Reasons and significance of the adoption of Christianity in Rus'. “Objective reasons for the adoption of Christianity in Rus'”

The official date of the Baptism of Rus' is considered to be 988, when Prince Vladimir Krasno Solnyshko of Kiev decided to convert all the lands under his control at that time to the Orthodox faith. However, it would be incorrect to consider this same year as the starting point for the appearance of Christianity in Rus'.

The middle of the 9th century - the beginning of the unification of Rus', the centralization of the lands of the Eastern Slavs around Kyiv. This process began with the accession to the princely throne of Oleg, who was included in the chronicles under the name of the Prophet. After for long years reign, he transferred power to Igor, who continued to strengthen Rus'. The beginning of his reign coincided with the prince's marriage to Olga. Conquering neighboring tribes, Igor annexed the lands to the growing Kyiv principality, uniting the Slavs and forming a new, united and strong state.

After Igor's death, the Principality of Kiev was inherited by his son, Svyatoslav, under whom Princess Olga became regent due to her early age. The main task of the princess was the device internal order in a young state. Having transferred the reign to Svyatoslav, Princess Olga went to Byzantium, to Constantinople, where she converted to Christianity. With her return to Kyiv, Orthodoxy began to gradually spread among the highest nobility, including in the ranks of the princely squad. Olga's baptism was the first significant example the emergence of Christianity in Rus'.

Social preconditions

After Igor's death, the principality was divided between his sons - Oleg, Yaropolk and Vladimir - into three unequal parts. As a result of the civil strife that broke out, Oleg and Yaropolk died, and Vladimir ascended to the throne of the Kyiv principality.

The new united principality needed not only a single government, but also a single faith that could become an incentive for the unification of the people. Vladimir made the first attempt at such a unification. The prince gathered all the pagan gods who were worshiped by various Slavic tribes - Dazhdbog, Veles, Stribog, Makosh and others - into a single pantheon, placing Perun at their head. A huge temple was built in Kyiv, where idols of all the significant characters of Slavic paganism stood. Sacrifice, worship, rituals - it was decided to carry out all this in one place. However, this attempt to transform pagan beliefs into monotheism failed - individual tribes still put only “their” patron god at the head.

Political background

The end of the 10th century became a time of strengthening cultural and political ties between Rus' and Byzantine Empire. Strong trade ties were explained by successful geographical location The Principality of Kyiv - the path “from the Varangians to the Greeks” passed through its lands; all trade with the young European states was carried out through the Slavic lands. Numerous agreements, from trade to political, concluded at the highest levels, also contributed to the strengthening of relations between Kyiv and Constantinople.

One of these documents was a mutual assistance agreement, the initiator of which was Byzantium. Emperor Vasily II asked Prince Vladimir military assistance to fight the rebels trying to seize power in Constantinople. As the chronicles testify, the prince undertook to place a large detachment of warriors at the disposal of the emperor. In return, Vasily II had to give the prince his sister Anna as his wife, but an indispensable condition for the marriage was Vladimir’s acceptance of Christianity.

Such a union would serve not only as a means to expand and strengthen economic ties two states. The main consequence of this marriage would be reliable support for the Russian principality from ancient empire on the world political arena, strengthening the role of the Slavic state in international political games. Therefore, the condition for accepting the new faith did not become a serious obstacle for the prince in signing the agreement.

Social preconditions

The feudalization of the social system required not only economic changes, but also socio-cultural ones. The fragmentation and fragmentation of the Slavic tribes of the 7th-8th centuries, which reached the point of division not just into family farms, but even into separate farmsteads, was gradually replaced by the opposite process - centralization. By uniting once again fragmented economies into a single whole - settlements, cities, and then principalities, centralization led to the emergence of strong states. However, the key to the stability of such associations is not only territorial, but also spiritual integrity.

Existing beliefs - paganism - reflected the early fragmentation of the Slavic people. Each tribe had its own supreme god, who provided patronage only to his own people and demanded appropriate rituals. Polytheism - polytheism - aggravated the discord between the Slavs and slowed down the process of centralization.

The new state, which united several dozen tribes into a single whole, required a single religion that could become those “spiritual bonds” that turn tribes into people. Christianity was destined to play this decisive role in the unity of the Slavs.

