Vladimir the Great (feast July 15) was a seeker. He was raised a pagan but was not content worshipping man-made idols. As the prince of Kiev (modern Ukraine) at the turn of the 11th Century, he sent delegates to inform him of the various world religions. He intended to discern which was the true faith that he and his subjects could follow. Upon returning, his delegates reported on the faith and practices of all those they encountered, and about the Divine Liturgy of the Byzantines in Constantinople, they said “We didn’t know if we were in heaven or on earth”. Hearing this, Vladimir was baptized, reformed his life, and shared his faith with those under his care.
Thursday, July 7 –