Quiz on Saints’ Lives

Prince Vladimir, who baptized Rus', was the grandson of Saint Princess Olga the Equal-to-the-Apostles. It is difficult to say how much this influenced his choice. Perhaps, as an adult, he recalled some of his grandmother's teachings. In his youth, however, Vladimir was more likely to emulate his father, Prince Svyatoslav, and the renowned warriors of his retinue, who were pagans.
Most likely, the prince came to realize that the pagan religion, with its multitude of gods, demons, and other mythical beings, did not align well with his political ambitions. Vladimir sought to unify the lands around Kiev and centralize power. A crucial aspect of this centralization was a shift in worldview. Initially, the prince attempted to systematize the worship of pagan gods, but later resolved to adopt one of the monotheistic religions for his realm.
Of course, it cannot be said that Vladimir’s religious choice was entirely pragmatic. In any case, he now had to shape his own life according to the tenets of the faith he chose.
Having decided to embrace Christianity, Vladimir—following a somewhat unusual logic—concluded that he could not simply become Orthodox without first earning the right to this faith through military conquest. Thus, he marched on Chersonesus (also known as Korsun). After capturing the city, he sent envoys to the Byzantine emperors Basil and Constantine, delivering a message: "Prince Vladimir has taken Korsun. If the emperors do not agree to give their sister Anna in marriage to him, he will take Constantinople as well."
Their consent was given—on the condition that Vladimir be baptized. This was precisely what the prince had been waiting for.
The Byzantine princess set out to meet her betrothed in Korsun, but upon her arrival, Vladimir was suddenly stricken blind. He began to doubt, but the wise maiden explained that his blindness was temporary—a means for the Lord to reveal His ineffable glory to him.
The Bishop of Korsun baptized the prince. As soon as he laid his hand on Vladimir’s head and began to immerse him in the font, the prince’s sight was restored. "Now I have come to know the true God!" Vladimir exclaimed with joy. What was revealed to him at that moment remains an eternal mystery.
The prince’s retinue and boyars marveled at their ruler’s miraculous healing, and many of them, having believed, were also baptized.
Upon returning to Kiev, Vladimir dismissed all his previous wives and concubines.
Then came the momentous event—the Baptism of Rus'. The prince commanded all the inhabitants to gather in the Dnieper River on an appointed day. Hundreds entered the water, and Vladimir, along with priests, stood on the bank and baptized the Russian people. "And there was joy in heaven and on earth over so many souls being saved," the chronicle recounts.