Prayers to Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duke Vladimir

Vladimir Rus is a phrase known to all Russians who are even slightly interested in the history of Russia and Orthodoxy. But few people know that it was Prince Vladimir who led our country to unity, preaching the Orthodox faith in it. He himself was baptized in adulthood and after his death was canonized. And today Russians pray to Prince Vladimir for the well-being and integrity of their Motherland.

Memorial Days:

• October 23 – Volyn Holy Cathedral
• July 28th

Troparion, tone 8*

Teacher of orthodoxy/ and the enlightener of all Russia,/ pious Grand Duke Vladimir,/ you enlightened everyone with holy Baptism/ and you adorned many glorious churches,/ about the wise Vladimir e,// Pray to Christ God for the salvation of our souls.

Translation: Teacher of Orthodoxy and enlightener of all Rus', pious Grand Duke Vladimir, you enlightened everyone with holy Baptism and wonderfully decorated many churches, O wise Vasily, pray to Christ God for the salvation of our souls.

Prayer by agreement

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Dear brothers and sisters!

Every day at 21.00 we read a home prayer by agreement for the sick and in trouble parishioners of our church, as well as newly deceased relatives and friends. You can join the reading and ask for prayer through the head of the Mercy Service.

A prerequisite for inclusion in prayer by agreement is independent reading of the prayer, as well as regular participation in the Sacraments of Repentance and Communion (at least once a month), and being a member of the parish community of our church. 8 . Those who cannot use the Internet receive SMS notifications about new applications.

We ask parishioners to join this prayer!

Prayer by agreement:

Lord our God, Jesus Christ, with Your most pure lips You told us: “If two of you agree on earth to ask for anything, then whatever they ask will be done for you from My Heavenly Father.” With deep faith in the immutability of Your words and Your immeasurable mercy, we ask You to hear Your servants (your name), and everyone who has agreed to humbly ask You for the speedy restoration of the World, for the end of the coronavirus epidemic, for the purchase of the building for the “Spiritual Center”, for the strengthening of the parish community of our temple, about the construction of a charitable refectory, as well as about Your servants ( names about health ) and give them health and help in their needs.

Rest in peace, O Lord, the souls of Your dead servants ( names of repose ) and forgive them all their sins, voluntary and involuntary, and grant them the Kingdom of Heaven. We pray to You for the fulfillment of our petitions. However, not as we want, but as You, Lord, may Your holy will be done for all. Amen.

Names of those to pray for:

Prayer for agreement for dependents.

Lord our God, Jesus Christ, with Your most pure lips You told us: “If two of you agree on earth to ask for anything, then whatever you ask will be done for you by My Heavenly Father.” With deep faith in the immutability of Your words and Your immeasurable mercy, we ask You to hear Your servants (your name), and everyone who has agreed to humbly ask You for Your suffering and lost servants (names) possessed by passions. Be their Doctor and Protector, deliver them from evil: wine drinking, drug addiction, computer and gambling, smoking, fornication and other passions. “Illuminate their minds with the light of the mind of Your Gospel and guide them on the path of Your commandments and teach them, O Savior, to do Your will, because You are Our God.” Strengthen their feet on the path of faith and fidelity to You, since You are Our Hope and Hope. Give us Thy servants (your name) strength, humility, patience and Thy grace, and establish us to accept everything with thanksgiving. However, not as we want, but as You, Lord, may Your holy will be done for all. Amen.

Names of those to pray for:

Kontakion, voice 8*

Having resembled the great Apostle Paul in his gray hairs, the all-glorious Vladimir, / like a child, I left all care for idols, / like a perfect man was adorned with Divine Baptism. land./ And now the Savior Christ stands in joy, // pray that the Russian powers, the ruler and the multitude, will be saved Vladomykh.

Translation: Like the great Apostle Paul, in your mature years, the all-glorious Vladimir, leaving all wisdom and zeal for idols as a child’s play, you, like a perfect man, were adorned with the purple of Divine baptism. And now, standing before the Savior Christ in joy, pray for the salvation of the rulers and many of its citizens in the Russian state.

Prayer 1

Oh, great saint of God, God-chosen and God-glorified, equal to the apostles Prince Vladimir! You, having rejected pagan evil and wickedness, have believed in the One True Trinitarian God, and have received Holy Baptism, you have enlightened the entire Russian country with the light of Divine faith and piety . Moreover, we glorify and thank our most merciful Creator and Savior, we glorify and thank you, our Enlightener and Father, for by you we know the saving faith of Christ and in the name of the Most Holy and Divine We are baptized at the present Trinity. Thus, by faith we have been delivered from the righteous condemnation of God, and we have been freed from eternal work to the devil and the torment of hell; With this faith, the grace of sonship to God and the hope of inheriting Heavenly bliss. Moreover, we glorify you as the first language of our guide to the Chief and Perfector of our salvation, the Lord Jesus Christ, and we glorify you as your representative before the Throne of the Kings of All-Russians for the kingdom of all Russia, about his kings, the rulers of the people, the army and about all the people. Our language will not be able to depict the greatness and height of the blessings that you poured out on our earth, our fathers and forefathers and on us unworthy. O our blessed Father and Enlightener! Look at our weaknesses and beg the most merciful King of Heaven, may he not be very angry with us, as through our weaknesses we sin all the days, and may he not destroy us with our iniquities, but may he have mercy and save us according to us may He plant His kindness in our hearts repentance and the saving fear of God, may He enlighten our minds with His grace, so that we may leave the paths of wickedness and turn to the path of salvation, and unswervingly observe the commandments of God and the statutes of the Holy Church tee. Pray, kind-hearted, to the Lover of Mankind, may He show us His great mercy: may He deliver us from the invasion of foreigners, from riots and strife, from famine, deadly diseases and from all evil; may he give us the blessing of the air and the fruitfulness of the earth; May he preserve righteousness and mercy in judges and rulers; may the pastors give zeal for the salvation of their flock, may mutual love and like-mindedness be given to all people, and may the prosperity of the fatherland and the Holy Church be given constant care, may the light of saving faith multiply in our country, let him convert those who believe in orthodoxy, and overthrow heresies and schisms, and let them all We, having lived in peace on earth, will be made worthy of eternal bliss with you, praising and exalting God forever and ever. Amen.

