How was Christianity created in Russia?

Up to 988, when Christianity was introduced in Russia , it was a pagan country. Many chroniclers describe that at that time the Russians were savage and cruel. In the struggle against the need, beasts and natural elements, all methods were used. Endless wars filled the earth with blood, the courage of the Russian heroes was villainous, as Karamzin writes in his historiographies. This continued until the appearance of Christianity in Russia. It fundamentally changed people's lives, their behavior and attitude to the surrounding reality.

Of course, this did not happen immediately, the changes took place over the course of many years, gradually changing the world outlook of people. At first there was still paganism and Christianity in Russia making its way far not by leaps and bounds. This was facilitated by the fact that people knew little about the new faith, many baptized in addition to their will, violently, and the pagan roots for a long time made themselves known. To curb rude egoism, ambition and ambition in a Russian person, it took many years and a lot of effort was made to change people's minds.

Many ask the question - who introduced Christianity in Russia? How did it happen that pagan Russia became an Orthodox country? It all began in the distant years of the middle of the 10th century. The rules then, after the death of her husband in Russia Princess Olga. She was the first and adopted Christianity, being baptized in Byzantium. What led her to this - God's providence or state plans, still remains a mystery known only to God. Returning from Constantinople, Olga began to incline to follow her way of her son, Svyatoslav. But the prince was an inveterate pagan, loved to spend time in battles and feasts, he did not fit the humble role of a Christian.

But little by little Olga did her job, eager to introduce Christianity in Russia. But the country was not yet ready to change religion, especially since Russia, having adopted it from Byzantium, was dependent on Russia. Meanwhile, Prince Svyatoslav gradually transformed Kiev into the center of Russia, the international prestige of the city grew. By the middle of the 10th century, Rus became a powerful state, uniting all the tribes into one whole. The only thing missing was a new, unified religion that would lead the people in a completely different way. We needed a political reform, which was completed by the illegitimate son of Svyatoslav - Vladimir.

Ever since childhood, Vladimir was eyeing the new faith that his grandmother, Princess Olga had brought with her from Byzantium. Having come to power after the death of Svyatoslav, Vladimir, who had a single central authority, decides on the baptism of Rus. This act was of great international significance, since, having renounced paganism, Russia became one with other developed countries. So there was Christianity in Russia. This played an important role in the development of culture under the influence of Byzantium, strengthened the position of the Kiev state and the power of the Kiev prince, among other things.

Vladimir himself also changed under the influence of a new faith. If at the beginning of the journey it was a cruel man, a lover of women and drunken feasts, then becoming a Christian, the prince became the first to apply the postulates of a new religion. He dismissed all wives, leaving only one with him, thus showing an example of renouncing polygamy to his subjects. Then he destroyed all idols, reminiscent of pagan times. Vladimir's character began to change in the direction of complacency, the prince became less cruel. But still, apparently, did not fully visit his birth from above, so drunken feasts continued, except that they were now dedicated to Christian holidays.

Christianity in Russia was gradually gaining more followers. Cyril and Methodius created the Cyrillic alphabet, the church books were translated into the Slavonic language. Monasteries became the center of book publishing, almshouses were created for the poor and needy. The churches taught a kind relation to people around, mercy and humility. Faith condemned the rude attitude to servitude, gradually tempered cruel customs, as echoes of paganism. Bloodshed ceased, even the villains did not always dare to punish, fearing the wrath of the Lord. Temples were built, and people had the opportunity to go to church and learn the word of God. So, Russia gradually turned into a respectable Christian country.