The Holy Grand Prince Vladimir (Volodymyr), Equal-to-the-Apostles, Named Basil at Holy Baptism (1015); Holy Martyrs Cyricus and Julitta, His Mother
Galatians 1:11-19; John 10:1-8
All-night Vigil Feast.
Read John 10:1-8
Today we commemorate the feast of the Holy Grand Prince Vladimir (Volodymyr), Equal-to-the-Apostles. His contribution and support of the Christian faith are what set the foundation for its firm rooting in not only Ukraine but all over the world—millions and millions of faithful Ukrainian Christians like seeds have been scattered all over. His zealous embrace and support of the faith have had a tremendous blessing which is felt even to this day.
There is a lot to admire about St. Vladimir’s life, but when we examine what led to his conversion we’ll notice an interesting detail, which is crucial to the transformation and spread of the Gospel. The Slavs were considered barbarians who were trying to assert themselves on the dominant and influential Byzantine Empire. Several times they tried to siege Constantinople, but every time was pushed back. What was the Byzantine Empire to do? Military victories do not win friends, but weakened enemies. True unity and friendship are only found in Christ and evangelization is the only true answer, so Patriarch Photius—some accounts attribute this to Patriarch Ignatius—sent missionaries to the Slavs. Their work was initially met with varying degrees of success, but over the course of 100 years, a tipping point was beginning to approach. By 945 Kiev possessed a large Christian community; even royalty, St. Olha, converted to the faith. All of this missionary work created a base for exponential growth, which St. Vladimir facilitated.
What was true then is also true today. The only way the Christian faith is going to blossom again is through faithful, committed missionary effort. This was not only the work of trained evangelists but was a common effort. Yes, St. Vladimir was a royal, military and political figure, but his efforts could not have been fruitful without the effort and support of the average Christian. Before St. Vladimir’s conversion, the Church grew not only through the efforts of the trained missionaries but lay people also. Slavic merchants who travelled to Constantinople and converted to the faith upon returning back to Kiev themselves became missionaries. Mission is a common imperative given to us by our Lord: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” (Matt 28:19-20). It not only pleases the Lord but creates true and lasting peace, unity, friendship and brings about the salvation of souls. Today, St. Vladimir reminds us of the importance of this effort, which we are all called to participate in for the spread of the Gospel, the building up of the Kingdom and the Glory of God.