Saint
Boris and Gleb
Martyrs and Passion-Bearers Boris and Gleb
New Calendar July 24 Old Calendar August 6
Why they are a saint
Pious sons of Prince Vladimir, enlightener of Russia, they were named Romanus and David in Baptism. The Orthodox Church commemorates and Passion-Bearers Boris and Gleb on July 24.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
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
Orthodox Christians usually take Boris and Gleb as a patron when they bear the name and at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on July 24. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
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.