Vladimir Christianizes Russia, by Serge Zenkovsky

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The adoption of Eastern Orthodoxy by the Slavs marked a new era for the culture of Russia. In the Primary Chronicle we come across many tales that illustrate the transformation from staunch paganism to strict Orthodox Christianity that was adopted by the state. The tale “Vladimir Christianizes Russia” is one such story that glorifies Vladimir’s great triumph in choosing Eastern Orthodoxy and delivering the Slavs to salvation. Through justifying the adoption of Christianity, emphasizing the importance of aestheticism in ceremony, and illustrating the overwhelming Slavic transition from paganism to Christianity we are able to glean the importance of Vladimir’s success in transitioning the Slavs to Eastern Orthodoxy.

The story “Vladimir Christianizes Russia” seeks to justify the Slavic adoption of Christianity by portraying it as God’s will. Through this we are able to see the importance of Vladimir’s transition to Christianity because the writers of the Chronicle portray the act of moving from paganism to Christianity as one of divine will rather than desires of the flesh. This justification of conversion allows the reader to understand the importance of statewide adaptation in the world of Christian Slavs. To further our understanding of the deep rooted awe felt towards Vladimir’s Christianization of Russia the Chronicle allows the reader specific examples of divine miracles which illustrate the admiration Slavs felt towards the conversion of Russia. When Vladimir attacks the Greek city of Kherson, he and his armies are unsuccessful and become exhausted by the constant charge on the cities walls. Relief finally comes in the form of man set on aiding the ever-persistent Vladimir:

Then a man of Kherson, ...

... middle of paper ...

...avic conversion from paganism to Christianity, stressing the prominence of aestheticism in ritual, and validating the adoption of Christianity we are able to come to the conclusion that Vladimir’s successes in altering the Slavs to Eastern Orthodoxy. “Vladimir Christianizes Russia” effectively illuminates the supposedly positive sentiments felt towards the Slavic Christianization. This tale allows for the reader to see the glorification of Vladimir’s grand triumph in choosing Eastern Orthodoxy and delivering the Slavs to redemption. The success in demonstrating Vladimir’s achievement in delivering Russia to salvation allows for us to comprehend the importance of Christianity in the culture of Russia.

Works Cited

Zenkovsky, Serge A. "Vladimir Christianizes Russia." Medieval Russia's Epics, Chronicles, and Tales. New York: Dutton, 1963. 65-71. Print.

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