Product Description
Commemorative medal, 1988. The Russian Orthodox Church in Russia (Moscow Patriarch) produced a limited number of these medals cast in gold plated aluminum. The celebration was planned as an in-house event, but became pan-Orthodox. Its success marked a significant turn in Soviet church policy under the leadership of M. Gorbachev. Comes in its original factory plastic casing with plastic insert. 40mm (1.57"), 12.6g (about .5oz). Uncommon. 1 only.
1000 Years of Christianity in Russia. St. Vladimir (958-1015), Prince of Kiev, 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 means the Fair, or Red, Sun. Born a pagan, he married Anna (963-1011), the daughter of the Byzantine emperor Romanos II and the empress Theophano and sister of emperors Basil II and Constantine VIII. After baptizing Kievan Rus, St. Vladimir set about destroying pagan monuments and establishing 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 rays of the sun symbolize his wisdom and life in the church.
Originally issued in a limited edition by the Munich mint for the celebration of the Millennium of Christianity (988-1988) and then in a small batch by the Russian Orthodox community centered in New York City seen here: https://therussianshop.com/millennium-of-christianity-in-russia-medal/
Inscriptions: Благословен Господь Иисус Христос, Иже возлюби новыя люди, Русскую землю и просвети ю крещением святым. (Повесть временных лет). (Blessed be the Lord Jesus Christ, who loved the new people, the Russian land and enlightened them with holy baptism. (The Tale of Bygone Years).