"Choice Among Faiths"

As historical chronicles testify, the preference for Christianity, or more precisely, its Orthodox branch, was to a certain extent a balanced, conscious choice of Prince Vladimir. However, there is a legend that tells how exactly the ruler determined which faith to accept. Having sent ambassadors to the surrounding lands - to the Khazars, who professed Judaism, to the lands of the caliphate, where Islam was widespread, to Byzantium and to Europe, where they believed in Christ - Vladimir demanded from them a detailed report about the features of the faith.

Judaism did not immediately cause much enthusiasm for the prince; Catholicism was rejected due to the complexity of the rituals - services in a number of European countries were conducted exclusively in Latin. There remained Islam, which attracted the prince with some kind of ardent rage and transparency of traditions, and Orthodoxy, distinguished by its sincerity and beauty of worship. As a result, Orthodoxy was chosen, which made the greatest impression on Vladimir.

Baptism in Rus' is a phrase under which modern historical science implies the introduction of Christian teaching on the territory of the fatherland as state religion. This significant event took place at the end of the 10th century under the leadership of Grand Duke Vladimir.

Historical sources give conflicting information about exact date adoption of Christianity two to three years apart. Traditionally, the event dates back to 988 and is considered the beginning of the formation of the Russian Church.

Baptism of Rus' in 988

The emergence of Christianity in Rus'

Some history researchers claim that the Christian religion penetrated the territory of Rus' long before baptism. According to them, there is undeniable evidence of the advent of religion under the Kiev prince Askold. The Patriarch of Constantinople sent an archbishop to create a church structure here, but the full establishment of Christianity in our ancient fatherland was prevented by tense clashes between the adherents of the Savior and the pagans.

Kyiv's orientation towards the Eastern Christian world was determined by its connections with the magnificent and wisely governed Constantinople, as well as cooperation with Slavic tribes Central Europe and the Balkan Peninsula. Russian princes had big choice in the list of religions, and those states that glorified their church focused their attention on the riches of their native lands.

The circumstances and dates of this event remain hidden. The most popular version tells about her official visit to Constantinople, where the princess became acquainted with the rituals of the Eastern Christian Church and decided to establish herself in the faith. At baptism Grand Duchess received Greek name Elena. She sought equality between Byzantium and Russia.

Formation of the Church in Rus'

Is our Slavic state had a peculiar flavor, so the faith of Christ on our native soil acquired a special characteristic. The light of Russian Orthodoxy, refracted through the prism of the people's heritage, became a significant phenomenon of the entire Christian teaching. The specificity was developed in the process of maturation of the state and the cultural growth of national thought. Holy Rus' over time acquired the glory of the center of the Eastern Christian direction of the Universal Church.

The spread of Christianity fostered in the souls of the Slavs a sense of the closeness of the Lord

The pagan life of the Russian Slavs was based on mother nature. The peasants were completely dependent on the cultivated land and the raging elements. The rejection of paganism for the people meant that the existence of previous idols was called into colossal doubt. However, the pagan faith was rather primitive in structure and failed to penetrate to the very depths of the Russian consciousness. Therefore, the replacement of Perun with the prophet Elijah was painless, but not fully realized.

In Rus', more attention was paid to the pomp of rituals than to the true essence of Christianity. The positive aspects of paganism include the fact that it cultivated in the souls of the Slavs a sense of the closeness of the Lord, present everywhere and in everything. The basis of national holiness was the knowledge of the descent of Christ, devoid of passion and emotional outbursts.

The Kiev people were distinguished by their belligerence and exorbitant cruelty towards their enemies, but having adopted Orthodoxy, they introduced the ethical aspects of the Gospel into the traditions. Unlike Western states, who considered Jesus the leader of the righteous army, Rus' accepted the Savior as the “Merciful One.”

However, Christian morality did not fully reign in the popular consciousness; pagan customs still existed and operated, giving rise to the problem of dual faith. This aspect of Russian history remains in the minds of the people to this day.

Interesting! The first spiritual heroes and great martyrs of the war of cruel idolatry and Christianity filled with love and mercy in Rus' were the sons of Vladimir - Boris and Gleb.

The struggle for the inheritance of Prince Vladimir gave rise to kindred hatred. Svyatopolk decided to violently eliminate his brother competitors. Boris refused to respond to aggression with aggression, which provoked the departure of his squad from this prince, who considered the manifestation of love to be weakness. The servants wept over the body and praised the name of Christ, and soon the killers reached young Gleb.

