The veneration of Princess Olga is closely connected with the name of her husband; their grandson, Prince Vladimir, who spread Christianity throughout the country, is also canonized. The icon of St. Olga is a reminder of who Rus' owes for becoming Holy. After all, it was the grandmother’s Christian upbringing that made itself felt when Vladimir was deciding what faith his subjects would accept.
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The life story of St. Olga
During her long life, Olga was destined to know not only the privileges of the princely title, but also the sorrows of an ordinary woman. But the Russian people have always been distinguished by patience and strong will, which among the best over time became sacred. The princess became the first Christian ruler that the country recognized.
Tradition has preserved an interesting story about the meeting of young Olga with Prince Igor, who later became her husband. He was crossing the river in a boat when he suddenly noticed that the driver was not a guy, but a girl in men's clothing. The girls' wise speeches kept him from attacking his maiden honor. And when the time came to choose a wife, Igor remembered a friend who struck him with wisdom.
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The exact date and place of birth of St. Olga has not been identified; it is believed that she was born near Pskov at the end of the 9th century. After marriage, nothing was written about Olga for a long time, from this we can conclude that there were no special shocks during that period. The crisis in her life begins with the insidious murder of her husband.
- On the icons, Saint Olga is depicted already in the status of the ruler of the Russian lands, as evidenced by the corresponding clothes. In her right hand she holds an Orthodox cross (it has 8 ends, the Catholic one has only 4). The cross on many icons is raised high - the ruler, as it were, shows her enemies that her subjects are under the protection of Christ. In her right hand she often holds a small image of a temple.
The mass baptism of Rus' became a significant milestone in the history of the country. But Princess Olga was baptized much earlier, so it is wrong to present the fact of accepting Christianity as something unexpected. Prince Vladimir knew about him from early childhood, thanks to his grandmother.
According to legend, Olga was baptized by Emperor Constantine himself in the mid-10th century. That is, she was already aged (50-60 years old). Byzantine sources mention the only visit of the princess. However, her faith was strong enough to survive in a pagan environment.
On the icons, Princess Olga is called Equal-to-the-Apostles. Very rarely were women celebrated with such a title. It is given only for the spread of the Christian faith. Princely status alone is not enough here - you must have patience, show with your life what a Christian should be. At the time of her baptism, Olga had already established herself as a successful, wise ruler:
- Established the western and southern borders of the country.
- Developed trade relations with neighboring countries.
- Stopped internecine wars.
Upon returning to her homeland, the saint began to preach Christ and build churches throughout the country. Son Svyatoslav remained a pagan - although he did not interfere with his mother, he made everyone who was baptized laugh. Olga patiently prayed for him and raised her grandchildren in the Orthodox faith. During her life, most of those around her retained the pagan faith, but the saint died in the hope that the light of Christ would shine over the entire country. They buried her herself according to Christian rites, in the ground.
Ruler of Rus'
No, this is not the image that the temple icon shows us today.
Saint Olga would be born later from the font of Constantinople, and then a strong and merciless ruler appeared before the tribes and peoples inhabiting Ancient Rus', revealing in herself the power worthy of an outstanding statesman. And with difficulty, but her subjects submitted. The wise princess achieved the strengthening of her centralized power by dividing the lands under her control into “cemeteries” - separate areas in which she placed a governor, and introduced a quitrent to each of them, which she sent armed detachments to collect. The very name “cemeteries” is believed to have come from these same “guests” who never left empty-handed. It was expensive for people, but it was good for the treasury, and therefore for the benefit of the state.
And guided by the firm hand of the many-wise ruler, Rus' strengthened in every possible way. The economy developed, and at the same time new cities appeared. Every year the young prince Svyatoslav grew up, who, upon reaching the required years, was destined to take control of the state into his own hands.
The meaning of the holy image
Olga began to be revered as a saint only during the reign of her grandson, Prince Vladimir. There is a joint icon of Vladimir and Olga - they are facing each other, Prince Vladimir is holding a cross in his hand. In another open scroll with a prayer - it asks for a blessing for the people, this prayer is read by the priest during the blessing of the cross (the rite of serving the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great). The princess holds the church in her hands, as in her personal icons.
