Undoubtedly, one of the events that have shaped the development of our country for years and even millennia ahead - a baptism of Rus.Despite the fact that in the history of this event was assigned a specific date, 988 g, in fact, they baptized Rus very long time.
Since ancient times, known for isolated cases of treatment of the Slavs to the Christian faith.Among other baptized and Olga.However, on the reasons for its action historians argue.Someone said that she believed in a single God, others believe that this action was politically motivated.There is even a beautiful legend that Olga, who loved her husband, refused after his death a second time to marry.And it did not cause any problems as long as it does not woo the Emperor Constantine.Refuse such a groom was difficult because of the possible political consequences.And Olga agreed.And so, as the emperor was the Orthodox, for the marriage with him Olga was baptized, and she asked him to be her godfather.When, after baptism Constantine demanded a date for the wedding.Olga said that the father can not be a husband and daughter went to Kiev.Of course, this is just a legend, has nothing to do with the real facts.Baptism of Olga was one of the first steps, approaching Baptism of Russia.
But her son, Svyatoslav, the Christian religion is not supported.He chose to remain faithful to the faith of their ancestors.As well, and Olga's grandson, Vladimir.Initially, he was also an ardent admirer of polytheism.This did not prevent him subsequently baptized and to baptize all of Kiev in 988, this moment, and entered the textbooks as the Baptism of Russia.
is now difficult to say whether Vladimir believed, or whether it was entirely political act.However, the enormous influence of the political situation in his decision to deny it is impossible in any case.His mind had the idea of unity of the Russian people, which have seriously hampered the disunity of religious belief, since the territory of Kievan Rus inhabited by many tribes, each with their gods.
first attempt at unification was undertaken under the auspices of paganism.Near Kiev on the orders of Vladimir was erected a temple, where it was established five idols, five different Slavic gods.Therefore, he wanted to create a common pantheon of gods, which would become the core of tribal associations.However, his expectations were not fulfilled.
Then he began to look for another method.Convinced that an adequate result will only religious association, he took up the study of other faiths and cults.It is known that he is actively communicate about these issues, not only with Byzantium.It is also considered as a possible option and Islam, Catholicism, and even in contact with the Khazar Khanate.However, he chose to end it Orthodoxy, bringing this Baptism of Russia.The reasons for this decision are quite clear.
First of all, for Russia, Byzantium was the most desirable ally.In addition, at this time of Basil II, the Byzantine emperor, sought allies against his rival, claiming the throne.And he tried to enlist the support of Vladimir and the Rus, Vladimir offered in return for the marriage with his sister, Princess Anne.Pluses of the marriage to the Russian prince evident and he agreed to help the emperor, and to be baptized as a pagan married to the Orthodox could not.
However, after the Russian prince fulfilled his part of the bargain, Basil began to play for time, because in fact this relationship was not so happy about it.Vladimir had to get what was promised him.For this purpose he captured the town of Korsun (nowadays Hersonissos) and offered it to the Emperor as a bride price.The marriage was concluded.
It was after this took place, and the Baptism of Kievan Rus.Of course, significant drove into the river all the population of Kiev and thrown off it as he himself installed the idols of all the problems associated with the adoption of the new faith, he decided.Many people have long opposed his decision.It took a particularly negative in Novgorod, which originally was prince Vladimir.He was considered an apostate and could not forgive the betrayal of his father's faith.
Prince apply coercive measures would not, he preferred to arrange open for lunch and charity events, under the auspices of the church.But do not do without the forcible imposition of faith has failed.In many places had to be baptized by fire and sword.
Baptism of Russia had enormous consequences, it is allowed to make a huge step forward in the cultural and social development of the state.
