Saint Olga of Kiev

Olga was born around 890 AD in Pskov, in what is now Russia. Little is known about her early life, but she married Prince Igor of Kiev, with whom she had a son, Sviatoslav. In 945 AD, after the assassination of her husband by the Drevlians, a neighboring tribe, Olga assumed the role of regent for her young son. Despite the challenges she faced, Olga proved to be a shrewd and capable ruler, known for her fierce retribution against the Drevlians, as well as for her administrative reforms.

Olga’s conversion to Christianity is believed to have occurred during a visit to Constantinople in the 950s, where she was baptized by the Patriarch of Constantinople, taking the name Helena in honor of the Byzantine Empress. Her baptism marked a significant turning point in her life, as she began advocating for the Christian faith within her realm. Although she was unable to convert her son Sviatoslav, her efforts laid the foundation for the eventual Christianization of Kievan Rus' by her grandson, St. Vladimir the Great. Olga’s commitment to her faith was evident in her support for building churches and spreading Christian teachings.

St. Olga continued to rule as regent until her son came of age, after which she retired from public life but remained influential in her court. She passed away in 969 AD, revered for her wisdom and piety. Though her efforts to convert Kievan Rus' to Christianity did not fully materialize during her lifetime, her influence was instrumental in the later acceptance of Christianity by her people. Olga was canonized by the Orthodox Church for her role as a pioneer of the faith in Kievan Rus', and her feast day is celebrated on July 11. She is remembered among the female Orthodox saints for her profound contributions to the Christianization of her nation.

St. Olga of Kiev’s legacy is foundational in the history of Eastern Christianity. As the first ruler of Kievan Rus' to embrace Christianity, she set the stage for the mass conversion that would follow under her grandson, St. Vladimir. Her title “Equal-to-the-Apostles” reflects her significant role in the spread of Christianity. St. Olga is remembered as a wise and determined leader who navigated the complexities of her time with faith and resilience, making a lasting impact on the spiritual heritage of Eastern Europe.