Holy Passion-Bearers Boris and Gleb

Spreading knowledge about religion

The Kiev throne came into the possession of Yaroslav the Wise, also the son of Vladimir. The new prince sought to enlighten the Russian people and strengthen Christian faith. Yaroslav had great authority in his homeland and in European countries; he wanted to raise the status of Rus' to the level of the brilliant Byzantium.

The educational mission was extremely important for the young culture of the Russian people. Knowing that the country could become morally isolated and wild if it continued to stay away from spiritual centers, Yaroslav the Wise established relations with states that had a rich experience of religiosity.

Religious culture in Rus'

Soon after baptism, a structure of church metropolises was created, headed by a bishop sent from Constantinople. In the most major cities Rus' organized bishoprics.

For a whole century, the spiritual life of Rus' was under the leadership of the Greek metropolises. This fact played a positive role because it excluded competition between church structures within the state. However, in 1051 Yaroslav made the famous Russian thinker and writer Hilarion metropolitan. This outstanding shepherd in his essays noted the religious upsurge in the hearts of the population.

In traditional chronicles one could see a desire to understand what was happening through reference to past events. The authors of these literary monuments glorified not only the great ascetics, but were also interested in the biographies of pagan princes.

The chronicles were based on historical documentation, oral traditions and national folklore. The authors used direct speech, as well as proverbs and original sayings. In the 12th century, a monk named Nestor collected all the chronicles into one whole and entitled it “The Tale of Bygone Years.” This book is the main source of information on history Ancient Rus'.

The author of The Tale of Bygone Years saw Rus' from a great height

In the rapidly expanding monastic complexes there was an increase in scientists, architects, writers and icon painters. Professionals in their field came from Byzantium and shared their knowledge with the Russian people. Domestic craftsmen soon independently built temples and decorated walls, amazing their Constantinople teachers.

Yaroslav, deciding to glorify the capital, built a magnificent temple in honor of St. Sophia and the Golden Gate in Kyiv. These works of art were created by Russian masters who reinterpreted the Byzantine tradition in their own way.

On a note! The first celebration of Epiphany in Rus' took place in 1888. The events, the idea of ​​which belonged to K. Pobedonostsev, took place in Kyiv. Before the celebrations, the foundation of the Vladimir Cathedral was laid.

The adoption of Christianity in Rus' is the most important step that radically changed the internal structure and moral side of life in our fatherland. The church vision allowed the people to rally around one God and gain knowledge of His power. Wise rulers saw baptism as an opportunity to improve the position of the state and learn how to create beautiful temples and icons.

Documentary film about the baptism of Rus'

The activities of the first Russian princes were subordinated to two main goals: to extend their power to all East Slavic tribes and to establish trade.

The first prince of Rus' was Oleg. He established trade relations with Byzantium, captured trade route"Their Varangians became Greeks." In 907 and 911 he made 2 campaigns against the Byzantines, the result of which was a trade agreement beneficial for Russian merchants.

In 912 he dies and Igor begins to rule. First of all, he subjugated the Drevlyans. Later, in 941 and 944, he made 2 campaigns against Byzantium, the first was not successful, and during the second a trade agreement was concluded with Byzantium. In 945, the prince was killed by the Drevlyans. Igor twice tried to collect tribute from them, for which he paid. His wife Olga and young son Svyatoslav remain in Kyiv. From 945 to 957 Olga ruled, taking regency over her son. She cruelly took revenge on the Drevlyans for the death of her husband. After this, the princess precisely established the amount of tribute, determined the places for collecting tribute - churchyards. She also changed the procedure for collecting tribute, now it was collected by people specially appointed by the prince. This was the first reform in Rus'. In 957 Olga converted to Christianity in Byzantium, and upon her return she gave the reign to her son.

Svyatoslav annexed the lands of the Vyatichi to Rus', made 2 successful campaigns against the Khazars (965-969), defeating their two main cities of Semender and Sarkel. Later the prince captured the mouth of the Kuban River and the coast Sea of ​​Azov. On the Taman Peninsula he formed a new principality - Tmutarakan. In 968, at the request of the Byzantine king, he opposed the Bulgars, captured a number of their cities, including Pereslavets. In the spring of 971 he fought with the Byzantines. The war was difficult for both sides and a peace treaty was signed. Svyatoslav returns to Kyiv, abandoning the Tbulgarian lands. While returning home in 972, Svyatoslav and his squad were killed by the Pechenegs.