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The cross is the center of the composition as a sign that both made a lot of effort to spread Christianity. Details may change:
- St. Vladimir is holding a scroll in his hands, and the cross is in Olga’s hands.
- Everyone holds a small cross in their hands, the figures are frontal.
- Prince Vladimir leans on his sword.
- Both saints are depicted in years; the prince has a long thick beard, sometimes gray.
If you have any doubts, you can always check with the seller in the church shop to find out who is depicted in the image.
The significance of the activities of St. Olga’s contribution to Russian history cannot be overestimated. The icons show the image of a determined woman. How much courage you need to have to radically change your life, to remain faithful to your chosen path until the very end. It is difficult to say how the fate of the fatherland would have developed if Vladimir had chosen a different faith. Largely thanks to his grandmother’s instructions, he formed an opinion about Christianity and a desire to be baptized. The prince continued the work of his Equal-to-the-Apostles relative.
Few people know about this, but the princess herself composed prayers. It is appropriate to read them in front of the icon of St. Olga. She helps widows protect themselves from offenders (the saint herself was like that), and softens the hearts of enemies. You can ask for help in trade, raising children and grandchildren, or in any other worthy cause.
Life without a husband
The care of her son and the principality fell on the shoulders of the young woman. Olga, merciless to her enemies, was very kind and fair to her subjects. The people loved her for her kind heart. She traveled across the Russian land, arranging the political and economic life of the young state. It was she who centralized the power of the Kyiv prince. She ruled the state not as a weak woman, but as a strong and reasonable man. She firmly held power in her hands and courageously defended herself from enemies.
Until the end of her days, Olga lived as an honest widow, not wanting to get married again. Her chaste lifestyle became an example for posterity. Olga reigned until Svyatoslav grew up. After that, she gave up the throne to him without dispute, and she herself moved away from governing the state and lived in Vyshgorod. She established that two-thirds of city taxes should be given to Kyiv, and a third should be left for the needs of her city and court. It was under Olga that the first borders of Kievan Rus were determined, outposts appeared where heroes glorified in epics served, guarding the peace of the Russian land. Under Olga, Rus' began to become a great power.
Temples of St. Olga
The story of the baptism of Rus' is known to everyone, but the grandchildren have not forgotten about their deceased grandmother. He built a special temple to house her body. When the relics were raised, they turned out to be undamaged by time, although two decades had passed. A stone tomb was made for them. According to legend, there was a window in the sarcophagus that itself opened to those who had enough faith.
This is the first discovery and veneration of relics in the history of Russian Christianity. Unfortunately, the shrine has not survived to this day. In the 13th century they were hidden from the Tatars and found again only 4 centuries later. The relics of St. were completely lost. Olga at the beginning of the 18th century. But the churches of St. There are many Olgas all over Russia - from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok. Each one contains an icon of a preacher of Orthodoxy. Although the saint was called Elena at baptism, she is remembered under her own Russian name, which thanks to her was included in the calendar.
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- Particularly instructive is the story of the princess’s relationship with her son, who never accepted Christ. The Lord, of course, hears the prayers of parents for their children. But He does not bring anyone to Himself by force. The first step must be taken by the person himself, open his heart, express a desire, if not to be baptized, then at least to get to know God better. Unfortunately, one’s own prayer cannot convert anyone to faith. Of course, you can pray for your loved ones, hoping for God’s mercy.
The bitterness of early widowhood
It was she who he preferred to all the other brides who had gathered in Kyiv when the time came to name his chosen one. And he made her his wife and Grand Duchess of Kievan Rus. But Olga was not given long family happiness. As soon as their first-born Svyatoslav was born, misfortune befell the young princess - Igor suffered a cruel death in the deep forest thickets at the hands of the treacherous Drevlyans who inhabited those lands.
The inconsolable widow grieved and died, but her grief could not be helped, but she had to raise her son, and now she remained the sole ruler of the Russian land. All state concerns now fell on her female shoulders. But first, in order to calm her soul and honor her husband’s memory as it should, Olga decided to punish the killers of her husband.
