St. Vladimir Orthodox Icon

St. Vladimir Orthodox Icon is a hand-painted Orthodox icon of Saint Vladimir, Equal-to-the-Apostles, the Baptizer of Rus. Baptized with the name Basil, Saint Vladimir is one of the most important figures in the history of the Russian state and the Orthodox Church. His life is the story of a profound spiritual transformation: from a pagan ruler and conqueror to a wise Christian prince who changed the spiritual direction of an entire people.

In 988, Prince Vladimir accepted the Orthodox faith from Byzantium and brought the Baptism of Kievan Rus. This historical choice became a foundation for Orthodox culture, statehood, and spiritual life in the lands of Rus. For this enlightening work, the Church glorified him as Equal-to-the-Apostles, and the people remembered him with the warm title Krasno Solnyshko, the Fair Sun.

Icon at a Glance

Name	St. Vladimir Orthodox Icon
Saint depicted	Saint Vladimir, Equal-to-the-Apostles, Baptizer of Rus
Icon type	Waist-length patron saint and royal Christian ruler icon
Main meaning	Enlightenment, royal responsibility, defense of faith, wisdom, healing, and spiritual sight
Available sizes	17×21 cm (6.7×8.3 in), 20×24 cm (7.9×9.4 in), 27×31 cm (10.6×12.2 in), 30×40 cm (11.8×15.7 in), with larger iconostasis sizes by agreement
Special features	Kovcheg, jeweled crown, cross, sword, 23K gold leaf, and hand-tooled Byzantine-style ornament

A Royal Image of Saint Vladimir

This hand-painted icon is a work of refined icon painting and decorative craftsmanship. Saint Vladimir is shown waist-length, standing before the person praying in the majesty of an Orthodox ruler. The most distinctive feature of the icon is the extraordinary gold background. Both the central kovcheg field and the broad borders are covered with 23K gold leaf, over which the master works a continuous Byzantine-style vegetal ornament by hand.

The icon is based on ancient Byzantine traditions for depicting Christian rulers. This emphasizes Vladimir’s role as ruler of an independent Christian land. His head is crowned with a jeweled royal crown, decorated with pearls and precious stones. His face, with a long white beard and expressive eyes, conveys deep wisdom and the calm of a person who has come to know the truth. The halo is marked by a fine dotted ornament directly over the gold background.

Saint Vladimir wears rich red princely garments, a sign of royal dignity and spiritual energy. The red mantle, or korzno, is fastened on the right shoulder with a large jeweled fibula. Beneath it is a blue-green dalmatic with gold embroidery. The garments do not merely show rank; they express the responsibility of a Christian ruler to govern with wisdom, justice, and faith.

Cross, Sword, Crown, and Gold Ornament

In his right hand, raised near the chest, Saint Vladimir firmly holds a large eight-pointed Orthodox cross decorated with stones. This is the central sign of his Equal-to-the-Apostles work: bringing the light of Christ to the lands of Rus. The cross points to the Baptism of Rus in 988 and to the victory of Christianity over paganism.

His left hand rests confidently on the hilt of a double-edged sword. In the iconography of rulers, the sword symbolizes the strength of state authority, readiness to defend the homeland from external enemies, and responsibility to guard the purity of the Orthodox faith. In this icon, the sword is not a symbol of aggression, but of protection, order, and service.

The hand-tooled gold ornament gives the icon a festive and triumphant solemnity. The gold leaf and carved vegetal pattern create the impression of a precious metal cover. Under different light, the icon gleams and changes subtly, emphasizing the heavenly dignity of the saint and the spiritual significance of his mission.

Prayers Before Saint Vladimir

Saint Vladimir is venerated as a powerful heavenly intercessor before God. Historically, Orthodox Christians pray before his icon for the fate of the homeland, protection from external threats, and the preservation of peace within the state. He is also honored as a patron of those who serve public order and bear responsibility for the common good.

In personal needs, people pray to Saint Vladimir for strengthening in faith, spiritual sight, and protection from false teaching. According to tradition, shortly before his baptism Vladimir suddenly became blind; when he received Holy Baptism, his sight was restored. For this reason, his icon is especially connected with prayers for healing of eye diseases and the return of sight, both physical and spiritual.

As a wise ruler, Saint Vladimir is also asked for help by leaders, public servants, business owners, and people responsible for difficult decisions. His image reminds them that authority is not a privilege for pride, but a service requiring wisdom, justice, courage, and accountability before God.

Common prayers before this icon include requests for:

• strengthening of Orthodox faith;
• healing of eye diseases and spiritual blindness;
• protection of the homeland and family;
• wisdom for leaders, rulers, and public servants;
• help in difficult conflicts and responsible decisions;
• defense from false teaching and spiritual confusion;
• blessing of a Christian family and home.