The campaigns of the princes significantly expanded the territory of Rus'. They also helped establish trade with Byzantium.

adoption of Christianity in Rus' reasons and significance

In 988, under Vladimir I, Christianity was adopted as the state religion. Christianity, as the chronicler says, has been widespread in Rus' since ancient times. It was preached by the Apostle Andrew the First-Called, one of Christ’s disciples. Stories about subsequent baptisms of certain groups of the population of Russia (during Askold and Dir, Cyril and Methodius, Princess Olga, etc.) show that Christianity gradually entered the life of ancient Russian society.

Historians have always faced questions: what was the reason for the Christianization of Russia and why did Prince Vladimir choose Orthodoxy? The answer to these questions should be sought both in the personality of Prince Vladimir and in the analysis of the socio-political and spiritual processes that took place at that time in Kievan Rus.

Prince Vladimir was big statesman of its time. He had long been aware that pagan polytheism did not correspond to the political and spiritual needs of the state. In 980, Vladimir undertook the first religious reform, the essence of which was an attempt to merge the heterogeneous gods of all the tribes of Kievan Rus into a single pantheon led by the princely god Perun. However, the attempt to spread the cult of Perun everywhere failed. The pagan god was opposed by other pagan gods, who were worshiped by the Slavic and non-Slavic tribes of Kievan Rus. Paganism did not ensure the ethnocultural unity of all tribes and lands of Kievan Rus. Historical practice has shown that this unity is best ensured by the so-called world religions: Christianity and Islam.

The Orthodox version of the adoption of Christianity claims that this event was preceded by the procedure of “choosing faiths.” According to its geopolitical position, Kievan Rus was in close contact with the Khazar Kaganate, in which Judaism dominated, the Arab-Muslim world, in which Islam was practiced, Orthodox Byzantium and the Catholic states of Western Europe. Vladimir allegedly sent his ambassadors to all these regions to determine the best faith. Having completed the task of the Grand Duke, the ambassadors returned and clearly gave preference to Orthodoxy because of the beauty of its churches and the spiritual uplift that they felt in them.

However, these circumstances were not what played the main role in the adoption of Orthodoxy. The decisive factor in turning to the religious and ideological experience of Byzantium were the traditional political, economic, and cultural ties of Kievan Rus with Byzantium. In the Byzantine state system, spiritual power occupied a subordinate position to the emperor. This corresponded to the political aspirations of Prince Vladimir. Dynastic considerations also played an important role. The adoption of Orthodoxy opened the way for Vladimir's marriage with the sister of the Byzantine emperor, Princess Anna - and thus further strengthened friendly relations with such an influential power as Byzantium. Friendship with Byzantium not only opened the way to the expansion of trade, economic and cultural ties, but also to some extent protected Russia from the raids of numerous nomadic tribes inhabiting the Great Steppe north of the Black Sea, which Byzantium constantly used in the fight against its northern neighbor :

And one more point played a role in choosing Orthodoxy. In Catholicism, worship took place on Latin, texts of the Bible and other liturgical books - in the same language. Orthodoxy did not bind itself to linguistic canons. Moreover, during this period, Orthodoxy was established in Slavic Bulgaria. Thus, the liturgical books and the entire ritual were linguistically related to the population of Kievan Rus. Through Bulgarian liturgical books and Bulgarian clergy, Orthodoxy began to establish itself in the spiritual life of Russian society.

Vladimir, having been baptized himself, baptized his boyars, and then the entire family. The spread of Christianity often met resistance from the population, who revered their pagan gods. Christianity took hold slowly. On the outlying lands of Kievan Rus it was established much later than in Kyiv and Novgorod.

Acceptance of Christianity in Orthodox tradition became one of the determining factors in our further historical development.

Christianity created broad based to unite all the peoples of this society. The border between Russian and Slav, Finno-Ugric and Slav, etc. disappeared. They were all united by a common spiritual basis. Christianity gradually began to displace pagan rituals and traditions, and on this basis the humanization of society took place. A significant cultural revolution was the introduction of a unified written language. The adoption of Christianity contributed to the formation of urban culture in a predominantly agricultural country. Temple construction, bookmaking, literature, history and philosophy developed under the influence of Christians.

