To us, an example of sacrificial and humble service, among other saints, is the Equal-to-the-Apostles Princess Olga of Kyiv, whose memory is now glorified.
This was discussed in today’s sermon by the Primate of the Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Epifaniy, writes the Church website.
Being the ruler of our ancient state, she did not serve or please herself, but took care of the people entrusted to her. Being gifted with wisdom more than others, she directed this gift to the knowledge of the truth, thanks to which she understood the worthlessness of idolatry and the saving power of the Christian faith.
Having learned the truth, she began to build the state entrusted to her on its foundations and spread the true faith as much as possible, becoming, as the words of the festive service in her honor say, like the morning star that precedes the sunrise. Thanks to her work, a personal example of wisdom and piety, the event that we will commemorate next week became possible – the Baptism of Ukraine-Rus during the reign of her grandson, Prince Volodymyr the Great, the establishment of our Kyiv state as a Christian state, its inclusion in the European family of Christian nations.
Although more than a millennium separates us from the time of Saint Olga’s earthly life, we still enjoy the good fruits of her work and service. And we believe that at the time of the current invasion of foreigners, she, as then, serves her native people, among the multitude of Ukrainian saints, praying to God for the victory of truth, for the liberation of all corners of our Motherland from enemy captivity.
Therefore, on the day of her glorification, we turn with a special feeling to our princess, to the mother of Ukrainian statehood and to our patron saint: Equal-to-the-Apostles Olga, pray to God for Kyiv, your capital, for Ukraine-Rus, your state, and for our people, who are now suffering grievously, so that we can be freed from the invasion of foreigners and, according to God’s commandment, build our home in peace and love! Amen, said the Head of the OCU.
