Saints Boris & Gleb
of Russia.
- Born
- Unknown · Unknown
- Fell asleep
- 1019
- Feast day
- July 24 (New) · August 6 (Old)
Get a reminder on the feast in Orthodox Daily Companion → - Country
- Russia
The life of Ss. Boris & Gleb of Russia Saints Boris
& Gleb of Russia
Saints Boris and Gleb, also known as the Passion Bearers, were medieval Russian princes and martyrs who lived during the 10th and 11th centuries. They were the sons of Saint Vladimir the Great, the ruler of the Kievan Rus' and the Grand Prince of Kiev, who played a significant role in the Christianization of the Rus' people.
Early years
Saints Boris and Gleb, also known as the Passion Bearers, were medieval Russian princes and martyrs who lived during the 10th and 11th centuries. They were the sons of Saint Vladimir the Great, the ruler of the Kievan Rus' and the Grand Prince of Kiev, who played a significant role in the Christianization of the Rus' people.
In the Church
Boris and Gleb are revered as saints in the Eastern Orthodox Church for their steadfast faith and willingness to endure persecution for their beliefs. According to tradition, Boris and Gleb chose not to resist when their older brother Sviatopolk the Accursed sought to seize the throne by murdering them. They willingly accepted their fate, refusing to take up arms against their own brother.
Later years
Boris and Gleb's peaceful acceptance of martyrdom earned them the title of "Passion Bearers," signifying their imitation of Christ's suffering and death. They are regarded as examples of Christian virtue, forgiveness, and sacrificial love.
Legacy and veneration
The veneration of Saints Boris and Gleb became widespread in medieval Russia, and they were later canonized as saints by the Orthodox Church. Their feast day is celebrated on July 24th in the Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar. Boris and Gleb are considered patron saints of rulers, princes, and the unity of the Russian people. Their memory is honored with churches, monasteries, and icons throughout Russia and other Orthodox countries.
Veneration of Ss. Boris & Gleb of Russia How the saint's
memory is kept.
- Where are the relics of Saints Boris & Gleb of Russia
- Boris and Gleb, crowned as martyrs in 1015 and canonized by the Orthodox Church in Rus' in 1071, were initially interred at the Vyshhorod Cathedral, later named in their honor. Their relics, originally housed in the Church of St. Basil in Vyshhorod which was subsequently destroyed, have had significant movements. In 1095, portions of their relics were relocated to the Sázava Monastery in the Duchy of Bohemia, where they were placed in an altar. The Catholic Church recognized their sainthood in 1724 under Pope Benedict XIII. In 2011, a monument dedicated to the brothers, created by Boris Krylov and Oles Sydoruk, was unveiled in Vyshhorod, Ukraine, reflecting their enduring legacy in both Ukrainian and Russian religious and cultural history.
Frequently asked Questions about
Ss. Boris & Gleb of Russia.
- When is the feast day of Ss. Boris & Gleb of Russia?
- The Church commemorates Ss. Boris & Gleb of Russia on July 24. Parishes that keep the Old (Julian) Calendar celebrate the same feast on August 6 of the civil calendar.
- Where are the relics of Ss. Boris & Gleb of Russia?
- Boris and Gleb, crowned as martyrs in 1015 and canonized by the Orthodox Church in Rus' in 1071, were initially interred at the Vyshhorod Cathedral, later named in their honor. Their relics, originally housed in the Church of St. Basil in Vyshhorod which was subsequently destroyed, have had significant movements. In 1095, portions of their relics were relocated to the Sázava Monastery in the Duchy of Bohemia, where they were placed in an altar. The Catholic Church recognized their sainthood in 1724 under Pope Benedict XIII. In 2011, a monument dedicated to the brothers, created by Boris Krylov and Oles Sydoruk, was unveiled in Vyshhorod, Ukraine, reflecting their enduring legacy in both Ukrainian and Russian religious and cultural history.
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Also remembered in July.
- Jul 6 · Jul 19Saint Apostles Archippus, Philemon, and Onesimus
- Jul 10 · Jul 23Saint Hieromartyr Joseph of Damascus
- Jul 11 · Jul 24Saint Olga of Kiev
- Jul 11 · Jul 24Saint Sophrony of Essex
- Jul 12 · Jul 25Saint Paisios the Athonite
- Jul 14 · Jul 27Saint Apostle Aquila of the Seventy
- Jul 14 · Jul 27Saint Nicodemus the Hagiorite
- Jul 15 · Jul 28Saint Vladimir of Kiev
- Jul 19 · Aug 1Saint Archimandrite Arsenius Papacioc of Romania
- Jul 24 · Aug 6Saint Christina of Tyre
- Jul 27 · Aug 9Saint Clement of Ohrid
- Jul 30 · Aug 12Saint Hieromartyr Valentine, Bishop of Interamna
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