“Today the Russian land is summoned to rejoice”. The Academy glorified St. Equal-to-the-Apostles Princess Olga

On July 24, on the 6th Sunday after Pentecost, the Church commemorates St. Equal-to-the-Apostles Princess Olga (Christian name Elena).

As a girl St. Olga was marked by her beauty. At the age of 13, she was married to Prince Igor Rurikovich. His uncle, Prince Oleg the Prophetic, was delighted to have such a daughter-in-law and called her after his name - Olga.

Olga and Igor did not have children for a long time. The couple prayed to pagan gods, but everything was in vain. When the princess turned to Christian God and tearfully asked Him to give her a child, she was heard and in 942 gave birth to an heir.

This miracle changed her life completely. In 954, she went to Tsargrad and was taught in the basics of the Orthodox faith. There Olga received Holy Baptism and got a Christian name Elena. That event had a huge outcome both on the Byzantine nobility and the Kyevan Rus.

Since then, the light of Orthodoxy has illuminated the Russian land. Thanks to St. Olga, nowadays we are part of a Christian culture, but the main thing is that we have an opportunity to take part in the Eucharist “for the redemption of sins and an everlasting life”.

On July 23 and 24, Archimandrite Hilarion (Forkavets) officed an All-night vigil and celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Intercession Academic Church.

After the Sacrament verse, Hieromonk Cassian (Plosskiy) delivered a sermon.

Background information:

Chanting performed under the conduct of S.P. Borovinskaya and K.A. Alekseeva.

MThA Press Office