On the basis of Christianization, a new type of statehood is emerging in Kievan Rus, which largely takes on a Byzantine form. A close relationship is established between secular and ecclesiastical authorities, with the primacy of the first over the second. In the first half of the 11th century, the formation of church jurisdiction began. Matters concerning marriage, divorce, family, and some inheritance matters are transferred to the jurisdiction of the church. By the end of the 12th century. The church began to supervise the service of weights and measures. The church plays a significant role in international affairs related to deepening relations with Christian states and churches.

In general, thanks to the adoption of Christianity, Kievan Rus was included in the European Christian world, and therefore became an equal element of the European civilizational process. However, the adoption of Christianity in the Orthodox version had its own Negative consequences. Orthodoxy contributed to the isolation of Rus' from Western European civilization. With the fall of Byzantium Russian state and Russian Orthodox Church found themselves, in fact, isolated from the rest of the Christian world. It is this circumstance that may partly explain the refusal Western Europe come to the aid of Rus' in its confrontation with the infidels (Tatar-Mongols, Turks and other conquerors).

The adoption of Christianity in Rus' - How God chose Rus', how Rus' chose the true God.

Introduction

The adoption of Orthodoxy by Prince Vladimir in 988 became one of major events in the history of Rus', which literally turned the entire way of life of the population of the young state upside down. Paganism divided the Eastern Slavs, but the Christian faith became the phenomenon that forced them to abandon all rivalry and enmity and united Rus' around the Great City of Kyiv.

Slavs before the adoption of Christianity

The first Slavic settlers on the territory of modern Ukraine and Russia were the Drevlyans (inhabitants of forests) and Polyans (inhabitants of fields). From the chronicles it is known that at that time each clan lived separately. The connection between the tribes was ensured by the ancestor, whom the Slavs most often called the prince. This word has the meaning of being the eldest in the family, the father of the family.
The following is known about the morals of the ancient Slavs from the testimonies of foreigners. With their morality and simplicity, they made a favorable impression in comparison with the neighboring educated and semi-educated peoples, who were distinguished by depravity. Evil and crafty people were rarely found among the Slavs. However, the same writers, talking about the kindness of the nature of the Slavs, mention their cruelty in treating prisoners, including Christian preachers. In one place the Slavs are called uncunning, in another treacherous. This is due to general fragmentation, serious differences in everyday life different kinds. There was no unity among the Slavs; they rarely reached agreement on anything. Several clans will agree on one thing, and others will immediately upset their decision, because everywhere there was enmity and reluctance to give in and obey.
It is known about the Polans that they were distinguished by a quiet and meek disposition, respect for family members, chastity, and entered into marriage. Other tribes, such as, for example, the Drevlyans, Vyatichi, Radimichi, did not have marriage, but kidnapped girls and had several wives. The Slavs performed funeral feasts for the dead. The body of the deceased was most often burned, the remains were collected in an urn and placed on roadside poles. Foreigners noted the extraordinary affection of Slavic wives for their husbands, whom they often followed even to the grave.
The Eastern Slavs worshiped primarily the lightning god Perun or Svarog and his son, the sun god, who was called Dazhbog. In addition to these deities, there were many little gods who personified various natural phenomena. The ancient Slavs also believed in an afterlife. The souls of deceased ancestors, according to their beliefs, protected the clan even after death. However, this did not mean a spiritual existence after death.
The chronicles do not mention the existence of temples and priests among the Slavs. Sacrifices were made under a consecrated tree (usually an oak), the role of the priest was performed by the prince.

Reasons for the adoption of Christianity by Russia

The beginning of Christianity in the territory of the Eastern Slavs, according to ancient chronicles, was laid by the great Apostle Andrew the First-Called in the 1st century after the Nativity of Christ. Passing through Sarmatia, Scythia and Thrace with the gospel preaching, he rose to the Dnieper and blessed the mountains on which Kyiv was later built. The Holy Apostle predicted that in this place there would be great city with many temples. But only in the second half of the 19th century, through the works of holy enlighteners Slavic Methodius and Cyril, the preaching of Christianity again reached the banks of the Dnieper. Their main work was the creation Slavic writing, which made it possible to translate the Bible and liturgical books.
It so happened that it was at this time that the Russian state was born and it was it that, more than other Slavic peoples, took advantage of the works of Cyril and Methodius. The princes began to strive to unite the East Slavic peoples, which was subsequently served by the baptism of Rus'.

