Consequences of the adoption of Christianity in Rus' and its influence on the further political and legal development of Kievan Rus

Date in 2021: July 28, Wednesday.

The baptism of Rus' began with Prince Vladimir Svyatoslavovich accepting the Christian faith according to the Greek rite. After this, they began to baptize Slavs en masse in Kyiv, Novgorod and other cities of Rus'. The year of baptism is considered to be 988. The date of celebration is June 28, since at this time the day of memory of Vladimir is celebrated.

The Day of the Baptism of Rus' is the main holiday for all Orthodox Christians in Russia. This date has a special meaning for every Russian person. Since the adoption of Orthodoxy, a new round of history began. The day and month of the baptism of Rus' coincides with the day of remembrance of St. Prince Vladimir, who baptized the Slavic people en masse. The prince chose Orthodoxy over other religions, thereby determining the fate of his people.

When is it celebrated?

Figure 1. Procession on the anniversary of the Baptism of Rus'

On June 1, 2010, Dmitry Medvedev approved the official date for celebrating the Day of the Baptism of Rus'. Patriarch Alexy II approached the government of the Russian Federation with the initiative. In addition to Russia, he proposed making appropriate changes to the list of state memorial countries to the presidents of Ukraine and Belarus.

It was no coincidence that July 28 was chosen as the date of celebration. On this day the church celebrates the memory of Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir. In history he is known as Vladimir the Red Sun, the baptist of Rus'.

In 2021, July 28 falls on a day off - Sunday.

Interesting! The day of the baptism of Kievan Rus-Ukraine has been solemnly celebrated since 2008. The neighboring state also celebrates a similar holiday on July 28.

Who should be congratulated

The Baptism of Rus' is a significant event for the entire Orthodox world. The decision of Prince Vladimir influenced the course of historical events, the culture and morality of the Slavic tribes.

The renunciation of paganism and the acceptance of Christ had a beneficial effect on the development of the Russian people. Thanks to the new faith, writing came to Rus'. For a long time, churches served as educational institutions.

It is customary to congratulate all Orthodox Christians in Russia and other Slavic states on the holiday.

In addition: find out when Honey Spas is celebrated in 2021.

Consequences of the Christianization of Rus'

Many researchers believe that the adoption of Orthodoxy was not only a well-thought-out action on the part of Prince Vladimir, but also a kind of spiritual impulse, a sign of repentance for fratricide and revelry. Be that as it may, it is impossible not to talk about the political and social consequences that the Christianization of Kievan Rus as a state brought.

Thanks to the powerful support of Byzantium, which Rus' received after its baptism, the Slavic state gained considerable weight in the political arena of both Europe and Asia. In addition, the adoption of Christianity made it possible to actively begin to establish relations with those states that professed the same faith. Having received the new status of a “civilized”, rather than pagan, state, the Slavs began to develop trade relations with European countries. Subsequently, these contacts will bring not only economic, but also political benefits, making Kievan Rus a significant player on the world stage.

By starting baptism “from above,” that is, by first baptizing himself, his family and his closest circle, Vladimir created a central vertical of power. The Church became the force that united the scattered Slavic tribes and strengthened the princely power. Existing independently of each other, these two institutions - the church and the state - have always acted together. The church directed its forces to establish the state and support the central government, while the state, in turn, contributed to the prosperity of the church.

It was Christianity that became the central spiritual force that united the people. And even during the period of state fragmentation in the 12th century, the Church remained unchanged, helping the Slavs feel like a single nation.

Another important consequence can be called a general softening of morals. The Church made a lot of efforts to eradicate pagan customs. The cessation of sacrifices and bloody rituals is a direct merit of the new faith. Enlightenment and moral education of the people became the real responsibility of the Christian clergy.

Spiritual and cultural

After the adoption of Christianity, Ancient Rus' received a powerful impetus for the development of literacy and culture, which was taken as a model from Byzantium:

• A new chronology system was established (the new year began on March 1).
• Church holidays came into life.
• Roman counting and the names of the months appeared (Genvar, Fuvroir, and so on).
• The Greek monks Cyril and Methodius brought 2 Slavic alphabet - Cyrillic and Glagolitic, which contributed to the development of Russian writing.

New cultural traditions presupposed the education of a certain segment of the population - priests, craftsmen and politicians. In this regard, literacy schools appeared, from which the first generations of the Russian intelligentsia emerged.

Art (icon painting), architecture, literature and others developed widely. Everything was aimed at the spiritual transformation of man, instilling Christian values. The first books were not of an entertaining nature; they were treated with the utmost seriousness and care.

Kievan Rus sought to form its cultural unity on the basis of spiritual qualities: “mercy” and “conscience” stood higher than “justice” and “law”.

International

In the 9th century, many Western countries (Poland, Denmark, Czech Republic, Hungary and others) adopted Christianity, so the Christianization of Rus' contributed to the expansion of international relations in the West, but at the same time, limiting them with the countries of the East. A single religion helped Ancient Rus' to enter the Christian “family” of European countries and become on the same level with them, absorb their culture and science, and enter a circle of trust. Relations with Byzantium, which at that time was the center of civilization, were significantly strengthened. International trade improved, marriages were concluded with Europeans, which also served to strengthen international ties.

