1000 Years of Christianity in Russia Table Medal

1000 Years of Christianity in Russia Table Medal.  St. Vladimir (958-1015) was the grandson of St. Olga and the son of Prince Svyatoslav. He is known as Equal to the Apostles and Krasno Solnyshko (Красно Солнышко), which mean the Fair, or Red, Sun. Originally a pagan, he married Anna (963-1011), the daughter of Byzantine Emperor Romanos II and the Empress Theophano and sister of Emperors Basil II and Constantine VIII. After he baptized Kievan Rus,  St. Vladimir destroyed many pagan monuments and established many churches.

He is portrayed resting atop a cloud holding the Russian Orthodox cross aloft. He also holds a shield, the symbol of protection against evils and falsities. Behind him the sunrays symbolize wisdom and his life in the church. 

Originally issued by the Munich mint for the celebration of the Millennium of Christianity (988-1988) in a limited edition, this slightly later medal is the same size as the original. They were minted in a small batch by the Russian Orthodox community in the United States, centered in New York City. The Russian Orthodox Church in Russia (Moscow Patriarch) also produced a limited number of the same medals but cast them in aluminum. This stunning medal is minted in heavy solid gold plated brass. Gift boxed with an informative enclosure. 2¾" diameter (70mm).