Saint Vladimir the Great

A life of faith

Vladimir, the son of Svyatoslav, is commemorated by the Orthodox Church as an Equal of the Apostles. He received the Christian baptismal name Basil. The OCA account records differing chronologies for his baptism, so its precise year is not settled here. His Christian life included organized assistance for poor and sick people. He founded the church of the Tithes in Kiev and assigned a tenth of his income to its support. His commemoration remembers both his conversion and his substantial role in establishing Christian worship in his realm. These remembered actions do not reduce a complex princely life to a simple personality type.

The Eastern Orthodox Church remembers saints in prayer and commemoration. Their lives offer examples for Christians learning to live their faith.

A reflection

Vladimir's organized care for poor and sick people offers a concrete question: what regular share of your time or resources could meet another person's need?

Read the Orthodox source

Feast dates follow the linked source. Local calendars and commemorations may vary. Themes describe a saint’s life; quiz suggestions do not assign a baptismal patron. Discuss choosing a patron saint with your priest.