Holy Passion-Bearers Boris and Gleb — July 24 / August 6 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, July 24 according to the Julian Calendar (August 6 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Passion-Bearers Boris and Gleb, princes and martyrs, named Romanus and David in holy baptism.

The holy martyrs, the right-believing princes Boris and Gleb (Romanus and David in holy baptism), were sons of Prince Vladimir, Equal-to-the-Apostles (commemorated July 15). From their earliest youth they were distinguished by piety. During his own lifetime Vladimir divided his lands among his sons: Boris received the principality of Ryazan, and Gleb that of Murom. The brothers labored tirelessly to spread the Christian faith.

In 1015, after the blessed repose of St. Vladimir, the great principality was seized by his adopted son Svyatopolk, who entered Russian history under the name “the Accursed.” He resolved to kill the holy brothers. At that time St. Boris, returning from battle against the invading Pechenegs, was encamped with his detachment beside the river Alta. Svyatopolk sent envoys to Boris, informing him of their father’s death and calling him to mutual love, while at the same time hiring murderers to remove him from his path. On the night of July 24 the evildoers crept up to the holy prince’s tent, but hearing the chanting of psalms from within, they decided to wait until Boris lay down to sleep.

The murderers then fell upon the saint and, wounded by their swords, he was carried off to Svyatopolk. When the latter learned that his brother was still alive, he sent men to kill him. The holy prince’s body was secretly conveyed to Vyshgorod, fifteen versts from Kiev, and buried in the church of St. Basil.

After the murder of Boris, Svyatopolk sent messengers to Gleb, who was at that time near Smolensk, summoning him to their father, who was said to be gravely ill. Gleb set out at once to receive his parent’s final blessing. On the way the murderers overtook the blessed one and cut short his life with their swords; they cast his body on the bank of the river Smyadyn and heaped brushwood upon it. The resting place of the holy relics of the Lord’s chosen one was revealed by heavenly signs: at times a pillar of light stood over it, and at times passers-by and shepherds heard the sweet singing of angels. The people of Smolensk took note of this, found Gleb’s body, and with honor translated it to their city.

Yaroslav later translated Gleb’s holy relics to Vyshgorod and buried them beside Boris in the church of St. Basil. In time Yaroslav’s son Izyaslav built a new church in honor of the holy princes, and on May 2, 1072, their incorrupt relics were translated there.