Life of Saint Prince Vladimir

Prince Vladimir was the son of Prince Svyatoslav. He was born in 963 in Novgorod. Childhood came at the peak of paganism in Rus'. And he received his education from a pagan - Uncle Dobrynya. From his youth, Vladimir was an aggressive and warlike ruler. He conquered principalities from the Baltic Sea to the Bug River on the southern edge of Russia.

This was the first step towards the Russian state: all conquered lands were under its authority. But Vladimir was not a model: in his youth he led a stormy life, was cruel, and adored idols. And only when he saw the unshakable faith with which the Christians whom he executed died, did he think about what motivates them? He began to study the basics of Orthodoxy, invited preachers and sent ambassadors to Constantinople. And he repeatedly reminded that his grandmother, Princess Olga, converted to Orthodoxy and was the wisest woman.

When the prince finally decided to change his faith, he decided to subjugate Chersonesos so that Russia would be Orthodox independent of Greece. And for a complete and final merger with Constantinople, he decided to marry the Christian princess Anna. But at the same time something terrible happened: he was struck by almost complete blindness. The prince knew all the horror of physical weakness; he was tormented by fear and doubts. But the bride advised him to urgently be baptized and accept faith with all his soul.

It was then that the greatest miracle happened, prompting the population of Russia to so joyfully accept the new Orthodox faith: after Prince Vladimir was baptized and left the source, his vision returned to him!

After the wedding, the prince returned to Kyiv, where he destroyed all the installed idols and baptized his 12 children. They, in turn, began to spread Orthodoxy in their subordinate regions. The good development of the faith of Christ was ensured by the fact that it was spread by preaching and persuasion, and not by force, as was done by the Roman Catholic priests. In addition, Orthodoxy was studied through the works of Cyril and Methodius, that is, in their native Slavic language.

But the main example for the converts was Prince Vladimir himself, who after baptism became a completely different person: a righteous man, abstinent, chaste. He sympathized with the poor and disadvantaged and helped those in need. In addition, he began to develop spiritual education, Orthodox writing and schools. This undoubtedly had the most beneficial effect on society. Orthodoxy united people, made them righteous and, living according to the commandments of God, cleansed and freed them from the vices of that time.

The prince spent a lot of time in prayer and built many temples so that people would have a place to worship and turn to the Lord. All his activities were aimed at saving Orthodoxy, which was threatened in Constantinople. And Russia became exactly the place where the true faith found shelter, which has survived to this day.

And the Orthodox Church, despite all the hardships and concern for his well-being and pious life after baptism, canonized Vladimir as a saint and called him equal to the apostles.

Prayer 2*

Oh, great and glorious servant of God, God-chosen and God-glorified, Equal-to-the-Apostles to Prince Vladimir, holy and magnificent instrument of the all-good Providence for the salvation of the Russian people! You rejected pagan evil and wickedness, you believed in the One True Trinitarian God and, having received holy Baptism, you enlightened the country of Russia with the light of Divine faith and piety Iyskaya. Glorifying and thanking our Most Merciful Creator and Savior, we glorify and thank you, great shepherd and our Father, for through you we have known the saving faith of Christ and have been baptized in the Name of the Most Holy and the Most Divine Trinity, also by faith we have been delivered from the righteous condemnation of God, the eternal slavery of the devil and hell torment, by faith I received the grace of sonship with God and the hope of inheriting Heavenly bliss. You are our first leader to the Head and Finisher of our eternal salvation, the Lord Jesus Christ, you are the closest primate before the Throne of the King of Kings and a warm man of prayer and intercessor for the country ours and about all people, you are the primary culprit of the blessings and mercies of God resting on us . And what else are we talking about? Our language cannot describe the greatness and height of your good deeds poured out on us, unworthy. But, oh our foolishness and blindness! Having accepted so many good deeds, I impute them to nothing and take advantage of their saving fruits. Having washed ourselves from sin in the font of Baptism and put on the clothing of purity and innocence, we have desecrated this God-given clothing with our cold deeds and thoughts. Having renounced Satan and his angels, we again become enslaved to him, serving as the idol of our passions, the world, the flesh and the evil customs of the age. Having united with Christ, we offend Him with our iniquities, the manifold wounds of pride, envy, malice, slander, intemperance and contempt for the Holy Church. We cling entirely to worldly blessings, hoping to remain on earth forever; we do not think about Heaven, about souls, about death, about Judgment, about endless eternity. For this reason, we bring upon all of us the righteous wrath and condemnation of God, but we also insult and grieve your fatherly love and care for us, for you have enlightened us with holy Baptism, in order to help us to receive Heavenly bliss and earthly prosperity, but we, unreasonable ones, are evil By our will we subject ourselves to hellish torments and temporary disasters! But, O all-merciful Father and Enlightener, be merciful to our weaknesses, long-suffering towards our sins and untruths, beg the Most Merciful King of Heaven, may he not be very angry with us and destroy us with our iniquities, but may He have mercy and save us, which is the message destinies. May His saving fear plant His saving fear in our hearts, may our minds be enlightened by His grace, even as we see the abyss of destruction, we strive to leave the paths of wickedness and error, and turn to the path of salvation and truth, unswervingly fulfill the commandments of God and the statutes of the Holy Church. Pray, kindly, to the Lover of Mankind, may He show us His great mercy, may He deliver us from the invasion of foreigners, from internal unrest, riots and strife, from famine, deadly diseases and from all evil, may he give us the goodness of the air and the fruitfulness of the earth, may he preserve in those who judge and rule, righteousness and mercy, may He give spiritual shepherds integrity of life and zeal for the salvation of their flock, and may all people be zealous in fulfilling their duties, mutual love and united Lie, striving for the good of the fatherland and the Holy Church. May the light of saving faith spread throughout our country, to all ends of it, may it convert non-believers to faith, may it abolish all heresies and schisms, and, having lived in peace on earth, we will be blessed with you in faith great bliss, praising and exalting God forever and ever. Amen.

