Christianity appeared on the territory of Ukraine long before the baptism of Russia. At the state level, religion was approved during the time of Volodymyr the Great. Find out where faith began in Ukraine and how Kyiv became the center of Orthodoxy in Eastern Europe

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Orthodoxy is the most widespread Christian religion in Ukraine. It was preached on the territory of modern Ukraine long before the Baptism, and already in the 10th century, Orthodoxy became the main religion of Kyivan Rus, and, having passed all the milestones of the history of Ukrainian lands, it reached our time.

When did the history of Christianity in Ukraine begin?

Ukrainians are carriers of the ancient apostolic faith, which, according to legend, was first preached by St. Andrew the First-Called on the Kyiv Mountains. He founded the first Christian community in this area.

About 100 years after Christmas, the fourth Pope Clement was exiled to a mine in the Crimea. He preached Christianity there and found eternal peace. In the 4th century, Christianity, having established itself in the Crimea, gradually spread to the Northern Black Sea region - among the Scythians, Sarmatians and other tribal unions.

The Baptism of Rus

Christianity was introduced at the state level in Kyivan Rus by Volodymyr Svyatoslavovych. One of the most powerful states in Europe at that time - Byzantium - influenced the choice of Eastern rite Christianity. Volodymyr captured the Byzantine city of Chersonesos in the Crimea and demanded a marriage with the emperor's daughter Anna and help in the baptism of Rus.

Volodymyr the Great was baptized with the name Vasyl, in 988 he baptized the population of Kyiv. Kiyan's baptism took place in the Pochayna River, in the area of ​​modern Post Square. The idols from the central pagan temple were destroyed, and a stone Tithe Church was built in Kyiv.

Subsequently, baptism took place in the rest of the territory of Russia. Volodymyr introduced the practice of church donations and created a church court. Baptism contributed to the spread of Byzantine culture and writing in the country. Russia was united into a single feudal state, and it also gave impetus to the development of the economy, education, spirituality and culture.

Christianity in Kievan Rus had special support from the state. The metropolitans were the leaders of the church organization in religious and canonical matters and advisers to the prince in public matters. After the division of the church into Orthodox and Catholic in 1054, the clergy of the Kyiv movement remained subordinate to the Byzantine church.

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Ukraine is the Orthodox "mecca" of Eastern Europe

Given its rich history, Kyiv can easily be called the Orthodox "Mecca" of Eastern Europe. Therefore, we invite you to explore the culture of Orthodoxy during one of the following tours:

📍 Kyiv is one of the oldest capitals of Europe. In 2024, Kyiv turned 1,542 years old. The streets of the city have almost 2,000 monuments of nature, history and culture. You can explore Kyiv and its long history during the Tour of Ancient Kyiv. Accompanied by a professional guide, tourists will visit the main sights of the capital: the Golden Gate, St. Sophia's and St. Michael's Cathedrals, Andriiivsky Uzviz, and get to know the old part of the city - Starokyivska Gora and Podol.

📍 Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is a Kyiv Orthodox monastery complex. One of the largest Christian centers of Ukraine and Eastern Europe, a landmark of history and architecture. The Pechersk Monastery is the holiest place in Kyiv. With its almost thousand-year history, the Pechersk Monastery is a great attraction for tourists. The Lavra complex is a place that should be visited not only because it is the cradle of Ukrainian Orthodoxy, but also because it is an incredible architectural ensemble of different centuries. The Pechersk Monastery is known for its caves, where the relics of saints who lived here long ago have been miraculously preserved. Those relics also have healing power.

📍 Another spiritual center of Ukraine is Lviv, the city has about 100 active churches of various denominations, which are located within the central part of Lviv and which can be easily reached on foot: the Jesuit Church, the Latin Cathedral, the Bernardine Church and the Church of the Poor Clares, the Dormition Church, the oldest Armenian church in Europe - the Armenian Church (1363), as well as the absolute pearl of the city - the Church of Saint Nicholas (1292), which is considered the oldest church in Lviv.

The history and culture of Ukraine is interesting and colorful, so we invite you to explore this pearl of Eastern Europe.

Our managers will help you organize the perfect trip. Contact a Visit Ukraine specialist through any convenient messenger (Telegram | WhatsApp) to plan your route through Ukraine.

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