Moral

A radical change in the worldview of Christian Rus' influenced the moral component of its people. So, for a pagan, the main thing is to see off a deceased person with dignity so that he can acquire a better afterlife, but for a Christian: the posthumous fate depends on who the person was all his life. This principle became decisive in people’s actions, which contributed to the formation of the Russian mentality, which persists to this day. The cruel pagan was replaced by a Christian, called to live according to his conscience and the law of God. Polygamy and sacrifices were abolished. The people that were part of Rus' were diverse (Finnish-Ugric, Turkic nomads and others) and had their own traditions. The establishment of a state religion marked the beginning of the unity and formation of the ancient Russian nation, which paganism failed to achieve.

Political

The Church significantly helped in establishing patriarchal statehood: it had a family court in its hands and the government provided material support.

The structure of the state was inherited from Byzantium, where there was a principle: the state is like the human body (body and soul), which means that the state organism requires two branches (secular and spiritual). In this regard, the Russian Orthodox Church became closely connected with politics, and the Metropolitan (then the Patriarch) was the prince's adviser. Thanks to the principle of the divine origin of the head of state, the prince was able to unite the disparate lands of Rus' and strengthen his status.

Economic

After the baptism of Rus', the economy began to develop. Foreign goods from the allied states entered the domestic market, crafts began to develop, and their own coins were minted. The development of trade was facilitated by trust in Russian Christians, while previously they were called “barbarians” and tried not to build economic relations.

Thus, Christian postulates were introduced into all spheres of people’s lives, which determined the further successful development of Rus'.

Significant event associated with the Baptism of Rus'

Figure 2. Monument to Prince Vladimir on Borovitskaya Square in Moscow

The significant date coincides with the day of remembrance of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir.

Prince Vladimir is the son of Prince Svyatoslav and the housekeeper of Princess Olga - Malusha. The path to power for the future baptist of Rus' was difficult. He is remembered in history as a tough ruler. However, the adoption of the Christian faith radically changed the character of the Grand Duke.

The personal baptism of the ruler took place in 988 in Chersonesos. This date is also considered the year of the baptism of the entire Russian people. The baptism of Rus' began in Kyiv, where the prince brought Greek priests. Then the process of Christianization began throughout the rest of the territory.

Having converted to Orthodoxy, Vladimir changed radically:

• he made peace with almost all his neighbors. Military conflicts continued only with nomadic tribes, who regularly raided Rus';
• All wives and concubines were dissolved. The prince, according to all Christian traditions, married the Greek princess Anna;
• The death penalty was abolished in Rus'. This form of punishment for criminals was returned at the request of the Greek bishops;
• Vladimir became involved in charity work: access to the prince was open to all those in need.

Prince Vladimir died on July 15 (28), 1015. It happened not far from Kyiv in the village of Berestovoy. He was buried in the Tithe Church he founded.

The discovery of Vladimir's relics happened in 1635.

Remarkable! The image of Prince Vladimir is captured in cinema, literature and even cartoons. In many cities of Russia there are monuments to the Baptist of Rus'. In Moscow, a monument to the prince was erected on Borovitskaya Square.

Video “Prince Vladimir. Baptist of Rus'." Documentary

Vasily Vasilievich or Vladimir!?

Vasily Vasilyevich is Grand Duke Vasily II the Dark, who lived in the 15th century. It turns out that it was precisely this era that the Tale of Bygone Years described as the last BAPTISM OF Rus' UNDER PRINCE VLADIMIR. Let us recall, by the way, that the godname of Saint Vladimir was VASILY. This is well known, and is noted, among other things, in the Larger Catechism, page 29.

But then a natural desire arises to figure out who Nikola Khrusovert, Sisiny and Sergius are - the Archbishop of Novgorod, whose faith was chosen in Rus' at its baptism. In the Miller-Romanov textbook, supposedly in the 10th century, where the baptism of Rus' is placed today, there is, of course, no Archbishop of Novgorod Sergius. Indeed. What kind of Orthodox archdiocese can there be in “pagan Novgorod”? Novgorod is “just about to be baptized.”

However, let's turn to the 15th century. And let's look for named figures in this era. It turns out that they really exist here and, moreover, are WELL KNOWN.

Baptists of Rus'

This is most likely the famous Nicholas of Cusanus - Nicolaus Chryppfs Cusanus, who lived in 1401-1464. He is considered “the greatest of the German humanists... theologian, philosopher, mathematician and church and public figure” [98], vol. 2, p. 212. His nickname CUSAN is believed to come from the VILLAGE OF CUSAN, where he was from.

Although it is not very clear why the nickname Kuzansky reflected the name of an unknown VILLAGE, and not, say, the province or country where he was from. In our opinion, the nickname KUZAN rather meant KAZAN. That is, he comes from the famous city of KAZAN in the fifteenth century.