The role of Prince Vladimir in Orthodoxy and history

Prince Vladimir (960-1015) was the grandson of the holy princess Olga, the first Russian ruler to convert to Christianity during a visit to Constantinople. His father, Svyatoslav, contrary to his mother’s requests, did not abandon paganism and was tolerant of her religion. Mother, Malusha, was the daughter of the Drevlyan prince, the enemy of Princess Olga, and her slave. She accompanied Olga to Constantinople and also received baptism.

Svyatoslav took Malusha as his wife, despite her objections that this was an unequal marriage. Going on a campaign in 970, Svyatoslav divided his possessions between 3 sons. Vladimir was assigned to reign in Novgorod. After 8 years, Vladimir opposed his brother Yaropolk and captured Kyiv, becoming the sole ruler of the Kyiv state. Until the age of 27, the young prince professed paganism. But the Lord opened his eyes and mind to accept the true faith.

The Byzantine Emperor Constantine found himself in a difficult situation due to an attempted coup. He turned to Vladimir for military help. Vladimir put forward a condition - to marry Princess Anna to him. Byzantine emperors had never entered into marriage alliances with barbarian rulers before. An agreement was concluded according to which the Kiev prince sent a 6,000-strong army to help in exchange for the princess’s hand and baptism into Orthodoxy.

Vladimir suffered from an eye disease. After being baptized, he received his sight. The Christian name of the Grand Duke is Vasily. The wedding took place in the spring of 988 on Crimean soil, in ancient Chersonesos (Korsun).

In Anna's retinue was Metropolitan Michael, with the clergy and sacred relics. From here the cortege moved through Russian lands to Kyiv. Arriving in the capital, Vladimir announced that all Kiev residents should be baptized in the waters of the Dnieper, and whoever refuses will be his enemy. In memory of this significant event, an annual tradition was established on August 1 to perform a religious procession “to the water”.

The prince ordered the destruction of pagan temples everywhere and the construction of temples in their place. The Temple of Basil the Great was built on the site of worship of the pagan god Perun. At the site of the death of the Varangian saints, the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Tithe Church) was founded. The day of the consecration of the church (May 12), by his order, was included in the list of holiday church dates.

The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was designated as the financial center of Orthodoxy in Kievan Rus. The charter stated the mandatory deduction for the maintenance of Orthodox churches (the Most Holy Theotokos and the Savior):

• 1/10 of the prince's income;
• 1/10 of judicial proceeds;
• income from a trading operation every 10th week;
• 1/10 of the herd and wheat harvest from the laity.

Here a list of persons was determined who fell under the court of the metropolitan and were not subject to the jurisdiction of the prince.

During the reign of Saint Prince Vladimir, the following dioceses were opened:

• Novgorodskaya;
• Vladimir-Volynskaya;
• Chernigovskaya;
• Pereyaslavskaya;
• Belgorodskaya;
• Rostovskaya.

To establish the faith, literate people were required. For this purpose, parochial schools began to be opened at churches. The influence and authority of the Kyiv prince was so significant that the Greek faith was accepted by the rulers of the steppe nomads, representatives of the Varangian tribe. Vladimir was the first to establish the border of the state, ordering the construction of defensive fortresses on the eastern borders. The conversion of pagans to the Orthodox faith became one of the deterrents against raids.

The ruler of the Russian lands loved feasts. Having become a Christian, Vladimir did not abandon his custom, but began to time the feast to coincide with religious holidays. On these days, richly laid tables were set out for the laity on the street. Bells rang and choirs sang. On the day of the consecration of the Church of the Tithes, generous donations were made from the princely storerooms to the sick and poor.

In 1007, by order of the prince, the relics of his grandmother, Saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Olga, were transferred to the Tithe Church, and in 1011 - the remains of his wife, Anna. From 1010 until his death, Prince Vladimir fought against the Polish invaders who sought to unite the Eastern and Western Slavs under the auspices of Catholic Poland. The holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince was buried in the chapel of the Tithe Church, in a marble shrine, next to Anna.

During the reign of the holy Equal-to-the-Apostles ruler, the Slavic lands were united within established borders. The adoption of Christianity from Byzantium became fundamental for the state establishment of Rus', bordering on Catholic Poland and pagan nomadic tribes. His descendants continued to strengthen the state and Orthodoxy for 6 centuries.

The people nicknamed the Kyiv prince “Red Sun” for his concern for the poor and orphans, the construction of churches and schools, and mercy towards enemies. Under Vladimir, the first Russian chronicles were compiled. The veneration of the holy prince began soon after his death. Metropolitan Hilarion was the first to compare his activities with apostolic ministry. The veneration of Saint Vladimir, Equal to the Apostles, was established at the behest of Alexander Nevsky after his assistance in the victory over the crusaders on May 15, 1240.

