There is a date in the Orthodox calendar that can be called the birthday of Russian faith. May 28 (May 15 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 Malusha (a concubine). Illegitimate, but ambitious. After his father's death, he ruled in Novgorod, then captured Kiev, killing his brother Yaropolk. He became the sole ruler of Rus.

The first years of his reign were harsh. Vladimir worshipped pagan gods. He set up idols of Perun, Khors, Dazhbog 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 a wise 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 Volga Bulgaria (Islam) — they refused wine, but the prince said, "Russians have joy." To Khazaria (Judaism) — they did not like that the Jews 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 divine services 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 in marriage the sister of the emperor, Anna. They agreed, but with the condition: he should be baptized. Vladimir agreed. He was baptized in Korsun, took the name Basil (in honor of St. Basil the Great).

Historians argue whether there was forced baptism. Most likely, there 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 baptism for the Kievites — 988. People were driven into the water, bishops 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 in general, Vladimir acted reasonably: he did not punish the 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 Slavic writing (Cyrillic), built schools, distributed alms, abolished capital punishment. After baptism, he changed personally: he left his concubines, helped the poor, held feasts for beggars 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 Dеvichynskaya Church in Kiev (destroyed in 1936, relics lost).

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

Memory on May 28: how to celebrate

May 28 is not a holiday in the civil calendar, but in the church, it is one of the important days. In churches, the liturgy is served, the akathist to Prince Vladimir is read. Believers come to 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 processions — for example, in Kiev (where Vladimir baptized the people) and in Chersones (where he was baptized himself).

In Russia, May 28 is not a holiday. 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 28 will be a Thursday. Churches will be open from morning. Many worshippers order a forty-day prayer for health.

Where are the relics and what are they attributed

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

Miracles are attributed to the relics. A well-known case in the 19th century: a woman's leg was scattered due to bone disease. She touched the relic in Kiev — and the next day the bone healed. Doctors attested to it. 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 treats such stories cautiously, but believes.

Prince Vladimir in art and memorials

There are many memorials to him. The most famous: in Kiev on Volodymyrska Hora (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, marking the 1000th anniversary of his death. In St. Petersburg: on Vernostny Avenue (residential area).

In painting: Vasnetsov's painting "Baptism of Rus" (fresco in the Vladimir Cathedral). Viktor Vasnetsov depicts 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 "Prince Vladimir the Great" (1993), the series "Baptism of Rus" (2020). In literature: the novella "Vladimir the Red Sun" by A.N. Tolstoy, poems by A.K. Tolstoy, Blok.

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 fate of Russia for 1000 years. For culture, the baptism brought writing, architecture, iconography, literature. Without Vladimir, there would not have been the "Word about Igor's Campaign," there would not have been the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, there would not have been St. Petersburg (built later, 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 accepted. And it is not for us to judge."

Debates continue. But on May 28, 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 (text is available online). 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 "Primary Chronicle". Watch the documentary film "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 the Law and Grace" by 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. Perhaps this is 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 to a person who, perhaps, sincerely repented of his sins and led the people. May 28 is not a day for disputes. It is a day for memory and for reflection on the fact that even the darkest person can become light.

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

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