It was only later, having become a Christian, that she began, according to the teachings of the true faith, to pray for her enemies and forgive offenses. Then she poured out all the insane rage of the dark pagan on the destroyers of her husband. Having twice lured their embassies to Kyiv, she ordered some to be buried alive, and others to be burned with fire. And in order to fill her soul to the brim with enemy blood, she moved her squads to the cities of the Drevlyans, where the number of killed enemies was in the thousands.
Which image is better
Icons of St. Olgas today are distinguished by great diversity. Most inexpensive ones are made by printing. The base can be cardboard or wood. If you want to make a unique christening gift, you can contact an icon painting workshop, but the price will be tens of times higher. Today, images are made using ancient technology, decorated with precious stones, and placed in expensive frames. Thanks to the manufacturing method, the image will be preserved for many years.
- Icon of Saint Helena
- Icon of Saint Alexandra - find here
- Icon of the Mother of God of Kozelshchanskaya -
But what makes the icon of Princess Olga a shrine is not its price. It becomes dear to the human heart because it makes you think about eternal things - the fate of your soul in eternity, about loved ones, and teaches you to turn to the Lord in all matters. Therefore, it is not the cost that is important, but attention to the person, his faith, and the prayers that will be said in front of the image.
Concern for the spiritual enlightenment of the people
Having before her the example of one of the most powerful states at that time - Byzantium, Princess Olga understood that for the prosperity of the state, it was not enough just to worry about its economic well-being and military strength. She realized that only a community of spiritual life could unite its inhabitants and become a reliable basis for the formation of a nation.
The Lord helped her make the right choice, and, leaving the state in the care of her now quite grown-up son, Olga, at the head of a large fleet, went to Constantinople to see with her own eyes the earthly fruits brought by faith, and at the same time resolve pressing diplomatic issues and demonstrate military power.
Prayer to Saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Princess Olga
O holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duchess Olgo, the first saint of Russia, a warm intercessor and prayer book for us before God. We resort to you with faith and pray with love: be your helper and accomplice in everything for our good, and just as in temporal life you tried to enlighten our forefathers with the light of the holy faith and instruct me to do the will of the Lord, so now, in the heavenly lordship, favorable With your prayers to God, help us in enlightening our minds and hearts with the light of the Gospel of Christ, so that we may advance in faith, piety and love of Christ. In poverty and sorrow, give comfort to the needy, give a helping hand to those in need, stand up for those who are offended and mistreated, those who have gone astray from the right faith and are blinded by heresies, and ask us from the all-generous God for all that is good and useful in temporal and eternal life, so that having lived well here, we will be worthy of an inheritance eternal blessings in the endless Kingdom of Christ our God, to Him, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, belongs all glory, honor and worship, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Princess Olgo, accept praise from us, unworthy servants of God (names), before your honest icon, praying and humbly asking: protect us with your prayers and intercession from misfortunes and troubles, and sorrows, and fierce sins; We will also be delivered from future torments by honestly creating your holy memory and glorifying God, glorified in the Holy Trinity, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.
The widow's prayer for protection, for help, for illumination and softening of offenders (compiled by the holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duchess Olga)
O most merciful Lord my God Jesus Christ, my soul clings to You, and Your right hand has accepted me: incline Your ear to me and hear my prayer. And give me a way to find, so that I may please You: for I thirst for the source of salvation.
Be my helper and do not leave me. God my Savior, for my Father and my mother abandoned me, and deprived me of a spouse; He fathered only one son, and he is disobedient and unfaithful, and people are also unfaithful. You, Lord, have called me alone to hope.
But, Lord, I have placed my hope in Thy mercy and in the abyss of Thy bounties, and, running to You, I pray: teach me to do Thy will and save me from this obstinate generation, the multitude of unfaithful people. Even if they have gone astray from Thy grace, but Thou, Master, for the sake of Thy love for mankind, do not despise them, but visit them and call them to reason, and bring them to their knowledge. Just as you have appropriated from me what was anciently cherished to Your heritage, so, Lord, heal this people, who are sick with unbelief, and, turning to Yourself, attract them, so that even those who were once enlightened by You will glorify Your Most Holy Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit to generation, and to generation, and forever.