Prayer 3*

How shall we praise you, most courageous among earthly rulers, Vladimir? How shall we give thanks to you, since by your knowledge of the Lord and the flattery of idols is abundant, since by your command Christ is glorified throughout the whole earth? How did you believe? How did you seek Christ? Tell us, your servants, where can I smell the stench of the Holy Spirit from? You have not seen Christ, nor walked on Him, how will you become His disciple? You have not seen the apostle come to your land, you have not seen driving out demons in the Name of Christ, healing the sick, raising the dead. Wonderful miracle! And you, the king and ruler, seeing all this, being a man from the saints, did not believe, but rather betrayed them to passion and torment, but you, O blessed one, without seeing or hearing all these, you flowed to Christ, your mind ev, for there is One The Creator, invisible and visible, Heavenly and earthly, sent His beloved Son into the world for our salvation. And having thought this, you entered the holy font. And now, a thousand years have passed since the Baptism of Russia, look upon your land and see your children. See your people, how they live, how they preserve the essence of the Lord, how they keep their faith according to your tradition, how they glorify Christ, how they worship His Name. See and cities, shining with majesty, see churches blooming, see Christianity growing, see and your city Kiev, such saints of God, resting in incorruption, shining, and fragrant with incense, and we announce the praises and divine songs of the saints. And having seen all this, rejoice and be glad and praise the Good God, the Builder of all. Seeing that your faithful sowing through your intercession and intercession was not quickly dried up by the heat of unbelief, but by the rain of God’s haste it was disposed to become abundantly fruitful, rejoice in spirit, in the rulers of the apostle, not me He raised us dead in body, but raised us in soul, the dead! Rejoice, our comforter and teacher of good faith! You are, O honorable head, a garment for the naked, a feeder for the greedy, cooling the womb for those who thirst, a helper for widows, a resting place for the strange, a protector for the offended, an enrichment for the poor. With this good deed in Heaven, receiving retribution and seeing the sweet face of God, satiated, do not cease praying for your land and for your children, in whom the dominion is trustworthy, may the rightful one be glorified in our land Rie and may the Lord not forsake us, even if we still wander, so much century has passed, and we are still sinning against our Lord and Master, like a newly purchased slave, displeasing our master in everything. We raise our hands to you and pray to you: pray to the Lord of all, that he may extend, as long as peace endures, His mercy upon our fatherland and upon His people, driving away the military, establishing peace, and gladness. Zaya, scattering cities, growing Your Church, preserving Your heritage, men , saving both wives and babies, and bearing His mercy, in the unity of faith, together we joyfully and joyfully glorify our Lord Jesus Christ, with the Father and with the Most Holy Spirit, the Indivisible Trinity Monodivine, reigning in Heaven and on earth, now and forever, and forever and ever. Amen.

Troparion, prayer, akathist, canon

Troparion, tone 4

You were likened to a merchant looking for good beads, / glorious Vladimir, / at the height of the table of the mother of the city, / God-saved Kiev: / testing and sending to the Royal City / to discover the Orthodox faith, / you found a priceless bead - Christ, / who chose you, as the second Paul,/ and shook off blindness in the holy font,/ spiritual, together and physical./ In the same way, we celebrate your dormition,/ your people, // pray for the salvation of your Russian power, the ruler and the multitude of those who rule.

Kontakion, tone 8

Having been likened to the great Apostle Paul in Seduna, the all-glorious Vladimir, / like all childish wisdom, having abandoned the care of idols, / like a perfect man, you were adorned with the scarlet of Divine Baptism: / and now I stand before the Savior Christ in joy, / pray for the salvation of the Russian powers, the ruler and to many owners.

Greatness

We magnify, we magnify you,/ the holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Great Prince Vladimir,/ and we honor your holy memory,/ who trampled down idols // and who enlightened the entire Russian land with Holy Baptism.

Kontakion 1

We praise you, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir, the chosen lamp, who has driven away the darkness of idolatry in the Russian Empire and who has illuminated it with the light of Divine faith: as you stand with boldness before the King of those who reign, do not cease praying for your inheritance and with your prayers preserve us from all troubles and evils , and with tenderness and gratitude we call to you: Rejoice, Vladimir, Russian powers to the enlightener.

Ikos 1

An angel and a man, the Creator, who set times and seasons in His power and arranging the destinies of states and peoples, when He deigned to call the Russian race from the darkness of idolatry to the light of truth and eternal righteousness, appointed you, the noble prince, the evangelist and accomplisher of the all-good will of His. Moreover, giving thanks to our Creator and Savior, we glorify you, as the great chosen one of God for the sake of our salvation, calling with joy: Rejoice, equal to the apostles, chosen by wise providence for the enlightenment of the Russian people; Rejoice, prophesied by the first-called apostle on the mountains of Kyiv. Rejoice, glorious vessel of Divine grace bestowed upon your power; Rejoice, wonderful root, from the worthlessness of our land the great tree of orthodoxy has grown. Rejoice, for through you the name of the Lord is glorified throughout all the borders of your country; Rejoice, for your glorious name is sung with love from all Russian generations. Rejoice, Vladimir, Russian enlightenment powers.

Kontakion 2

Seeing the vanity of soulless idols and the charm of the devil, it also catches dark people in the net of iniquity, and also hearing the holy Russian first martyr for Christ Theodore and the young John, speaking to the godless tormentor: “Your gods are not gods, but the tree that remains every day is rotten, There is only one true God, Who created heaven and earth”; Then you were kindled in your heart to seek and lead this One true God, to Him every tribe of heaven, earth and hell worships, silently chanting: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

The Almighty Mind overshadowed you, when you were presented with preachers of different faiths, and you strived so that you would not be caught in the net of false teaching, but may find the true and saving faith. In the same way, we please you: Rejoice, all-wise enlightener of the Russian people; Rejoice, God-enlightened, acquisitive mind. Rejoice, for you have put to shame the tricks and vanity of false teachers; Rejoice, for you have understood the words of eternal life in the words of the true Sage. Rejoice, ray of Divine light in the midst of the darkness of false faith; Rejoice, unbreakable wall in the midst of the storm of pagan passions. Rejoice, Vladimir, Russian enlightenment powers.

Kontakion 3

Being wise by the power from above, you sent chosen men to other countries, so that they could see and experience how other people serve God and how they show their faith by their deeds; These, having experienced all the good things, reached Constantinople, where they saw the magnificent performance of the Divine sacred rite, thinking that they were standing not on earth, but in Heaven, and with tenderness of heart they praised the Lord, calling: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Having in their hearts a firm assurance that the Greek-Eastern faith is truly Orthodox and that its sacred rites are more magnificent than all others, the men sent by you, having returned to their Fatherland, confessed this before your face and before your elders, saying: “No one, having tasted the sweet, The bitter one will delight, so we cannot remain here and serve as an idol.” Having received such a notice, you were kindled with zeal for the truer faith. For this reason we magnify you: Rejoice, diligently listening to the voice of Divine grace; Rejoice in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, diligently following. Rejoice, for you have made your advisers wise; Rejoice, for with your advice you have attracted all your people to the true faith. Rejoice, for you have diligently searched for the good bead of Christ; Rejoice, industrious bee, wisely seeking flowers, in them is the sweet honey of truth and salvation. Rejoice, Vladimir, Russian enlightenment powers.

