Rule of Novgorod
By tradition Vladimir was placed over Novgorod by his father at about fourteen years of age, and he governed the city from 1036 to 1052. In his administration he was assisted by the voivode (military commander) Vyshata and by the bishop of Novgorod, Luka Zhidiata.
He became known both as a brave defender of the land and as a devout Christian. In 1047 books of the prophets with commentaries were copied for him, a sign of his commitment to religious study. By his decree a stone fortress was built at Novgorod to strengthen the city.
The Cathedral of Saint Sophia
Vladimir's enduring achievement was the Cathedral of Saint Sophia in Novgorod, whose construction he commissioned beginning in 1045. The cathedral was consecrated on September 14, 1052 by Bishop Luke.
Vladimir died only twenty days after the consecration of the cathedral he had built, and his relics were interred within it.
Military Campaigns
In 1043 Vladimir led Russian armies in a campaign against the Byzantine Emperor Constantine IX. Sources also place him in possible conflict with the Finns around 1042.
Relics & Shrines
Vladimir was buried in the Cathedral of Saint Sophia in Novgorod on October 4, 1052. His sarcophagus occupies a niche on the south side of the main body of the cathedral, overlooking the Martirievskii Porch. An early twentieth-century fresco was placed above the sarcophagus, with a new effigial icon set on top of it.
Glorification
The commemoration of the holy prince Vladimir was established in 1439 by Saint Euthymius II, Archbishop of Novgorod, who oversaw his glorification as a saint. He is commemorated on October 4 and is titled the Wonderworker.
