历史小径·世界史英语30篇（5）
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2026-D048: The Kievan Rus’ Adoption of Orthodox Christianity and Its Political Consequences
2026-D048：基辅罗斯接受东正教及其政治后果
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In 988 CE, Prince Vladimir I of Kiev chose Byzantine Orthodoxy over Islam, Judaism, and Latin Christianity.
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His decision followed emissaries’ reports praising Hagia Sophia’s beauty and liturgical solemnity.
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Mass baptisms in the Dnieper River marked the official conversion of the ruling elite and urban populations.
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Churches modeled on Constantinopolitan designs appeared rapidly in Novgorod, Chernihiv, and Kiev itself.
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Clergy trained in Greek theology introduced Cyrillic script, enabling Slavic-language liturgy and chronicle writing.
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Orthodox canon law reshaped inheritance rules, marriage customs, and royal succession norms.
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Ties with Byzantium brought not only faith but also legal codes, diplomatic protocols, and artistic conventions.
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While paganism persisted in rural areas, the Church gradually absorbed older rituals into feast days and saints’ cults.
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This religious shift anchored Rus’ identity within the wider Orthodox commonwealth for centuries.
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Consequently, Vladimir’s choice laid foundations for both Muscovite autocracy and Russian cultural sovereignty.