Kontakion 4

You were not shaken by the storm of doubts and bewilderments, always leading you to the true, Orthodox faith, but you desired to receive holy Baptism with all your power, and together with it, like a father with his children, you worthy to sing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Having heard the bolyars and elders about the true faith, they remembered your forefather, the holy princess Olga, who had received holy Baptism in Constantinople, and said: “If this faith had not been good, this wisest one would not have received it among women.” In the same way, we, always remembering the wise Olga, gratefully call to you: Rejoice, for you have kept the Divine seed, which is all in your heart, your blessed foremother; Rejoice, for you followed that holy covenant. Rejoice, for you foresaw in it the dawn of the salvation of your people; Rejoice, sun, who rose at that dawn. Rejoice, light, thy enlightening elders; Rejoice, you have brought all your people to Christ. Rejoice, Vladimir, Russian enlightenment powers.

Kontakion 5

Having desired to receive the richly woven robe of Holy Baptism, you thought about where and how to have such a host of shepherds and teachers, so that all your people may enlighten you with you, and how to give yourself a wife, tested in the holy faith, a good builder of your house, a mother of your children in Christ , an adviser to everyone in piety, and jealous of everyone about this, your spirit led you to the land of the Greeks, where the faithful from ancient years piously sang to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Having seen the king of Greece, I have reduced your entire country in the darkness of idolatry, neglecting you, as if serving as an idol, but having already been defeated by you, and having seen your strong will to accept holy Baptism and bring all your people to Christ, being filled with joy and giving you your sister Anna for marriage , and shepherds and teachers of your people. In the same way, we, ever rejoicing in this holy union of yours, sing to you: Rejoice, for the East has visited you from above; Rejoice, for the star of the Most High led you to the East, where Wisdom created a home for itself and established seven pillars, seven Ecumenical Councils, which established the faith of Christ throughout the universe. Rejoice, for this is the apostolic faith, this faith has established the entire universe; Rejoice, for you received the pure teaching of Christ from a pure source. Rejoice, good steward of your home and your children; Rejoice, wise teacher of all your people. Rejoice, Vladimir, Russian enlightenment powers.

Kontakion 6

Shepherds and teachers, whom you have received, O most praiseworthy prince, from the kings of the Greeks, so that the whole Russian country will be filled with Divine teachings, with diligence in your work, singing in gratitude to Him who called your people to salvation to the Lord God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

A most wonderfully sensual light appeared in your eyes, darkened by the disease of blindness, and the light of grace shone in your soul, when, enlightened by Divine Baptism, you came out of the holy font, feeling it, you joyfully exclaimed: “Now I have come to know the true God.” In the same way we bless you: Rejoice, lamp, kindled by the fire of Divine grace in the darkness of paganism; Rejoice, evangelist of the light of Christ, opening the darkened eyes and hearts of your people. Rejoice, for through your intelligent eyes you have foreseen God's vision for your dominion; Rejoice, for you have persevered to the end, so that all your people will be enlightened in it. Rejoice, God-blessed head of the Russian princes; Rejoice, most glorious adornment and praise to the Church of Christ. Rejoice, Vladimir, Russian enlightenment powers.

Kontakion 7

Although you would enlighten the Russian people with Divine Baptism, you first commanded that your sons and nobles be baptized, so that all people, following in their footsteps, with good will, would approach holy Baptism, piously calling out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

A new creation in Christ, reveal to you, after holy baptism, the image of your life: you were zealous, having been first of idolatry, and after all, you were zealous for the faith of Christ: you loved meekness and mercy, abstinence and chastity, and all living according to the commandments of the Lord. Marveling at this good change, we piously call to you: Rejoice, for you have quenched the flame of passions in yourself with the dew of the Holy Spirit; Rejoice, for you have warmed all your thoughts and all your feelings with the fire of Divine grace. Rejoice, villages of the Lord, holy churches, beloved of all earthly villages; Rejoice, thou who seekest the Divine service and the teachings of Christ above all deeds and teachings. Rejoice, you who showed the image of the New Life to all your people; Rejoice, good feeder and caretaker of the orphaned and wretched. Rejoice, Vladimir, Russian enlightenment powers.

Kontakion 8

It was a strange, but also joyful vision, when a multitude of husbands and wives, young men and virgins, even gentle babies flowed with joy to the river Dnieper, as if to the Jordan, where I was baptized in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, the priest on the breeze lifting up the mysteries prayers and hymns to the Lord: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

You were all enveloped in indescribable joy, venerable prince, your people were baptized in vain, and in the tenderness of your heart, having given praise to the Savior God, you fervently prayed to Him that He would look upon His newly enlightened people, that He might strengthen them in faith and piety, and that He might glorify His name in Russian countries. Remembering this glorious and joyful event, we bring you these songs of gratitude and praise: Rejoice, author of the salvation of countless souls in the lands of Russia; Rejoice, inexhaustible source of God’s blessings and mercies to your people. Rejoice, good gardener, planting the garden of Divine faith in your kingdom; Rejoice, flowing with sweets, giving the Russian people water to drink of piety. Rejoice, for thou hast glorified the Divine faith, and thou hast put to shame the deception of idols; Rejoice, for the King of kings has given you the wisdom of Solomon, the meekness of David, the zeal of Elias, the orthodoxy of the apostles. Rejoice, Vladimir, Russian enlightenment powers.

Kontakion 9

All the nature of the Angels, the guardians of the human race, glorified you, blessed prince, when you commanded their father and mother to instruct their children in book teaching, so that they would understand what they believe, and may they know how to live their good life according to faith. Even now, look upon the children who are learning from the Divine Scripture, and on their fathers and mothers, the shepherds and teachers who help them in their studies, bless, strengthen and instruct them in their labors, so that they may grow in true faith and in good living, singing to God : Hallelujah.

