Anniversary of the Fall of Fascism and Freedom Day 2023: Baptism Day of Kyivan Rus is celebrated on July 28 in countries where Eastern Orthodox Christianity is the predominant religion. This day commemorates one thousand years since the death of Saint Duke Vladimir, the mediaeval ruler who introduced Orthodox Christianity to Kievan Rus and baptised its citizens.
The purpose of this day is to commemorate the Christianization of the Kievan Rus regions. On this day, individuals can attend church services or reflect on the past and changes made in 988.
HISTORY OF BAPTISM DAY OF KYIVAN RUS
This holiday commemorates the traditional date of the Christianization of Kievan Rus, 988 A.D., when Vladimir the Great was baptised in Chersonesus and subsequently baptised his family and people in Kiev. Due to the fact that the precise date of the first official massive Christianization is unknown and that it occurred in several stages over decades, the Church decided to institute this holiday on the Day of St. Vladimir, whose deeds made Christianity an integral part of Russia’s identity.
According to the Russian Primary Chronicle, a collection of writings that is the primary source for the history of the eastern Slavs up until the early 20th century, Kiev was Christian by the middle of the 10th century, although the governing princes continued to practise pagan rituals.
The collection of writings describes the mid-10th-century actions of the governing prince of Kiev, Princess Olga of Kiev, who accompanied a priest Gregory to Constantinople. Although the date and location of her baptism are unknown, she became an Orthodox Christian and endeavoured to convert her son, Svyatoslav. Prior to his death in 972 A.D., he remained a pagan. When Yaropolk I, his first son and successor, died in 980 A.D., Vladimir, his second son, became the ruler.
Vladimir attempted in futility to lead a pagan response to Christianization efforts before realising he had to adopt the new religion. Basil was the name he was baptised with. Then, he called upon the citizens of Kiev to be baptised in the Dnieper River. First, Vladimir’s 12 sons and numerous boyars were baptised. The following day, all residents of Kiev were summoned to the river, where Orthodox clerics performed the sacrament of baptism. In the days that followed, the ceremony was observed throughout the dominion of Vladimir, including by the Grand Prince of Kiev and Novgorod. Vladimir’s adoption of Orthodox Christianity as his state religion was signified by these events, which became known as the legendary Baptism of Rus.
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5 FACTS ABOUT BAPTISM
- It refers to the seminal event of the mass baptism of Kyiv’s citizens in 988, when Grand Prince Vladimir adopted Orthodox Christianity as the official religion of his territories.
- The forms and rituals of the various Christian churches vary, but baptism nearly always entails the use of water and the invocation of the Holy Trinity.
- Cross, white garment, oil, water, and light are the five symbols.
- As a symbol of purification, immersion has traditionally played an essential role in Christianity.
- As part of the Christian faith, a person must be baptised in order to join the family of God.
WHY KYIVAN RUSSIA’S BAPTISM DAY IS IMPORTANT
Vladimir was crucial for Russia.
Vladimir’s first objective was to recover his father’s conquests, which had been lost during the civil war, and to add to his own conquests. He reclaimed the territory of the Viatichi and Radimichi.
He established Christianity as the state religion.
After being baptised, he commanded and compelled his subjects to embrace baptism as well. He also ordered the destruction of pagan idols and the construction of Christian churches, schools, and libraries.
Observing this holiday is crucial for Christians.
This is a time for Christians to gather together and pray. It is a day to express devotion to God and Christianity.
