Theodore the Varangian and his son John

Theodore the Varangian and his son John (Russian: Феодор Варяг и сын его Иоанн, romanized: Feodor Varyag i syn yego Ioann; 10th century) are the names traditionally attributed to a Varangian Christian man from Greece and his young son living in Kiev, who were killed in a story recorded in the Primary Chronicle under the year 6491 (983).

Under the year 6491 (983; pages 82.5–83.25[2]), the Primary Chronicle reports the following story: Vladimir marched on the Yatvingians, conquered them, and seized their territory.

He adhered to the Christian faith, and he had a son, fair in face and in heart, on whom, through the devil's hatred, the lot fell.

[citation needed] According to the traditional version, their demise came on July 12, 978, the day after Vladimir of Kiev's succession to the throne was celebrated with pagan thanksgiving to the gods including human sacrifices.

[citation needed] However, some historians argue this event happened in summer of 983, during the revolt of the Gentiles throughout the Slavic-Germanic world.

[citation needed] According to legend, Theodore and John's courage standing alone against the crowd of angry pagans so impressed Vladimir with its sincerity that it influenced his decision to become a Christian.