Saint Vladimir was a great conqueror who lived in Russia during the late tenth century. He was a devout pagan, building pagan statues and spreading paganism wherever he went. During his many travels, he finally met someone of a different faith, and discovered that there were many different religions. As a result of this discovery, he sent out envoys everywhere he could. His servants met with Jews, Muslims, Catholics and many more, but discovered that they were all “unhappy”. After finding Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, the envoys knew they had found what they were looking for. Vladimir himself came to visit, and converted as soon as he saw what Orthodoxy was about. He returned to his homeland and destroyed all traces of paganism, while showing his people the Orthodox faith.

Saint Vladimir’s feast day is celebrated on July 15.