There is a date in the Orthodox calendar that can be called the birthday of Russian faith. May 28 (May 15 old style) — the day of remembrance of St. Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir. The same one who baptized Rus. But in history, he remained under two names: Vladimir (in baptism — Basil). Why two? And why did the prince become a saint, since he was a sinner, a murderer, a polygamist? Let's figure it out. The history is complex, but important. Vladimir before baptism: Red Sun or Pagan Prince Vladimir the Great was born around 960. He was the son of Prince Svyatoslav and Malusha (a concubine). Illegitimate, but ambitious. After his father's death, he ruled in Novgorod, then captured Kiev, killing his brother Yaropolk. He became the sole ruler of Rus. The first years of his reign were harsh. Vladimir worshipped pagan gods. He set up idols of Perun, Khors, Dazhbog on a hill in Kiev. He offered human sacrifices. He had several wives and hundreds of concubines. He fought with neighbors, expanding borders. Chronicles call him "Vladimir the Sinner." But he was a wise ruler. He understood that paganism divided tribes. A strong state needs a single faith. And he began to search. Choice of faith: legend and reality The chronicle tells: Vladimir sent envoys to different countries. To Volga Bulgaria (Islam) — they refused wine, but the prince said, "Russians have joy." To Khazaria (Judaism) — they did not like that the Jews lost their state. To Germany (Catholicism) — it did not impress. And in Constantinople (Orthodoxy), the envoys entered the Holy Sophia Cathedral. They saw the beauty of divine services and decided: "We did not know where we were — in heaven or on earth." This moment became a turning point. In 987, Vladimir captured the Byzantine city of Korsun (Chersones) and demanded in marriage the sister of the emperor, Anna. They agreed, but with the condition: he should be baptized. Vladimir agreed. He was baptized in Korsun, took the name Basil (in ... Read more