To unite disparate tribes, the following was required:

General religion;
general everyday life;
strengthening the power of a single prince.

All of the above were the main reasons for the adoption of Christianity in Rus'.
Princes Askold and Dir, who ruled Kiev in the second half of the 19th century, paved the way for Orthodoxy to Eastern Slavs. During the campaign against Byzantium in 866, they were amazed by a miracle. The inhabitants of Constantinople, besieged by them, after intense prayer, went with the miraculous robe of the Mother of God to the Bosphorus. Headed procession Tsar Michael lll and Patriarch Photius. The shrine was lowered into the water. After this, a storm began that literally scattered the Russian fleet and only a small part of them managed to return home. The shocked princes asked the Byzantines for baptism. The bishop who arrived in Kyiv amazed them again, taking a copy of the Gospel unharmed from the flames of the fire. But most of all, he impressed the Russians with his preaching, many of them were baptized. Prince Askold in 866 was baptized by Patriarch Photius with the name Nicholas. The Church of St. Nicholas was built at the site of his burial.

Baptism of Grand Duchess Olga Equal to the Apostles

Grand Duchess Olga, at the age of 67, having been enlightened by the preaching of the Gospel, went to Constantinople to receive the sacrament of baptism. This event took place in 957. At baptism, the princess received the name Elena.
Upon returning home, great Equal-to-the-Apostles Princess She devoted the rest of her life to the spread of Christianity in Rus'. The chronicles call this woman “the wisest of people,” and her wisdom determined the choice in favor of Christian religion. It is worth recalling that the former pagan Olga became famous for her cruel revenge for the murder of her husband, Prince Igor. Baptism completely changed her lifestyle and disposition.
The young Kyiv state needed a religion that would unite disparate tribes that were in constant internecine wars. The wise ruler understood this. She tried to persuade her son, Prince Svyatoslav, to be baptized, but was not successful. He did not like the new religion. Christians were mocked then. However, Olga had great influence on her grandchildren, future princes. After Olga's death, Prince Svyatoslav began persecuting Christians. With the coming to power of his sons, Christians experienced a significant improvement in their situation.

Baptism of the Great Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir

The final adoption of Christianity in Rus' happened like this.
Vladimir was still a child when his grandmother Olga died, so he was less influenced by her than his older brothers. In addition, the future Grand Duke as a child was taken to be raised in Novgorod, where paganism was clearly preferred to Christianity and grew up under the influence of idolatry.
The assumption of power over Kiev by Prince Vladimir meant the triumph of paganism over Christianity. The young prince began to abundantly decorate the city with idols. According to the chroniclers, never before in Rus' had there been such rampant idolatry.
In gratitude for the victory in one of the campaigns, the prince decided to make a human sacrifice to the idols. The choice fell on a Christian young man. Since his father opposed what was happening and spoke to the people denouncing the madness of paganism, both were torn to pieces by an angry crowd. But the death of the Christian martyrs was not in vain; the tragedy that occurred became one of the events that accelerated the triumph of Orthodoxy.
Vladimir was famous for his generous nature, wild disposition, love of women and general penchant for excess. But this same breadth of soul subsequently made possible a radical revolution in the consciousness and entire life of the former idolater. Having accepted the Orthodox faith with all his soul, Vladimir became like the apostles.
At that time, the young Kyiv state had a need for a new faith that would unite the tribes around Kyiv and its prince. The choice of a new religion began.
According to the chronicles, ambassadors representing the religions of states neighboring Russia came to Vladimir. The Greek Orthodox missionary made the strongest impression on the prince. He told Prince Vladimir about the doctrine of the Atonement, afterlife and the Last Judgment, showing an icon depicting the latter.
After listening to representatives of all religions, Vladimir decided to send ten of his embassies to different states to test their faith. The ambassadors who visited the Church of St. Sophia in Constantinople for worship said that they did not understand where they were, on earth or in heaven. Their story confirmed the prince in choosing a new religion. A serious argument in favor Orthodox faith There was also the choice of Princess Olga. All it took was the right opportunity.
In 988, Vladimir set off with his army on a campaign against Korsun, promising to be baptized in case of victory. Having conquered the city, the prince demanded from the then rulers of Byzantium Vasily and Constantine the hand of their sister, Princess Anna. Consent was obtained on the condition that the prince be baptized before the wedding.
While the princess was on her way to Korsun, Prince Vladimir’s eyes seriously hurt.

