Saint Olga of Kiev

Saint Olga of Kiev, also known as Elena, Helena, Helga, Olga Prekrasa, Olga the Beauty, or Olha, was the first Christian queen of Ukraine. She was born in 879 in Pskov, Russia. In the year 903, she married Igor I, the Duke of Kiev, and together they ruled the Kievan Rus. Tragically, after Igor's assassination in 945, Olga found herself in a position of power as the regent for her son, Sviatoslav. This period marked a turning point in Olga's life, for it was during her reign that she experienced a profound conversion to Christianity. In 957, Olga journeyed to Constantinople, where she was baptized and took the name Helena. Filled with zeal for her newfound faith, she sought to introduce Christianity to the Ukrainian people on a large scale upon her return. Despite her best efforts, however, Olga faced significant resistance, and her attempts to Christianize the region were largely unsuccessful. When her son Sviatoslav reached adulthood, Olga gracefully handed over the throne to him around 963. Despite stepping aside from political power, she continued to play a crucial role in the spiritual development of the region. Olga's significance in the context of Christianity is further magnified by her familial connections to other saints. She was the grandmother of Saint Vladimir and the great-grandmother of Saint Boris and Saint Gleb. Saint Olga of Kiev passed away on July 11, 969, in Kiev, Ukraine, of natural causes. Her relics were found to be incorrupt, testifying to her holiness and piety. They were subsequently translated to the Church of the Tithes in Kiev, marking the first time relics were publicly displayed in Rus-Ukraine. Sadly, these priceless relics were lost forever in the early 18th century. Throughout history, Saint Olga of Kiev has been venerated as a patron saint of converts and widows. She is also recognized as a patron saint of Russia and the Archeparchy of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her feast day is celebrated on July 11th each year, commemorating her life of faithful service to both her people and her faith.