Searching for God
Olga was a pagan from birth. But she was looking for God. Looking at Byzantium, she understood that power alone was not enough for the state; it was also necessary for the spiritual life of the people to be organized. The princess with a large fleet went with her retinue to Constantinople to see with her own eyes the services in the Christian church and learn the teachings of Christ. History is silent about the reasons that prompted Olga to take such a step. Perhaps she wanted to enter into an alliance with a strong neighbor, or she was motivated by other thoughts. Historians agree on one thing - the decision to be baptized was voluntary and desired. But if Olga just wanted to be baptized, she could do it in her homeland. By that time, Christian priests were already in Rus'.
She went to Constantinople with great pomp to not only learn about Christ, but also to show the greatness of Kievan Rus. Seeing the beauty of the churches, attending services, hearing the Gospel, Olga believed with all her heart in the Savior of the world. The sacrament of baptism was performed by the Patriarch of Constantinople Theophylact himself (933-956). Emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitus (912-959) became her godfather. At baptism, she received the name Elena in honor of the first Christian queen who devoted her life to the search for the Cross of the Lord. According to legend, the patriarch blessed Olga with the words: “Blessed are you among Russian wives, because you loved the light and left the darkness.”
In addition to baptism, Olga’s “going to the Greeks” also had diplomatic significance. While at the emperor's court, she held several negotiations and business meetings.
Returning to Kyiv, she took with her icons and holy books. Thus began her apostolic ministry. Under her leadership, the first temple was erected in honor of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, which was built over the burial place of the first Kyiv Christian prince Askold. Saint Olga converted many Kievites to Christianity, and tirelessly traveled throughout the lands, spreading the Orthodox faith and erecting churches throughout the Russian land. It was she who laid the foundation for the special veneration of the Holy Trinity, which still distinguishes the Orthodox faith in Rus'.
What does it help with?
According to tradition, according to which Saint Olga is endowed with special wisdom, a prayer addressed to her helps a person make a wise decision in any situation that arises. In addition, Saint Olga is asked in prayers for the well-being of Russia, its protection from dangers and to soften the hearts of enemies.
Turning to Saint Olga in prayer also helps in strengthening faith and resolving family conflicts.
Important! Among believers, stories of miraculous healing from mental illnesses through prayer in front of the icon of St. Olga are passed on from mouth to mouth. Speaking about how prayer to Saint Olga helps, we can say that you can turn to this saint with problems in any area of life.
Dream Interpretation - Icons
Dreams about icons often reflect either POWER or unity. You want to feel unity with the Universe, and icons are the right link to make this unity possible. Sometimes you may dream of a situation in which you need supernatural power to resolve a conflict. Icons in this case will serve as a guide or symbol of such power. There are a huge number of icon images available to all people. The ones you find in your dreams will also be relevant to your life experiences. (For example, crucifix, full MOON, Star of David, Stonehenge, Buddha). Is the experience somehow related to icon images related to sacred or supernatural phenomena that took place in your life? In your dream, do other people honor these icons or neglect them? How do you feel about this?
We recommend studying Psalm 13
Christianity in Rus'
The worship of pagan gods, during the reign of the princely family, was still strong among the people, but the fight against it entered a new stage
The Church of Christ during the reign of Igor becomes a very important and significant force. In everyday life, writing based on the Cyrillic alphabet was widely used, this helped Christianity penetrate deeper into Russian lands, but the prince was never able to eradicate pagan customs, and remained a pagan
The best article for you, go to: Prayers to Seraphim of Sarov for healing, for trade, for marriage for every day
Some historians blamed the princess for the death of the prince, since she raised a tribute that the people refused to pay. Worshiping pagan gods, the woman took revenge on the Drevlyans for a long time for the death of her husband, but being a wise and intelligent woman, she observed the immaculate life of Christians, and she was captivated by the truth of Holy Scripture.
