Christianization of Kievan Rus': What Happened
Around 988 AD, Vladimir the Great, ruler of Kievan Rus', a powerful state centered on Kyiv, converted to Orthodox Christianity and ordered his people to be baptized. According to the Russian Primary Chronicle, Vladimir sent envoys to investigate different religions. Those who visited Hagia Sophia in Constantinople reported that they did not know whether they were in heaven or on earth. The conversion was closely tied to politics. Vladimir sent troops to help the Byzantine emperor Basil II defeat a dangerous rebellion. In return, he received the hand of Basil's sister, Anna, a rare honor, since Byzantine princesses were almost never married to foreign rulers. Vladimir was baptized, and the people of Kyiv were baptized in the Dnieper River. The conversion brought the Rus' into the Byzantine cultural world. Greek clergy, church architecture, icons, music and the Cyrillic alphabet spread across the lands that became Ukraine, Russia and Belarus. It is one of the most important events in the history of Eastern Europe and the reason Orthodoxy is the main faith there today.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Kievan Rus' become Christian?
Kievan Rus' converted to Orthodox Christianity around 988 AD, when its ruler Vladimir the Great was baptized and ordered his people to be baptized.
Who was Vladimir the Great?
Vladimir the Great was the ruler of Kievan Rus', a powerful state centered on Kyiv. He is venerated as a saint for bringing Christianity to his people.
Why did Vladimir choose Orthodox Christianity?
According to the Russian Primary Chronicle, his envoys were overwhelmed by the beauty of Hagia Sophia. The choice also brought a valuable alliance with Byzantium.
Who did Vladimir marry?
Vladimir married Anna, sister of the Byzantine emperor Basil II, a rare honor, as Byzantine princesses were almost never married to foreign rulers.
Why is the Christianization of Rus' important?
It brought Byzantine religion, art, architecture and the Cyrillic alphabet to the lands of modern Ukraine, Russia and Belarus, where Orthodoxy remains the main faith.
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