The saint who turned Russia Christian. Orthodox, Catholic and Western Christians venerate the Holy Great Prince.
Vladimir was born around 956 and was an illegitimate son of Sviastoslav, a Grand Duke of Kiev, and his mistress, Malushka. Although he was the grandson of Saint Olga, he was brought up as a pagan by his father, who would not accept Christianity, and became Chieftan.
He had two legitimate brothers who were given split reign and he was provided the ancient Russian capital of Novgorod, which neither of the brothers wanted at the time.
War broke out between the two brothers over their sovereignty. Yaropolk made himself ruler by defeating and killing his brother Oleg. Vladimir feared the same and fled to Scandinavia at the age of 21. With a reputation for barbarism and immorality, he returned with an army and defeated his brother to become sole ruler of Russia.
Since the days of his grandmother Saint Olga, Christianity had continued to secretly progress throughout the land and alter the heathen ideas. In contrast he had 5 wives and 12 children, became emboldened and continued in his conquering and erection of pagan idols.
In his besiege of Kherson of Crimea, he sent envoys to the Roman Emperor Basil II at Constantinople, to ask for his sister Anna’s hand in marriage, with an added threat to take over the area. Anna was Christian and the Emperor would only sanction it if Vladimir was as well. He was reminded of his grandmother Saint Olga, converted, and was baptized by the city’s clergy.
He married Anna, surrendered the city, and denounced his pagan wives.
He returned to Kieff and converted his subjects. He ordered all of the pagan idols to be destroyed. The head of the chief god was dragged through the mud and thrown into the river, which impressed the people with the helplessness of their gods. This increased their conversion by following Vladimir.
He established churches and monasteries throughout the cities. He gave up his past ways and devoted himself to the people establishing schools, ecclesiastical courts and zeal in spreading the Faith.
He bore two sons, Saints Roman and David. As customary, he split his rule amongst his elder children from his 1st marriages, but his life became troubled with their conduct and conflict. He marched to Novgorod to take it away from his disobedient son but he fell ill and died on the way.
He is the patron of Russian Catholics.
For God’s Glory.
