The Repose of Blessed Olga, Princess of Kiev, Who Took on The Christian Name Helen at her Holy Baptism
July 11th is the feast of Blessed Olga, Princess of Kiev. Her Christian name is Helen, and she is also called Elena or Helga. And we also call her Equal to the Apostles. Olga attempted to bring Christianity to Russia. Although she was not entirely successful, and her son remained pagan. But her grandson, Vladmir, would complete the work of Olga when he made Christianity the official religion in 988.
She died in 969 A.D., from some form of illness. Her son was with her during her final days. For although he wanted to move to the Dunube region of the empire, his mother begged him to stay with her in Kiev until she passed. And she died three days after he agreed to remain with her.
Who is Blessed Olga?
Blessed Olga lived during the 10th Century, bprn sometime between 890 and 925 A.D.. Her husband is the Prince of Kiev Igor I. After her husband’s murder in 945, she became the de facto ruler of Kievan Rus. (Her son was not yet of age). It was during this time that she came to seek the true faith, and traveled to Constantinople to be baptized.
We know Olga as a fierce woman. She sought revenge against the pagan Drevlyani tribe who murdered her husband. Though she had not yet converted at the time, her strong victory against the Drevlyani (a tribe who lived by the sword) is viewed as a victory for God. As well as a fulfillment of the words of Christ: “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” (Matt 26:52). While Blessed Olga was unable to bring her son to Christianity, she is cited as playing a major role in the conversion of her grandson, Vladimir the Great.
Celebrating Olga
To commemorate this feast day, be sure to say the prayers and tropars in your icon corner as a family, if you can’t make it to church.
The fruit of St. Olga’s work was not completed in her lifetime, but in her grandson’s. Spend some time today with your family talking about your hopes for your children, and what you hope to pass down to them. Discuss what virtues are most important to you as a family. And most of all, discuss the faith together! Find out if your children have any particular questions about the faith and see what you can do to go about finding those answers together.
Prayers and Tropars
Troparion: (tone 1) On the wings of the knowledge of God, you lifted your mind O glorious Olga, and soared beyond the visible attaining to God, the Creator of all. You found Him, and in baptism received new life. Now you abide forever in incorruption, and enjoy the fruits of the life-giving Tree.
Kontakion: (tone 4) Today let us praise God, who gives blessings to all. For in Ukraine He glorified Olga, the divinely wise. Let us ask Him to grant our souls pardon of sins through her prayers. Prokeimenon: (tone 4) God is wonderful in His saints: the God of Isreal. Verse: Bless God in the churches, the Lord from the fountains of Israel.
The Byzantine Life
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