Passion-bearer · 11th century
Boris and Gleb
Holy Passion-bearers Boris and Gleb (in Baptism Roman and David)
New Calendar July 24 Old Calendar August 6
Why they are a saint
Boris and Gleb were sons of St. Vladimir who refused to take up arms against their brother and were murdered; the first canonized saints of Rus', models of non-resistance. The years given for this life are 11th century. The Church honors passion-bearers who accepted a violent death without striking back, in the likeness of Christ.
Life
Saints Boris and Gleb, baptized Romanus and David, were sons of Saint Vladimir. After their father's death their eldest brother Sviatopolk plotted to kill his brothers to seize power. Advisers urged Boris to take the army and rule in Kiev, but he said he could never lift his hand against his own brother.
Sviatopolk's assassins found Boris on the Alta chanting psalms and praying before an icon of Christ, praying also that God would not count the deed as sin against Sviatopolk; they stabbed him with lances. Gleb, grieving for his father and brother, was killed on his boat. He was later buried beside Boris in the church of Saint Basil. They died in 1015 and are called Passion-Bearers because they did not resist evil with violence.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source names no specific patronage.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Traditionally asked to pray for innocent sufferers, passion-bearers of Rus’. The reason for this custom is not recorded here.
Prayer
O holy Boris and Gleb, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.
Do not confuse with Boris of Bulgaria (Equal-to-the-Apostles); other Glebs.