Equal of the Apostles Great Prince Vladimir, in Holy Baptism Basil, the Enlightener of the Russian Land.
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Lives of the Saints
JULY 15
St. Vladimir was a devout pagan in his early life. He was a great conqueror who had many wives and erected many pagan statues in the lands that he ruled over. Upon finding out that other faiths existed beyond his own paganism, he decided to send his envoys out into the world to find out what was true faith on earth.
His envoys met with Muslims, but felt that there was no joy among them, and that their faith was very mechanical. The envoys also met with Jews and Catholics, but were still unimpressed.
Everything changed, however, when the envoys arrived in Constantinople. Upon attending Divine Liturgy in Hagia Sophia, the envoys said, "We no longer knew whether we were in heaven or on earth." Taking the word of his envoys, St. Vladimir had himself and his nation baptized into the Orthodox Church.
St. Vladimir changed completely after his baptism. He destroyed all the pagan statues that stood in Kievan Rus', and replaced them with churches. He also attempted to live in peace as much as possible with his neighbors and had only one wife.
Troparion — Tone 4
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.
Kontakion — Tone 8
Most glorious Vladimir, in your old age you imitated the great apostle Paul: / he abandoned childish things, while you forsook the idolatry of your youth. / Together with him you reached the fullness of divine wisdom: / You were adorned with the purity of holy baptism. / Now as you stand before Christ our Savior, pray that all Orthodox Christians may be saved.
