Vladimir << VLAD uh mihr or vlah DEE mihr >> I (956?-1015) was a Grand Prince of Kyiv (also spelled Kiev), in what is now Ukraine. He also ruled the principality of Novgorod, which included what is now the city of Velikiy Novgorod in Russia. As the ruler of Kyiv and Novgorod, Vladimir built up a powerful state that extended from the Baltic Sea to near the Black Sea. The state’s name has usually been spelled Kievan Rus in English, but also is spelled Kyivan Rus. In Ukrainian, his name is spelled Volodymyr << vol uh DEE mihr >>.
Vladimir was probably born in or near Kyiv. He became Prince of Novgorod about 969 and Grand Prince of Kyiv and All Rus in 980. Raised as a pagan, he converted to Christianity about 988. He married Anna, sister of the Byzantine Emperor Basil II, and replaced paganism in Kievan Rus with Christianity. During Vladimir’s rule, agriculture and trade flourished, important towns developed, and churches were built. Under Vladimir and Anna, Kyiv became famous for its rich cultural life.
Vladimir established relations with the pope and European leaders. He defended and expanded Kievan Rus by fighting neighboring Lithuanians, Bulgars, Poles, and Pechenegs. He died on July 15, 1015. He is recognized as a saint by all Catholic and Orthodox churches. His feast day is July 15.