Ikos 9

The branches of multi-proclamation cannot adequately depict the greatness of the benefits bestowed by you, prince, on your land: having established Divine faith in it, you delivered it from pagan darkness and eternal destruction, you opened the path to true enlightenment, to salvation and earthly prosperity. For this reason, with thanksgiving, we piously call upon you: Rejoice, to the founder of the power and glory of the Russian state; Rejoice, instiller of true enlightenment and piety in her. Rejoice, destroyer of pagan superstitions and evil customs among your people; Rejoice, consumer of idolatry and idols. Rejoice, creator of holy temples; Rejoice, equal equal to the Apostles Tsar Constantine. Rejoice, Vladimir, Russian enlightenment powers.

Kontakion 10

To save your kingdom, which was perishing in the abyss of idolatry, from eternal destruction, you undertook great labors and cares, going around the cities and villages of your land and sending spiritual shepherds everywhere, to enlighten your people with Divine faith and holy Baptism, and teach them to sing to the One True God : Hallelujah.

Ikos 10

You have been a strong wall of your land all the days of your life against its enemies and the cause of its prosperity and glory; be now an invincible protector from enemies visible and invisible and a helper in our needs and sorrows, who cry out to you with love: Rejoice, most caring shepherd of the Russian people; Rejoice, most merciful father of the orphans and the suffering. Rejoice, ready to hasten those who seek eternal salvation and true enlightenment; Rejoice, glory and joy of the Russian state. Rejoice, ever-present helper in the difficult task of governing the people; Rejoice, powerful companion in the battle of the Russian army and its leaders. Rejoice, Vladimir, Russian enlightenment powers.

Kontakion 11

Receive tender singing from us, saint of God, crush with your prayers all our enemies, plant the Orthodox faith among the language of the Russian country, who do not know the true God, eradicate all heresies and schisms in it, so that all the sons of Russia glorify God with one mouth and one heart, singing To him: Hallelujah.

Ikos 11

A luminous luminary, illuminating with your radiance the entire Russian country, you are, most praiseworthy Prince Vladimir, dispelling the darkness of idolatry and showing the path to true enlightenment and heavenly bliss. For this reason, glorifying you, we say: Rejoice, star, enlightened by the never-setting Sun of Truth; Rejoice, guide, who has opened for us the right path to eternal salvation. Rejoice, powerful promoter and strengthener of preachers of the Orthodox faith; Rejoice, thou art patron of good teachers of youth and all those who labor for the common good. Rejoice, quick helper of all who resort to your help; Rejoice, for you give beneficial advice to all who diligently honor you. Rejoice, Vladimir, Russian enlightenment powers.

Kontakion 12

Ask for the grace of the Most Holy Spirit for us, our most kind shepherd, from the all-generous God and our Savior, admonishing and strengthening us in the work of salvation, so that the holy faith planted in us by you will not be fruitless, but so that, deviating from the paths of wickedness and error, we walk in the light of God’s commandments and we will achieve eternal bliss by singing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing your many and glorious good deeds, revealed to our state in the enlightenment of that light of the Divine faith, coupled with the greatness of your labors and exploits, for the improvement of its well-being, we earnestly thank and praise you, calling with love: Rejoice, God-chosen and God-glorified autocrat of the Russian land; Rejoice, her indestructible fence, protection and protection. Rejoice, tree of paradise, which grew two wonderful branches, the holy passion-bearers Boris and Gleb; Rejoice, primate of the saints of the Russian Church. Rejoice, co-throne of the apostles and mercenary; Rejoice, for you have looked upon the Russian land and interceded with the Lord for its temporal and eternal blessings. Rejoice, Vladimir, Russian enlightenment powers.

Kontakion 13

O most praiseworthy and admirable Equal-to-the-Apostle, Great Prince Vladimir, graciously accept from us this thanksgiving for all, which the Lord has given to us, our father and forefather and the entire Russian state, from the day of Baptism even to this hour, and pray to the all-good God to add His mercy for us and for the generations of our generations, to establish us in orthodoxy and piety, and to keep us from all troubles and evils, so that we may be worthy with you, like children with our father, to sing to God forever: Alleluia.

This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos “By Angel and Man the Creator...” and the 1st kontakion of “The Chosen Lamp...”.

Prayer

O great servant of God, God-chosen and God-glorified, equal to the apostles Prince Vladimir! You rejected pagan evil and wickedness, you believed in the One True Trinitarian God and, having received holy Baptism, you enlightened the entire Russian country with the light of Divine faith and piety. Glorifying and giving thanks to our most merciful Creator and Savior, we glorify, thank you, our Enlightener and Father, for by you we have known the saving faith of Christ and have been baptized in the name of the Most Holy and Divine Trinity: by that faith we have been delivered from the righteous condemnation of God, the eternal slavery of the devil and the torment of hell ; By that faith I received the grace of sonship with God and the hope of inheriting heavenly bliss. You are our first leader to the Author and Finisher of our eternal salvation, the Lord Jesus Christ; You are a warm prayer book and intercessor for the Russian country, for the army and for all people. Our language cannot depict the greatness and height of the blessings you poured out on our land, on our fathers and forefathers and on us, unworthy. O all-merciful father and our enlightener! Look at our weaknesses and beg the most merciful King of Heaven, may He not be very angry with us, as through our infirmities we sin all day long, may He not destroy us with our iniquities, but may He have mercy and save us, by His mercy, may He plant us in our hearts May His saving fear enlighten our minds with His grace, so that we understand the ways of the Lord, leave the paths of wickedness and error, and strive in the paths of salvation and truth, the unwavering fulfillment of the commandments of God and the statutes of the Holy Church. Pray, O merciful One, to the Lord, Lover of Mankind, to add His great mercy to us, to deliver us from the invasion of foreigners, from internal disorder, rebellion and strife, from famine, deadly diseases and from all evil; May He grant us the goodness of the air and the fruitfulness of the earth; May our most pious people preserve and save from all the snares and slander of the enemy; may he grant him victory over his enemies, may all his good wishes be fulfilled; may he protect his empire with wise and faithful servants, may he preserve truth and mercy in judges and rulers; May shepherds give zeal for the salvation of their flock, and may all people have the haste to diligently correct their services, have love among themselves and like-mindedness, and strive faithfully for the good of the Fatherland and the Holy Church, so that the light of saving faith may shine in our country at all ends of it, yes unbelievers will turn to faith, so that all heresies and schisms will be abolished; Yes, having lived in peace on earth, we will be worthy of eternal bliss with you, praising and exalting God forever and ever. Amen.

