Murder of Boris and Gleb

July 24, 1015

The two pious younger sons of Vladimir of Kiev, refusing to take up arms against their brother Svyatopolk, were cut down by assassins. Their willing martyrdom became the foundational sainthood of Rus Christianity; Russian icons would paint them side by side for centuries afterward in homes and churches alike. They were the first native saints of the Slavic church, canonized as passion-bearers who chose death over fratricidal war.