Our ancestors were originally pagans. They worshiped many gods - Perun, Svarog, Dzhabog and others. Christianity in Russia was introduced en masse by the Grand Duke Vladimir. He implanted this religion at times with very harsh methods. However, in the end, Russia was baptized.
Instructions
Step 1
It is interesting that even before the religious reforms of Vladimir Yasnoe Solnyshko, Christianity in Russia was already known. The Grand Duchess Olga, Vladimir's grandmother, converted to this religion. She was baptized in Constantinople, and when she returned to Kiev, she tried to instill her faith in her son Svyatoslav, urging him to be baptized too. However, he was afraid that the faithful squad would not accept such a decision, and refused his mother.
Step 2
His son Vladimir, when he ascended the throne in 980, was a pagan. But he was already clearly aware of the need to unite the country through a common religion. However, Vladimir for a long time could not choose the faith that he could consider to be true. He sent counselors to different countries to study the worship and religions of different nations. He himself talked about faith with both Catholics and Muslims. In the end, he chose Christianity. A significant role in this was played by the fact that the brothers-emperors of Byzantium Constantine and Vasily gave their sister Anna to Vladimir in exchange for a promise to become a Christian.
Step 3
The new religion took root in Russia rather slowly and hard. The Russians honored their pagan gods and did not want to abandon their ancient traditions. However, the prince was cruel and persistent. The first to be baptized were residents of Kiev and Novgorod. Many people were simply forced into the river and christened. They burned pagan idols, destroyed temples, and persecuted those who performed the old rituals. Gradually, after several decades, Christianization reached the outskirts of Russia. The head of the church was the Kiev Metropolitan, who was appointed from Constantinople, and then confirmed at a council of bishops.
Step 4
In general, baptism gave a lot for the development of the country. The power of the princes was strengthened, the unity of the Slavs was strengthened. Russian national culture was formed through the ancient and Byzantine cultures. Feudal production began to develop faster. The Slavic alphabet came into life.
