Boris and Gleb, the Passion-bearers
The holy Passion-bearers Boris and Gleb, named Romanus and David in sacred Baptism, were the pious sons of the holy Great Prince Vladimir. In 1015 they were slain at the command of their brother Svyatopolk-Saint Boris, on July 24 on the Alta River, near Pereyaslavl, and Saint Gleb, on September 5 on the bank of the Smyadinya River, near Smolensk. Although both had understood their brother's designs against them, they refused to take up arms against him and bring civil war upon their land, preferring to fulfill the commandment, "Resist not evil" (Matt. 5:39). The holy relics of Saint Boris were then buried in Vyshgorod, to which the holy relics of his brother were transferred five years later. Miracles were worked through the holy relics of the meek and guileless brothers
during the consecration in Vyshgorod of a church in their honor on this day in 1021.
Apolytikion in the Second Tone
O Righteous Passion-bearers and true fulfillers of the Gospel of
Christ, Chaste Boris and guileless Gleb, ye did not oppose the onslaughts
of your enemy, your brother, who though killing your bodies was
unable to touch your souls. Let the evil lover of power mourn therefore,
while ye rejoice with the angelic choirs; and as ye stand before the
Holy Trinity, pray for the souls of them that honour your memory, that
they may be pleasing to God: and by your intercessions, pray that all
Orthodox people may be saved.
The holy Passion-bearers Boris and Gleb, named Romanus and David in sacred Baptism, were the pious sons of the holy Great Prince Vladimir. In 1015 they were slain at the command of their brother Svyatopolk-Saint Boris, on July 24 on the Alta River, near Pereyaslavl, and Saint Gleb, on September 5 on the bank of the Smyadinya River, near Smolensk. Although both had understood their brother's designs against them, they refused to take up arms against him and bring civil war upon their land, preferring to fulfill the commandment, "Resist not evil" (Matt. 5:39). The holy relics of Saint Boris were then buried in Vyshgorod, to which the holy relics of his brother were transferred five years later. Miracles were worked through the holy relics of the meek and guileless brothers
during the consecration in Vyshgorod of a church in their honor on this day in 1021.
Apolytikion in the Second Tone
O Righteous Passion-bearers and true fulfillers of the Gospel of
Christ, Chaste Boris and guileless Gleb, ye did not oppose the onslaughts
of your enemy, your brother, who though killing your bodies was
unable to touch your souls. Let the evil lover of power mourn therefore,
while ye rejoice with the angelic choirs; and as ye stand before the
Holy Trinity, pray for the souls of them that honour your memory, that
they may be pleasing to God: and by your intercessions, pray that all
Orthodox people may be saved.
