The criteria for determining spiritual deeds in Orthodoxy are very strict. We present 10 of the most revered saints, canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church.
Boris and Gleb
(unknown -1015)
The first Russian saints. Sons of the Kiev prince Vladimir and the Byzantine princess. Born around 990. Upon reaching adulthood, they converted to Christianity. In 1015, Vladimir sent Boris to repel the Pechenegs' raid. The prince did not meet enemies, but on the way he learned about the death of his father, and also that the Kiev throne was occupied by Svyatopolk, who wants to kill him. The guards suggested that Boris go to Kiev. He refused to raise weapons against his older brother. Svyatopolk sent assassins to Boris, but even then the prince forbade raising weapons for defense. Later, the killers were sent to Gleb. He already knew about the death of his brother and about the impending danger. But, like Boris, he forbade the vigilantes to shed blood and died. The brothers were canonized in 1039 as passion-bearers, which underlines their acceptance of martyrdom not at the hands of the persecutors of Christianity, but from their fellow believers. Their martyrdom consists of good-naturedness and non-resistance to enemies. Memorial days: May 15, August 6 and September 18 (hereinafter, dates in the new style).
Vladimir the Baptist
(about 960-1015)
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The son of the Kiev prince Svyatoslav. At first he reigned in Novgorod, in 978 he seized the Kiev throne. In 988 he adopted Christianity on the Greek model and made it the official religion of Kievan Rus. At baptism he received the name Vasily. Glorified in the face of saints as an equal to the apostles - for the preaching of the Gospel and the conversion of an entire people to Christianity. The exact date of canonization is unknown, but not earlier than the middle of the 12th century. Memorial Day: July 28. Revered also by the Catholic Church.
Mikhail Chernigovsky
(1179-1246)
Prince of Chernigov, since 1238 - Grand Duke of Kiev. Participated in the Battle of Kalka. In 1246 he was summoned to the Horde. Before entering Batu's tent, the Mongol priests ordered him to go through the sacred fire and worship their idols. Michael replied that "a Christian serves neither fire nor deaf idols." For refusing to worship, the prince was executed. Canonized in 1572 as a martyr. Memorial days: February 27 and October 3.
Alexander Nevskiy
(1221-1263)
Prince of Novgorod, Kiev and Vladimir. Having won important victories, he stopped the expansion of Sweden and the Teutonic Order to Russia. He tried to maintain peace with the Horde, sometimes brutally forcing his subjects to do so. In 1262 he was summoned to the headquarters of Khan Berke, who wanted to force Russia to send an army for a campaign against Iran. I was able to dissuade Burke, but on the way home he fell ill. Before his death, he was tonsured under the name of Alexy. Canonized in 1547 as a wonderworker. Memorial days: June 5, September 12, December 6.
Sergius of Radonezh
(1314-1392)
In the world, Bartholomew. The spiritual mentor of many princes, including Dmitry Donskoy and his father. He reconciled the warring Russian rulers, persuaded them to submit to the authority of Moscow. Revered in Russia as a "spiritual collector of the Russian people." Founder of a number of monasteries. Canonized in the middle of the 15th century as a saint, that is, pleasing God with obedience, asceticism and monastic deed. Memorial days: July 18 and October 8. Since 1969 it has also been revered by the Catholic Church.
Basil the Blessed
(1469-1557)
Of the peasants. He had the gift of foresight. At the age of 16 he went on a journey and accepted the feat of foolishness. In the Orthodox tradition, this is a kind of religious asceticism, accompanied by a complete rejection of material wealth. Rumor attributes many miracles to Vasily. Canonized in 1588. Memorial Day: August 15. The Intercession Cathedral on Red Square is usually called the Cathedral of St. Basil the Blessed.
Stefan Permsky
(about 1340-1396)
The worldly name is unknown, the father was a priest. The birth of Stephen as a "bishop and teacher of Perm" was predicted by the righteous Procopius of Ustyug. Stephen can be called the first Russian missionary. He preached the Christian faith in the Komi lands, created an alphabet for them and translated spiritual literature into their language. The ROC is venerated as a saint. Canonized by the Council of 1549, but in the Perm land he was revered as a saint during his lifetime because of the miracles attributed to him. Memorial Day: May 9.
Ksenia Petersburgskaya
(between 1719/1730 - no later than 1806)
Of the nobles. After the early death of her husband, she accepted the feat of foolishness. All property donated to the poor. She led a strictly ascetic lifestyle. With age, Xenia developed the gift of foresight. Predicted the death of Elizaveta Petrovna, John Antonovich, Paul I. Canonized in 1988 in the face of the blessed (in a broad sense, this is everyone who enjoys the vision of God and communicates with Him). Memorial days: February 6 and June 6.
Neil Sorsky
(1433-1508)
The origin is unknown. He called himself "ignorant and a villager", but, apparently, received a good education. He was tonsured at the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery in the mid-1450s. He occupied a prominent position in the monastery. Together with several students, he made the most difficult pilgrimage to Palestine and Syria. Upon his return, he founded a skete on the Sore River. A prominent Orthodox theorist, founder of the skete movement. He criticized the church for the excessive splendor of the rituals. Canonized no later than the end of the 17th century as a saint. Memorial Day: May 20.
Seraphim Sarovsky
(1754-1833)
In the world Prokhor Mashnin. From a wealthy merchant family. After several signs he was tonsured. From 1794 to 1810 he lived in the forest, taking a number of heavy vows, including silence. Legends attribute many miracles to him. He returned to the monastery, but lived as a recluse, died while praying. Canonized in 1903 as a saint (for his monastic deed). Memorial days: January 15 and August 1.