Troparion to Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir Troparion, tone 4

You became like a merchant looking for good beads, glorious Vladimir, sitting at the height of the table, the mother of the cities, God-saved Kiev, testing and sending to the royal city to lead away the Orthodox faith, and you found a priceless bead, Christ, who chose you, like the second Paul, and shook off blindness in the holy font, both spiritual and physical. In the same way, we celebrate your dormition, your people: pray for the salvation of your Russian ruler, the Christ-loving Orthodox people, to be saved.

Troparion, tone 1

As the leader of Baptism and the root of the Divine faith, the destroyer of idols, blessed Prince Vasily Equal to the Apostles, we cry out to you: glory to Christ God who admonished you, glory to Him who sanctified you with His Baptism, glory to Him who enlightened the whole Russian country with you.

Troparion, tone 8

The teacher of orthodoxy and the enlightener of all Rus', the pious Grand Duke Vladimir, you enlightened everyone with Holy Baptism and you adorned many glorious churches, O wise Vasily, pray to Christ God for the salvation of our souls.

Kontakion, tone 8

Having resembled the great Apostle Paul, in gray hairs, the all-glorious Vladimir, all, like a child, having abandoned all care for idols, like a perfect man, you were adorned with divine baptism with scarlet: and now I stand before the Savior Christ in joy, pray to be saved by the ruler of the Russian power and the multitude of those who rule.

Kontakion, tone 8

To the eminent commander and true believer, all of Rus', Vasily, will write thanks to you, having you as a leader and protector, as if you had delivered us from all filth and flattery, so we cry out to you: Rejoice, blessed great prince Vladimir.

Kontakion, tone 4

You have rejected the charm of your father, idols like vanity, and you have come to know Christ, all the true God, King and Benefactor. In the same way, there are people who have been greatly appreciated by the One whom You enlightened with Holy Baptism, O most glorious Vladimir. For this reason, we honor you, as a servant of the Trinity, pray to Christ to grant us great mercy.

Greatness

We magnify you, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Great Prince Vladimir, and honor your holy memory, who trampled down idols and enlightened the entire Russian land with Holy Baptism.

Canon to Saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir

CANON, tone 8

Song 1

Irmos: The insect was cut off, and the sun saw the earth, no longer visible; The waters will flood the fierce enemy, and Israel will pass through the impassable. The song was sung: We will sing to the Lord, gloriously we will be glorified.

Chorus: Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duke Vladimir, pray to God for us.

The co-originating Word of God, Who was the Creator of ancient times with the four elements, and who created the whole world with them, release my soul bound by passions, so that I may sing in rejoicing to the glorious Prince Vasily.

Glory: Having descended from above, O Master, immaterially onto the spiritual mountain, sending from above to the souls asking for abundant grace from You, deservedly praised the wonderful Prince Vasily.

And now: Praise be to mothers and virgins, O Lady, who gave birth to the life of the Creator of the world, but you did not feel maternal illnesses, but you were Mother and the Virgin remained. We also praise Thee, rejoice, we cry out to Thee.

Song 3

Irmos: My heart is established in the Lord, my horn is exalted in God my Savior, my mouth is enlarged against my enemies, I rejoice in Your salvation.

Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duke Vladimir, pray to God for us.

Like a trumpet of God, shout your blessed, spiritual tongue, proclaiming to the whole end of the Russian earth Christ's orthodox Baptism, by which you were enlightened, you enlightened the whole world.

Glory: Your glorious memory shines today, Vasily, even as people celebrate the names of Christ, praising your forefather, whom you brought to the light of reason.

And now: The shadow of the law has passed by Your Nativity, O Mother of God, grace has come, the Father to the Word of Christ our God: Having known Him, the glorious prince has brightly decorated your church.

Lord, have mercy (three times).

Sedalen, voice 2

In your prayers, always watch with a joyful soul, Vasily, for this reason you have drawn the Spirit of wisdom from a source descending from above. Thus, by faith, shining like the sun, praying to Christ unceasingly, hasten the Generous One, and strive to save the world from sins.

Glory even now: To the Blessed Pure Mother of God, Who without seed gave birth to all the Lord, Pray to Him with the Angels to deliver us from all bewilderment, and to give tenderness and light to our souls, and purification of sins, Who alone will soon intercede.

Song 4

Irmos: The prophet Habakkuk, with wise eyes, saw Thy coming, O Lord, and therefore cried out: God will come from the south. Glory to Your power, glory to Your condescension.

Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duke Vladimir, pray to God for us.

It was light and sweet in the cloud with which the heavenly sun was covered; spring was cheerful and joyful after winter’s sorrow: but you, in the cloud of idolatrous darkness, through Baptism, like a bright sun, you shone for us, Vasily.

Glory: Paul the Pharisee came to Damascus, blinded by the small shine of the great light, but was enlightened by Baptism: to whom you were like, glorious, you came to Korsun and drove away the darkness.

And now: You appeared, O Virgin, a root without water, a vegetative remission, a luminous fruit, giving birth to Christ our God: enlighten my soul, decrepit with passions, and ask for remission of sins.

Song 5

Irmos: Lord our God, give us peace, Lord our God, gain us, Lord, do You know no other, We call Your name.

Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duke Vladimir, pray to God for us.

Rejoice and rejoice in spirit, Tsar Vasily of Russia, for you brought a fair number of God-given branches to Christ, Your God-produced fruit, the glorious Boris, and the pious Gleb: with them, standing before Christ, pray for us.

Glory: The wondrous prophecy of Isaiah against Jerusalem: The mountain of the Lord will appear, and the house will be on the top of the mountains. The grace of the Spirit is more righteous on you: you have created a house for the Master on the top of the mountains.

And now: The wonderful Isaiah preaches about you by the Spirit, a virgin who wants to give birth to Christ without a seed: David, your great-grandfather, wondrously proclaimed your majesty: for you have saved us, as you are merciful.

