Saint Vladimir

Icon made on natural linden wood with water-gilding technique. After the thermal treatment, the wood was gilded with 22K gold leaf, in accordance with traditional Byzantine techniques. The icon has been painted with egg tempera for a higher quality and durability of the colors.

Saint Vladimir

St. Vladimir, or Vladimir the Great, was the Prince of Novgorod and Grand Prince of Kiev, under whom the Christianization of Kievan Rus' took place. Born around 958, Vladimir was the illegitimate and youngest son of Sviatoslav I of Kiev by his housekeeper, Malusha.

Vladimir ruled for 35 years, from 980 to 1015. In the early years of his reign, he was an idolater, known for his cruel character and inflexibility. He had a harem of numerous women, with whom he fathered 12 sons and 11 daughters.

During his reign, Vladimir entered into treaties with neighboring peoples such as the Turks, Bulgars, and Pechenegs, achieving relative peace that helped him reorganize the state. Using river routes, he promoted trade. Prince Vladimir became a worthy and authoritative leader, known for his intelligence and, in addition to victorious wars, for developing diplomacy.

Vladimir became the inspirer and initiator of the religious reform of his principality, leading the transition from paganism to Christianity. He married the sister of the Byzantine Emperor Basil II, Princess Anna, thereby strengthening his ties with the empire. Since then, Vladimir led a pious and righteous life. He destroyed all idolatrous sanctuaries and strengthened the Christian Church throughout his principality.

Vladimir passed away in Novgorod in 1015. His eldest son, Svyatopolk, succeeded him on the throne. Having recognized his invaluable merits in the Christianization of Rus', the Church venerated Vladimir as saint with the title of "equal-to-apostles". His memory is celebrated on July 15 (28).