Saint Oleg, Prince of Briansk

Commemorated on September 20.

Holy Prince Oleg Romanovich of Briansk (in Baptism Leontius) was grandson of the holy martyr Prince Michael of Chernigov. According to the chronicle histories, Prince Oleg together with his father, Prince Roman Mikhailovich of Briansk, participated in a war against Lithuania in 1274.

After 1274, he resigned as prince and became a monk with the name Basil at the Briansk monastery of Saints Peter and Paul, built through his generosity. The holy prince died at this monastery as a strict ascetic in the year 1285, and was buried in the monastery church.

Troparion

In you the image was preserved with exactness, O Father,
for taking up your cross, you followed after Christ.
By so doing, you taught us to disregard the flesh, for it passes away,
but to care instead for the soul, since it is immortal.
Therefore, most venerable Father Basil your spirit rejoices with the Angels.

Kontakion

(Podoben: “You sought the heights...”)
Having divinely armed yourself with the purity of your soul,
and firmly grasping unceasing prayer as a spear, you pierced the armies of demons.
Therefore, we beseech you, O our Father Basil,
always intercede for us who honor you.