The holy and blessed princes-martyrs Boris and Gleb, the first Russian saints, were the younger sons of the holy equal-to-the-apostles Prince Vladimir. They were raised in Christian piety and were distinguished by their mercy and kindness. Saint Boris received the principality of Rostov and demonstrated wisdom in governance, caring for the establishment of the Orthodox faith.
After the death of their father, Svyatopolk, the eldest son of Vladimir, declared himself the Grand Prince of Kiev. Saint Boris, returning from a campaign, not wishing for internecine strife, refused to fight for the throne. However, Svyatopolk, fearing rivalry, sent assassins who pierced Boris with spears during prayer.
Saint Gleb, upon learning of his brother's death, preferred death rather than war with him. He was also killed by Svyatopolk's order. The feat of the saints lay in the fact that they did not repay evil for evil, showing an example of love and humility. Their blood became the seed of unity for Rus.
In 1019, Yaroslav the Wise, gathering an army, defeated Svyatopolk's retinue, who, like Cain, found no rest. Since then, bloodshed quieted in Rus, and Saints Boris and Gleb became the protectors of the Russian land. Their veneration began shortly after their death, and Yaroslav the Wise took care to bury Gleb next to Boris.
The relics of the saints became a source of miracles, and a church was built at their burial site, consecrated by Metropolitan John. Many churches and monasteries throughout Rus are dedicated to the holy princes, and their icons are well-known in the Russian Church.
