Saint Vladimir the Great Black Coffee Mug

Saint Vladimir the Great, the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Prince Vladimir of Kiev, is one of the most consequential figures in the entire history of the Orthodox Church and of world civilisation, venerated as the baptiser of the Russian people and the founder of Orthodox Christian civilisation in the Slavic world. Born around 958 as the son of Prince Svyatoslav and the grandson of Saint Olga, he initially lived as a pagan ruler of great power and considerable vice. Around 987 he sent envoys to investigate the various religions available to him and it was their report on the Divine Liturgy in the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, that we knew not whether we were in heaven or on earth, that is said to have determined his choice of Orthodox Christianity. He received baptism in Cherson in Crimea around 988 and immediately ordered the baptism of all the people of Kiev in the Dnieper River, the event commemorated as the Baptism of Rus and celebrated as the founding moment of Russian, Ukrainian and Belarusian Orthodox civilisation. He transformed his entire way of life after his baptism, becoming a great benefactor of the poor and builder of churches. His feast day is celebrated in July.

"We knew not whether we were in heaven or on earth, for on earth there is no such splendour or such beauty." (Report of Saint Vladimir's envoys on the Divine Liturgy in Constantinople)

O holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir, baptiser of the Russian people and great illuminator of the Slavic lands, who didst bring the light of Orthodox Christianity to thy people and transform thy own life through the grace of holy Baptism, intercede before the Lord for Russia, Ukraine and all the peoples of the Slavic Orthodox world. Amen.

This mug makes a deeply meaningful gift for baptisms, name days, Russian and Ukrainian Orthodox feast days, Easter, Christmas or any occasion where the Baptism of Rus and the Orthodox heritage of the Slavic peoples is celebrated.

Product Details:

• Premium 11oz black ceramic mug
• Wraparound dye-sublimation print, vivid and long-lasting
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
• C-handle for comfortable grip
• Lead and BPA-free
• Printed on demand with care

Shipping:

• UK orders fulfilled locally in the United Kingdom
• US orders fulfilled locally in the United States
• EU orders fulfilled locally in Europe

A daily reminder of faith, for yourself or someone you love.