Boris
(? - 1015) and Gleb (? - 1015) are saints of the Russian Orthodox Church.
They were the sons of the Kievan Grand Duke Vladimir (? -1015), who adopted
Christianity and made it the official religion of Kievan Rus. Vladimir
had 12 sons by different wives. Boris and Gleb were the sons of a Bulgarian
princess. Vladimir put all his 12 sons at the head of different princedoms.
Boris ruled in Rostov and Gleb in Murom.
After Vladimir's death, one of the elder and the most energetic son,
Svyatopolk (980-1019), captured power in Kiev to become the Grand Duke.
Neither Boris, nor the younger Gleb, objected, but unfortunately for them
they were very popular among the population, especially Boris, a gifted
military commander. On the other hand, Svaytopolk, with his decision to
adopt Catholicism and change the Russian Church from Byzantine to Roman
subordination, stirred displeasure of many influential people of the time.
Treacherously Svyatopolk killed both brothers. The legends about the miracles,
which took place on their tomb, were spread all over the country by the
adherents of the Orthodox Church.
Boris and Gleb were canonized in 1071, and their feast day is 2 (15)
May. They are very popular saints in Russia, where many Churches are built
in their names. Their cult was especially popular during the period of
the Mongol rule in Russia. Many people correctly saw the main reason
of Russia's humiliation and military weakness in multiple internal wars
of her princes. Boris and Gleb became the symbol of Russia, the innocent
victims of such wars; their names were used by the Church in propaganda
to unite the princes in the fight against the foreign occupation.
See: Russian Icon. Saints
Boris and Gleb. Saints Boris and
Gleb. Saints Boris and Gleb with
Scenes from Their Lives.
Contact/Submit
theNSAisWATCHIN
News Monster
Images Archive
News Monster Archive
The Frances Farmers Revenge Web
Portal