Song 6

Irmos: Like the waters of the sea, more humane, I am overwhelmed by the waves of life. In the same way, like Jonah, I cry to You: lift up my belly from aphids, O most gracious Lord.

Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duke Vladimir, pray to God for us.

You were a zealot of piety for the glorious Tsar Constantine, Vasily, who enlightened the Hellenic race with Baptism: but you refreshed your people with spiritual bathing.

Glory: Having sweetened the soul of Christ with the love of Christ, and the rational reception of the krill, you flew away from the idolatrous darkness, and you dispersed the darkness of evil, blessedly, you dwelled in the Palace of God, the Savior of all.

And now: The Russian Church is blessed today, and gather the faithful in commemoration, in memory of the blessed Basil, blessed by your seedless Nativity, O Virgin, and diligently praying to your Son they call: We magnify you.

Lord, have mercy (three times). Glory, and now:

Kontakion, tone 8

Having resembled the great Apostle Paul in his gray hairs, the all-glorious Vladimir, who, like a child, abandoned all care for idols, like a perfect man, adorned himself with the scarlet color of Divine Baptism: and now I stand before the Savior Christ in joy, pray that the ruler of the Russian state and the multitude of those who rule will be saved.

Ikos

Having enlightened ancient Israel with the Mosaic Law, you enlightened the world with the manifestation of your coming, O Christ God, you sent your God-accepted disciples to preach throughout the countries, even from the Virgin, your seedless birth: and you commanded them to baptize, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Having seen the Russian country decayed by sin, You sent Your Spirit, into the strong-minded soul of the glorious Vladimir, to let You know the One Christ God of the Trinity, and with Your Baptism to enlighten Your chosen ones, and the people entrusted to Him by You, and to bring to You those who cry out in faith: deliver Your property from the opposing bastards, Russian bosses, and many rulers.

Song 7

Irmos: The Chaldean caves extinguished the all-destructive power in the image of the Angel who descended, and cried out to the Creator of the youth: Blessed and praiseworthy art thou, O God of our father.

Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duke Vladimir, pray to God for us.

The forefathers of the God-worn garments of the enemy, the murderer, uncovered: Jesus, the beginningless, appeared in the flesh, having purified the Spirit with water, and again gave it to me, having come to know Him, glorious to Vladimir, crying joyfully: Blessed is God our father.

Glory: Having preserved the law of Moses, Daniel was vouchsafed the vision of God: but you trampled down the idols of your forefathers, not as in darkness, but in greater glory, you intelligently saw Christ with the Father and the Spirit, enlightened by Baptism, crying with joy: blessed is God our father.

And now: Divine nakedness of the garments, the enemy deceiving Thy pristine great-grandfather, O Virgin, from Thy side, pure and unadulterated, my Sweet Savior Jesus came: He flowed against the Worthless One like Adam, but was likened to God, and was crushed by the cruelty. We call to Your Son: Blessed be God our father.

Song 8

Irmos: Cover with Your sublime waters, set the sea as a limit with sand and support everything, The sun sings of You, the moon glorifies You, All creation brings song to You, as the Creator of all forever.

Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duke Vladimir, pray to God for us.

The race of the righteous will be blessed, Divine words from the mouth will come true on you, blessed one: you brought holy and God-chosen seed to Christ, invincible martyrs, with your image you enlightened the Russian land. And praising them with you, we extol Christ forever.

Glory: Mother of all cities truly, the city of your kingdom was Kiev, in which Christ was first glorified with the Father and the Spirit, by your primordial matter and by you, blessed one: where your courageous body lies bright in the Church of the Lady: we your people sing in praise of Christ forever.

And now: The beginningless radiance and the Word of the Father, preaching the voices of prophecy without falsehood, from You who wants to be born without aphids, Emmanuel, God and man, a strong aspiration of tongues: To Him, like Mother, pray to us to be saved.

Song 9

Irmos: The heavens were horrified at this, and the ends of the earth were amazed, for God had appeared as a carnal man, and Your womb was more spacious than the heavens. Thus the Mother of God, the Angels and the people of the ranks magnify Thee.

Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duke Vladimir, pray to God for us.

David was first found to be a sovereign king to Israel, and he saved the people, having cast down foreign gods, preaching by the Spirit of God the Son of God: you have known God in the Trinity, blessed Basil, Whom we magnify.

Glory: May your memory joyfully triumph today, magnificently in the Church of God's Mother, God's chosen people, whom you have kindly decorated, in eternal memory of your repose, the earthly sky: resting in it, you await the all-terrible trumpets of the archangels, blessed one. Thus we magnify you forever.

And now: We inflame all of you with the Divine Spirit, we bless You with love, Mother of God: for you have destroyed your oath to your foremother. We diligently sing the Word of God: Whom didst thou bear without burning in thy womb in the flesh. Pray to the Unmanly One to deliver Your faithful flock from all need and sorrow.

Prayer 4

Oh, great saint of God, equal to the apostles to Prince Vladimir! Look at our weaknesses and beg the Most Merciful King of Heaven, may he not be angry with us and may he not destroy us with our iniquities, but may he have mercy and save us by His mercy, may He plant us in our hearts repentance and the saving fear of God, may He enlighten with His grace Our mind is to leave us the paths of wickedness and turn to the path of salvation, and unswervingly follow the commandments of God and observe the statutes of the Holy Church. Pray, kindly, to the Lover of Mankind, may He show us His great mercy: may He deliver us from deadly diseases and from all evil, may He preserve and save the servants of God (names) from all the snares and slander of the enemy and may we all be granted eternal bliss with you, praising and exalting God forever and ever. Amen.

How do prayers to a saint help?

People offer prayers to Prince Vladimir, Equal to the Apostles, for the salvation of the Fatherland, so that God would send the rulers and authorities reason and strength, a good attitude aimed at the well-being of the people. In addition, remembering that it was Vladimir who led the country to Orthodoxy, they pray for the conversion of people to the faith, for liberation from vices and sin.

People suffering from eye diseases remember what miracle happened to the prince after his baptism, and pray to him for help in treating their illness.