How the Icon Is Made

This icon is painted by experienced icon painters using authentic materials tested by centuries of Orthodox practice. The base is a solid linden board, chosen for stability and resistance to deformation. Two oak splines are inserted into the reverse side for additional strength. A kovcheg is carved into the front of the board.

The wood is covered with linen cloth and up to fifteen layers of natural fine gesso, which is polished to a smooth surface. The entire surface of the board, except the painted figure, is covered with a double layer of 23K gold leaf of 960 purity and polished by hand with agate.

The gold background and borders are then worked by hand with engraving and tooling. The master creates a complex Byzantine vegetal pattern, giving the icon the effect of a relief precious cover. The face, garments, sword, and cross are painted with natural mineral pigments, such as lapis, cinnabar, and ocher, mixed with egg emulsion. These colors are valued for their depth and durability.

Icon Characteristics

Name	St. Vladimir Orthodox Icon
Saint	Saint Vladimir, Equal-to-the-Apostles, Baptizer of Rus
Icon type	Waist-length patron saint and royal Christian ruler icon
Main meaning	Enlightenment, wisdom, defense of faith, royal responsibility, healing, and spiritual sight
Board	Solid linden wood
Board construction	With kovcheg and oak splines
Ground	Linen cloth and gesso
Painting	Mineral egg tempera
Gilding	23K gold leaf (960 purity)
Decoration	Hand-tooled Byzantine-style vegetal ornament on the gold background and borders
Available sizes	17×21 cm (6.7×8.3 in), 20×24 cm (7.9×9.4 in), 27×31 cm (10.6×12.2 in), 30×40 cm (11.8×15.7 in), with larger iconostasis sizes by agreement
Use	For home prayer, patron saint gift, leaders, public servants, military families, church, chapel, and iconostasis

Who This Icon Is For

A richly gilded icon of Saint Vladimir is a dignified, meaningful, and deeply spiritual gift. It is especially appropriate as a patron saint icon for a man or boy named Vladimir. It may be given for a birthday, name day, anniversary, baptism, or another important milestone.

Because of the royal attributes, the crown and sword, this icon is also suitable for leaders, public servants, military personnel, business owners, and people responsible for the welfare of others. It reminds those in authority that leadership should be wise, just, and accountable before God. It is also a beautiful and solemn icon for an Orthodox church or family prayer space.

Key Advantages

• royal icon of Saint Vladimir, Equal-to-the-Apostles and Baptizer of Rus;
• rich iconography with jeweled crown, cross, sword, and princely mantle;
• kovcheg board, 23K gold leaf, and hand-tooled Byzantine ornament;
• especially meaningful for men named Vladimir, leaders, public servants, and military families;
• prayerful support for faith, wisdom, protection, healing, and spiritual sight;
• available in home, larger, and iconostasis sizes.

Free international shipping is included. Payment is due upon delivery.

Questions and Answers

Why is Saint Vladimir called Equal-to-the-Apostles?

This title is given to saints who enlightened whole peoples with the Gospel. Saint Vladimir baptized Kievan Rus in 988, so his work is honored as apostolic.

Why does Saint Vladimir hold a sword?

The sword symbolizes royal authority, military courage, defense of the homeland, and protection of the Orthodox faith entrusted to the ruler.

What does the cross in his right hand mean?

The eight-pointed cross symbolizes the main deed of his life: the Baptism of Rus and the victory of Christianity over paganism.

What is the red princely mantle called?

It is a korzno, an ancient princely mantle fastened at the shoulder with a jeweled fibula, showing royal dignity and authority.

Is Saint Vladimir invoked for eye diseases?

Yes. According to tradition, Vladimir was healed of blindness at his baptism, so Orthodox Christians pray to him for healing of the eyes and spiritual sight.

How is the gold ornament made?

The ornament is worked by hand over the gilded gesso with engraving and tooling, creating a relief Byzantine-style vegetal pattern.

What paints are used for the icon?

The face, garments, sword, and cross are painted in mineral egg tempera made from natural pigments mixed with egg emulsion.

Who is Saint Vladimir a patron for?

He is especially meaningful for men named Vladimir, rulers, leaders, public servants, military personnel, and families seeking blessing and protection.

What sizes are available?

The available sizes are 17×21 cm, 20×24 cm, 27×31 cm, and 30×40 cm, with larger iconostasis sizes by agreement.

How should an icon with tooled gold be cared for?

It should not be wiped with water or chemicals. Dust should be removed with a very soft dry brush, and a glazed kiot is recommended.