July 11medievalUniversal
Olga of Kiev
Ruler
Sanctified Life
890 — 969
Pskov, Russia
Also Known As
Olga the BeautifulEqual to the Apostles
Patronage
widows,converts,
"I have come to you to be baptized."
The first Christian ruler of Kievan Rus. Before her conversion, she was a fierce pagan regent who brutally avenged her husband's murder. After baptism in Constantinople, she worked tirelessly to convert her people, paving the way for the Christianization of Russia under her grandson Vladimir.
Historical Legacy
Historical Journey
Historical Summary (Wikidata)
Olga (Church Slavonic: Ольга; Old Norse: Helga; c. 890–925 – 11 July 969) was a regent of Kievan Rus' for her son Sviatoslav from 945 until 957. Following her baptism, Olga took the name Elenа. She is known for her subjugation of the Drevlians, a tribe that had killed her husband Igor. Even though it was her grandson Vladimir who adopted Christianity and made it the state religion, she was the first ruler to be baptized.
Olga is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church with the epithet "Equal to the Apostles". Her feast day is 11 July.
Historical Depiction
Wikimedia Commons Source
Titles & Roles
• regent• knyaz
Sacred Symbols
cross church
Christianization
scepter
Rule
Life Journey
Early Life
Pagan princess who executed the Drevlians for killing Prince Igor.
The Turning Point
Baptism in Constantinople by the Patriarch.
Historical Legacy
Failed to convert her son Sviatoslav but planted the seeds for her grandson St. Vladimir.