Holy Martyrs Borys and Hlib, Named Roman and David at Holy Baptism (1015). Holy Great-Martyr Christine. Venerable Charbel.
Polyeleos Feast.
Romans 8:28-39. John 15:17-16:2.
Read Romans 8:28-39
Today we commemorate two unique saints: sts. Boris and Hlib, sons of St. Volodymyr, were named Roman and David at their Baptism. Following their father’s death, their eldest brother Sviatopolk sought to seize power by killing his brothers. He deceitfully promised Boris peace and additional lands, but Boris refused to take up arms against his brother. Despite this, Sviatopolk sent assassins to kill Boris, who was found praying before an icon of Christ. Boris asked for strength to endure his suffering and prayed for his brother’s forgiveness. The assassins stabbed Boris, wrapped him in a cloth, and took him away. When Sviatopolk learned Boris was still alive, he sent men to finish him off with swords.
Sviatopolk then targeted Hlib, sending a message falsely claiming their father was ill. As Hlib traveled to see him, he learned from their brother Yaroslav that their father had died and Boris had been murdered by Sviatopolk. Hlib mourned his father and brother before the assassins arrived. Hlib was stabbed to death by his cook, Torchin, and his body was discarded on the shore. He was later buried beside Boris in the church of Saint Basil. Both brothers received the crown of martyrdom in 1015 and are commemorated as Passion-Bearers, known for their nonviolent resistance to evil. They are also remembered on May 2.
It takes faith to resist retaliating in the face of evil. A deep conviction that Christ has opened the doors of eternity and that the only thing that takes this away is my own refusal to live inline with Gospel values—nothing can defile me from the outside, but only the evil I harbour and create from within my own heart. Sts. Boris and Hlib embraced a radical turning of one’s cheek in the face of evil in union with the passion and death of Jesus Christ. They completely trusted that the God of justice will bring vengeance upon their : “Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17-21).