Św. Włodzimierz i jego rola w chrystianizacji ziem ruskich

The article presents the figure of St. Vladimir the Great, grand prince of Kievan Rus’, and his role in the process of christianization of Kievan Rus’. Author recalls the circumstances in which the ruler was baptized, such as Vladimir’s participation in the liberation of Crimea and Korsun from the influence of rebels grouped under the leadership of Bardas Phocas or marriage to Anna Porphyrogenita. A significant part of the article is dedicated to the description of the Orthodox Church’s structure in the lands of Kievan Rus’ with important centers in Kiev, Navahrudak, Belgorod, Yuryev, Chernihov, Pereyaslav, Polotsk, Volodymyr-Volynskyi, Rostov and Turow. The close relationship between the newly established Church and the state has been emphasized. Christianity united the society in Kievan Rus’ and gave it an opportunity of cultural and intellectual development.