It becomes clear where his name CHRUSVERT, which appeared on the pages of the Large Catechism, came from. It turns out that Nicholas of Kuzan also had the name CHRYPPFS, see above, which in old Russian could sound like KHRUS. Where did the word VERT come from in the name KHRUSO-VERT? The following explanation is possible. It turns out that Nikolai Kuzansky wrote an essay on the ROTATION of the earth, in which, it is believed, “he preceded Copernicus by 100 years,” vol. 2, p. 212. But then the word VERT simply indicates his discovery of the ROTATION of the Earth, from the word VERT.

That is, CHRUSVERT is “the CHRUS that proved that the Earth ROTATES.” Or, even simpler, “THE CHRISTIAN who proved that the earth turns.” Moreover, according to the Large Catechism, he was one of the founders of the Christian Orthodox faith of the 15th century. Therefore, his nickname KHRUS could mean CHRISTIAN, from the name CHRIST = HORUS. As we begin to understand, it was under him, or soon after him, that Grand Duke Vladimir = Vasily baptized Rus'.

Who is Sisinius in the 15th century - the second church figure of the era of the baptism of Rus'? We did not find any known SISINIUS in the 15th century in the Christianity Encyclopedia. But we found in it ZOSIMA - one of the most famous Russian saints, the founder of the famous Solovetsky Monastery. Zosima died in 1478. Isn't Zosima mentioned in the Large Catechism under the name Sisinius?

In addition, it turns out that it was precisely in the year of the baptism of Rus', 1489 (according to our research), that the Moscow Metropolitan Gerontius died, and soon his successor, Metropolitan ZOSIMA, was installed [15], vol. 1, p. 387. The history of Metropolitan Zosima is complex, confusing and took place in an atmosphere of turbulent church unrest. Its details are poorly known [98], vol. 1, p. 562. It is possible that SISINY of the era of the baptism of Rus', according to the Greater Catechism, is the Moscow Metropolitan ZOSIMA of the end of the 15th century.

How to celebrate the holiday

Despite the fact that the date acquired official status only in 2010, the Baptism of Rus' was first celebrated in 1888. The 900th anniversary of Russian Christianity was celebrated throughout the country with solemn services and religious processions.

In 2021, the Slavic Orthodox world will celebrate the 1031st anniversary of the adoption of Christianity. On this day the following are traditionally held:

• statutory services;
• At exactly noon the bells ring in the temples. This tradition is widespread not only in the territory, but also in Moldova and Belarus;
• religious processions.

Not only representatives of the church, but also top officials of the state take part in the holidays.

The TV plot is “From Moscow to Kyiv: believers celebrate the 1030th anniversary of the Baptism of Rus'.”

history of the holiday

Figure 3. Baptism of Kiev residents in the waters of the Dnieper

There is a legend according to which Vladimir chose a faith for his subjects among several religions:

• Islam;
• Catholicism;
• Christianity;
• Judaism.

He sent Russian embassies to countries where these religions are preached to watch the services. Envoys returned from Constantinople who were delighted with the Christian ceremony. If you believe the legend, then this played a decisive role in the adoption of the new faith.

In 988, a mass baptism of Slavs took place. This process did not go smoothly everywhere. It is known that Novgorod resisted Christianization. Vladimir sent his uncle Dobrynya to the city. Only as a result of military pressure was it possible to baptize the Novgorodians.

In the remaining territories everything passed peacefully, the Slavs easily parted with paganism. Favorable ground has already been prepared for this. Christianity penetrated into Slavic territories long before official baptism. For example, Princess Olga was baptized back in 957 in Constantinople.

List of films dedicated to the baptism of Rus'

The topic often becomes a source of inspiration for directors and screenwriters. There are many feature films and documentaries dedicated to the baptism of Rus'. The most popular of them:

1. documentary film “The Tale of the Baptism of Rus'”, directed by Valery Babich;
2. series “Baptism of Rus'”, directed by Maxim Bespaly;
3. documentary film “Traces of the Empire: The Baptism of Rus'. The choice that determined the course of Russian history", producer;
4. film “The Baptist”, director Vladimir Bortko;
5. documentary film “Prince Vladimir. Baptist of Rus'", a film by Doctor of Historical Sciences - Alexander Nazarenko.

Video: Series “Baptism of Rus'”

Archbishop of Novgorod Sergius

What can be said about Sergius, Archbishop of Novgorod, who is also named among the persons who determined the baptism of Rus', according to the Large Catechism? Only one famous Russian saint is suitable for this role - SERGIUS OF RADONEZH. Although his death today dates back to the end of the 14th century, he was canonized in 1452 [98], volume 2, p.553.

That is, exactly in the era of the “fourth baptism of Rus'” under Prince Vladimir = Vasily. And the life of Sergius of Radonezh falls into the era of the beginning of the church schism, which, according to our reconstruction, began at the end of the 14th - beginning of the 15th century.