В православном календаре есть дата, которую можно назвать днём рождения русской веры. 28 мая (15 мая по старому стилю) — день памяти святого равноапостольного князя Владимира. Того самого, кто крестил Русь. Но в истории он остался под двумя именами: Владимир (в крещении — Василий). Почему два? И почему князь стал святым, ведь он был грешником, убийцей, многожёнцем? Давайте разбираться. История сложная, но важная.

Владимир до крещения: Красное солнышко или язычник

Князь Владимир Святославич родился около 960 года. Он был сыном князя Святослава и ключницы Малуши (наложницы). Незаконнорожденный, но амбициозный. После смерти отца он правил в Новгороде, потом захватил Киев, убив брата Ярополка. Стал единодержавным князем Руси.

Первые годы правления были жестокими. Владимир поклонялся языческим богам. Поставил на холме в Киеве идолы Перуна, Хорса, Даждьбога. Приносил человеческие жертвы. Имел несколько жён и сотни наложниц. Воевал с соседями, расширял границы. Летописи называют его «Владимир-грешник».

Но он был умным правителем. Понимал, что язычество разъединяет племена. Для сильного государства нужна единая вера. И он начал поиск.

Выбор веры: легенда и реальность

Летопись рассказывает: Владимир отправил послов в разные страны. В Волжскую Булгарию (ислам) — там отказались от вина, но князь сказал: «Руси есть веселие». В Хазарию (иудаизм) — не понравилось, что евреи потеряли своё государство. В Германию (католичество) — не впечатлило.

А в Константинополе (православие) послы попали в храм Святой Софии. Увидели красоту богослужения и решили: «Мы не знали, где мы — на небе или на земле». Этот момент стал переломным.

В 987 году Владимир захватил византийский город Корсунь (Херсонес) и потребовал в жёны сестру императора Анну. Те согласились, но с условием: он должен креститься. Владимир согласился. Был крещён в Корсуни, принял имя Василий (в честь святого Василия Великого).

Историки спорят, было ли насильственное крещение. Скорее всего, нет. Но язычников ломали через колено.

Крещение Руси: как это было

Вернувшись в Киев, Владимир приказал уничтожить языческих идолов. Перуна сбросили в Днепр. Затем назначил день крещения киевлян — 988 год. Людей загнали в воду, священники из Византии читали молитвы. По легенде, многие плакали, но не сопротивлялись. Летопись пишет: «По всей земле Русской начали строиться церкви».

Народ сопротивлялся. В Новгороде крестили «огнём и мечом». Дружинники загоняли людей в Волхов, тех, кто не шёл, били. В других городах тоже не обошлось без жертв. Но в целом Владимир действовал разумно: не казнил упёртых язычников, а уговаривал. В конце концов, Русь стала православной.

За это Владимира позже назвали «равноапостольным» — то есть равным апостолам, которые просвещали народы. Such saints are few: Mary Magdalene, Constantine the Great, Nicholas of Japan.

Почему Владимир стал святым

He was canonized in the 13th century, not immediately. Arguments: he baptized Russia, founded churches, attracted Byzantine teachers, introduced the Slavic alphabet (Cyrillic), built schools, distributed alms, abolished the death penalty. After his baptism, he changed personally: he left his concubines, helped the poor, every Sunday he held feasts for the destitute.

Chronicles tell: «Vladimir lived in fear of God, performed almsgiving, built churches». He was called the "Red Sun" — not for beauty, but for kindness. He died in 1015, buried in the Dесятинной church in Kiev (destroyed in 1936, relics lost).

Critics say: he was a cruel pagan and murderer. The Church responds: he repented. Repentance atoned for his sins. For Orthodoxy, this is important.

Memory 28 May: how to celebrate

28 May is not a holiday in the civil calendar, but in the church it is one of the important days. In churches, the liturgy is served, the akathist to Prince Vladimir is read. Believers come to church, light candles, pray for the health of children, for peace in the family (Vladimir is considered the patron of families). In some dioceses, there are processions — for example, in Kiev (where Vladimir baptized the people) and in Khersones (where he was baptized himself).

