The Orthodox Church celebrates July 24 every year the memory of Saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duchess Olgawho became the first female ruler in the history of Kyivan Rus.

The princess was born in 890, took the throne in 945 (after the death of Prince Igor). Olga was distinguished by a strong and firm character, she ruled rather harshly, but wisely and fairly. The holy princess was baptized in 957 in Constantinople, her baptismal name is Elena.

Saint Olga died in 969. The relics of the grand duchess are kept in the Tithe Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The glorification of Olga as equal to the apostles (those who turn others to the faith of Christ) saints took place in 1547.

The princess’s adoption of the Christian faith changed the worldview of the people and had an incredible impact on her descendants.