Christianization of Kievan Rus'
The adoption and spread of Christianity in Kievan Rus’, traditionally dated to Prince Vladimir’s baptism and the conversion of Kyiv in 988.
Vladimir the Great: Grand Prince of Kyiv from 980 to 1015 who adopted Christianity and sponsored the conversion of Rus’. His baptism and policies made him the central ruler associated with the conversion of 988.
Eastern Orthodox Church: A communion of Christian churches that developed from the eastern Christian tradition of the Roman Empire. Its hierarchy and liturgy organized the new religious life in Rus’.
Kievan Rus': A medieval East Slavic polity centered on Kyiv, existing from the late ninth to the mid-thirteenth century. Christian institutions became part of the political and cultural life of this polity.
Chersonesus: An ancient Greek city in Crimea, known in medieval sources as a site associated with Vladimir’s baptism. Chronicle traditions place Vladimir’s baptism in this Byzantine city before his return to Kyiv.
Byzantine Empire: The medieval continuation of the Roman Empire, centered on Constantinople and shaped by Orthodox Christianity. Its church, clergy, and imperial court supplied the model and support for Rus’ Christianity.
Metropolitanate of Kyiv: The leading ecclesiastical province of the medieval Orthodox Church in Rus’, headed by a metropolitan based in Kyiv. It provided a durable structure for clergy and church governance after the initial conversion.
Rus'-Byzantine relations: The diplomatic, military, commercial, and cultural relations between Rus’ and the Byzantine Empire. Conversion deepened ties that had already developed through trade and diplomacy.
Khazar Khaganate: A medieval Turkic polity whose ruling elite adopted Judaism and controlled parts of the steppe north of the Caucasus. The chronicle’s account of Vladimir’s religious choice presents the Khazars as one alternative.
Anna Porphyrogenita: A Byzantine princess who married Vladimir the Great around the time of his conversion. Her marriage linked Vladimir’s conversion to a high-profile alliance with the Byzantine emperor.
Church of the Tithes: An early stone church in Kyiv, built under Vladimir and dedicated to the Dormition of the Mother of God. Its construction embodied the new faith in the political and religious center.