In Russia, 28 May is not a day off. But in Orthodox gymnasiums and Sunday schools, lessons about the baptism of Russia are conducted. Films are shown to children, they are told about the prince.

In 2026, 28 May is Thursday. Churches will be open from morning. Many parishioners order a forty-day prayer for health.

Where are the relics and what are they attributed to

Most of the relics of Prince Vladimir have been lost. But fragments are stored: in Kiev (Vladimir Cathedral), in Moscow (Christ the Savior Cathedral, the Assumption Cathedral of the Kremlin), in Saint Petersburg (Cathedral of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God). Abroad — in London (the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Mother of God), in Sofia (Bulgarian temple).

Miracles are attributed to the relics. A well-known case in the 19th century: a woman's leg broke from a bone disease. She touched the relic in Kiev — and the next day the bone healed. Doctors attested to it. In the 2000s: a man with cancer prayed to the icon of Prince Vladimir in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, and after a month the tumor disappeared.

The Church treats such stories cautiously, but believes.

Prince Vladimir in art and memorials

There are many memorials to him. The most famous: in Kiev on Volodymyrska Hill (sculptor Demut-Malirovsky, 1853). The prince stands with a cross in his hand. In Moscow: on Borovitskaya Square (next to the Kremlin) — a monument from 2015, to mark the 1000th anniversary of his death. In Saint Petersburg: on Vernostny Avenue (sleeping district).

In painting: Vasnetsov's painting "The Baptism of Russia" (fresco in the Vladimir Cathedral). Viktor Vasnetsov depicted Vladimir against the background of the Dnieper, with a cross and a crown. Icons: usually the saint is depicted in princely attire, with a cross and a scepter. Sometimes with a sword — as a warrior.

In film: the film "Prince Vladimir the Holy" (1993), the series "The Baptism of Russia" (2020). In literature: the story "Vladimir the Red Sun" by A.N. Tolstoy, poems by A.K. Tolstoy, Blok.

Saint Vladimir and modernity

For Orthodox, he is an example that a sinner can become a saint. This gives hope. For politicians — a symbol of the choice of path. Vladimir chose faith, and this determined the fate of Russia for 1000 years. For culture — the baptism brought literacy, architecture, iconography, literature. Without Vladimir, there would not have been the "Word about the Battle of Igor's Campaign", there would not have been the Kiev Lavra, there would not have been Saint Petersburg (built after, but on the Orthodox tradition).

However, some historians and publicists criticize Vladimir for the forced baptism, for the murder of his brother, for the destruction of pagan culture. The Church responds: "At that time, it was accepted. And it is not for us to judge."

Debates continue. But on 28 May, on the day of remembrance, they subside. Believers pray, do not argue.

How to celebrate the day of remembrance at home

If you are a believer: go to the church in the morning, light a candle, pray. You can read the akathist (the text is available on the Internet). If you cannot go to the church — pray at home. Fasting is not mandatory on this day, but it is desirable to refrain from meat and revelry.

If you are a historian: read a chapter from "The Tale of Bygone Years". Watch the documentary film "The Baptism of Russia" (available on YouTube). Discuss with friends over dinner.

If you are simply interested: visit a museum. In Moscow — the Historical Museum, where the "Word about the Law and Grace" of Metropolitan Hilarion (XI century), written under Vladimir, is stored. In Saint Petersburg — the Hermitage, on the Byzantine collection.

And — think about yourself. What would you choose in place of Vladimir? Strength or faith? Sword or cross? This is a difficult question. Perhaps that is why the day of remembrance is needed.

Conclusion: light or shadow

Prince Vladimir is a contradictory figure. For some — a tyrant, for others — a saint. But the fact remains: Russia, Ukraine, Belarus — Orthodox countries. And they owe this man who, perhaps, sincerely repented of his sins and led the people. 28 May is not a day for arguments. For memory. And for reflection on the fact that even the darkest person can become light.

Happy Saint Vladimir's Day, the Red Sun. Shine upon us.

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