Russian Orthodox Icon of Saints Boris & Gleb

Saints Boris & Gleb Please do not deep-link to any of our icons.

May 2nd
Troparion (Tone 2)
O Passion-bearers and fulfillers of the Gospel of Christ, chaste Boris and guileless Gleb: you did not oppose the attacks of the enemy, your brother, when he killed your bodies but could not touch your souls. Let him therefore mourn while you rejoice with the Angels standing before the Holy Trinity. Pray that those who honour your memory may find grace with God and that all Orthodox people may be saved.

Saints Boris and Gleb were sons of St. Vladimir, the baptiser of Russia. Before his baptism, Vladimir had many wives. Boris & Gleb were sons of the same mother. Vladimir bequeathed his kingdom among all of his sons. Svyatopolk, the eldest son and the Prince of Kiev set out to kill his half brothers to take their territories. Boris & Gleb, however, had so embraced the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that they would not take up arms to defend themselves. They would rather be killed than to risk killing their brother. Boris was killed in one place and Gleb in another. They both met death in prayer. Their bodies remained uncorrupt and fragrant. They were laid to rest in Vishgorod, where many have been healed by the virtue coming from their holy relics.

This icon is from the 14th century, Kiev.

Order #pdr-19