Arriving in the city, Anna began to convince the prince to hurry up with baptism in order to be cured faster. Indeed, immediately after being baptized with the name Vasily, Vladimir received his sight. “Only now have I seen the true God!” - the prince exclaimed when he was healed.
Taking with him church utensils, miraculous icons and elders, Vladimir went home.

Baptism of Kievites

Arriving in Kyiv, Prince Vladimir first of all baptized his sons and boyars. The statue of Perun, installed in front of the princely house, was defeated, tied to a horse's tail and thrown into the Dnieper. Then, together with the clergy, the Grand Duke began to preach Christianity among the people of Kiev. Not everyone was baptized with joy; many doubted. Then the prince ordered all residents of Kyiv to appear the next day at the river and be baptized. All those who disobeyed were declared enemies of the prince. This command resolved the doubts of many who hesitated. They reasoned that if the new faith were bad, the prince and boyars would not accept it.
The next day after the prince's order, a general baptism of Kiev residents took place in the river. This happened in 988, which became the official date of the Baptism of Rus'. After the capital city adopted Orthodoxy, this religion became dominant in the Russian state. The construction of churches began, the education of the people with the preaching of the Gospel began, that is, the history of the Russian Orthodox Church actually began.

Consequences and significance of the adoption of Christianity by Russia

After the baptism of Kyiv, the prince, together with the elders, went preaching throughout the country, destroying idols and calling for the adoption of a new faith. First of all, Orthodoxy was accepted in Novgorod, where the statue of Perun, as in Kyiv, was thrown into the river in disgrace.

The main consequences of the adoption of Christianity by Russia were:

Community cohesion;
strengthening the power of the Kyiv prince;
the emergence of writing, stone construction, painting;
softening of morals;

It is considered the 988th. But the establishment of the only state religion on Russian lands cannot be considered a one-time act. The history of the arrival of Orthodoxy on Russian soil is rich in myths and legends.

Legends about the emergence of Christianity in Rus'

One of the versions explaining the reasons for the adoption of Christianity in Rus', however, not confirmed by anything, says that the Apostle Andrew himself, on the way from Constantinople to Rome, sailing along the Dnieper to Kiev and Novgorod, preached the religion of Christ in these places.

This legend is reflected in many Russian legends. In particular, that Andrei, having seen the hills on which Kyiv subsequently grew, prophesied a glorious Christian future for him. Another version claims that the reasons for the adoption of Christianity in Rus' are very subjective, because such a decision was made by Prince of Kyiv Vladimir alone, relying on his own political plans and ambition. In support of this version, there is a legend that the prince sent messengers to all directions of the world so that they would become familiar with existing religions and report to him about their advantages and disadvantages. After listening to them, Vladimir gave preference to Orthodoxy.

It's no secret that Kievan Rus of the 10th century was a powerful feudal state with developed trade and handicrafts. It was known throughout the world for its spiritual and material culture. Further development of the state required the consolidation of society, which could not be achieved without the idea of ​​a single God uniting the population. In addition, the international reasons for Russia's adoption of Christianity should not be underestimated.

To develop relations with Byzantium and the countries of Western Europe, a common ideological platform was required. Listing the reasons for accepting Christianity Kievan Rus, it should also be noted that the religion of Christ allowed the state to join the family of very developed European nations at that time, who treated the pagans as inferior people. It is important to understand that the final split of Christianity into Western and Orthodox branches occurred somewhat later - in 1054.

Why Orthodoxy?

The choice of Orthodoxy, as most historians claim, is also far from accidental. Orthodox Byzantium had closer cultural and trade ties with Kievan Rus than Western European states. In addition, the ambitious Prince Vladimir was very impressed by the fact that the Byzantine model of Christianity presupposed the subordination of the church to the state, which Rome could not offer.

It should also be mentioned that Byzantium was very interested in transferring its religion to the vast Russian lands. Thus, she significantly expanded her influence in the international political arena of that time. The adoption of Christianity of the Byzantine model in Rus' presupposed the performance of services in the native language of the population, which, according to some historians, was of primary importance for Vladimir’s choice of Orthodoxy. Other sources claim that all the reasons for the adoption of Christianity in Rus', taken together, fade away in front of the main one - his marriage to the sister of the Byzantine emperor, who simply could not marry his close relative to a pagan.