, who may have sincerely repented of his sins and led the people. May 28th is not a day for disputes. It is a day of remembrance. And for contemplation on the fact that even the darkest person can become light.

Happy St. Vladimir's Day, Red Sun. Shine upon us.

Permanent link to this publication: