The Martyred Princes by Rachel

The Martyred Princes by Rachel - February 2016 Scholarship Essay

I wish I could have dinner with Princes Boris and Gleb, who became the first saints in Russian Orthodoxy. While they are obscure historical figures, their short, selfless lives have inspired others to value peace above war and family over power. According to the Russian Primary Chronicle, when the princes' father died, their brother Sviatopolk seized power and threatened to kill any who opposed him. Boris accepted Sviatopolk's newfound authority, despite being urged to dethrone his treacherous brother. He wanted to avoid a civil war at all costs, for the sake of the people they ruled. But his submission was not enough for Sviatopolk; Boris was murdered in a surprise attack ordered by their ambitious and bloodthirsty brother.

Gleb, meanwhile, had only heard of their father's illness. As he was traveling to see their father, the oldest of the brothers, Yaroslav, warned Gleb of Sviatopolk's deeds and Boris's murder, urging Gleb to turn around and escape their evil brother's clutches. His warning came too late. Gleb was later betrayed and had the option of fighting or being killed, and like Boris, he selflessly decided to sacrifice himself instead of letting their kingdom descend into war.

While these brothers may seem cowardly, their actions demonstrate their love for their country and for their people. They preferred to die rather than force their citizens into war, even when they had been wronged. They chose to forgive Sviatopolk, not because it would benefit them, but because it would help their country prosper. Later, Yaroslav avenged their deaths by killing Sviatopolk and re-establishing the proper order. These brothers were honored for their sacrifices through sainthood, after they had performed the traditional three miracles, and to this day are recognized on July 24 for their righteousness.

Having dinner with Boris and Gleb would be an opportunity to witness holiness and selflessness. I want to ask them how they faced death, knowing that if they only took up arms, they could survive. Finally, I wish that more people were as sacrificial as they were; the world would be a different place if we loved others as much as Princes Boris and Gleb loved their people.